39

3
Profit Maximization
with One Input
and One Output
This chapter introduces the fundamental conditions for profit maximization in the single input
single output or factor- product case. The concept of the total value of the product and the
value of the marginal product is introduced. The value of the marginal product and the
marginal factor cost are equal at the point of profit maximization. Profits are normally
maximum when the implicit value of the last dollar spent on an input is one dollar. Stages of
production are described, and an explanation of why a farmer would choose to operate in
stage II is given.

Key terms and definitions:

Total Value of the Product (TVP)
Profit
Revenue
Cost Function
Value of the Marginal Product (VMP)
Total Factor Cost (TFC)
Marginal Factor Cost (MFC)
Average Value of the Product (AVP)
First Order Condition
Second Order Condition
Necessary Condition
Sufficient Condition
Maximum Profits
Minimum Profits
Stages of Production (I, II, and III)
Rational Stage
Irrational Stage
Implicit Worth
Imputed Value
Shadow Price
40 Agricultural Production Economics

3.1 Total Physical Product Versus Total Value of the Product

As indicated in Chapter 2, the output (y) from a production function can be also called
total physical product (TPP). If a firm such as a farm is operating under the purely
competitive conditions, the individual farm firm can sell as little or as much output as desired
at the going market price. The market price, p, does not vary. A constant price might be called
p°. Since

†3.1 TPP = y,

both sides of equation †3.1 can be multiplied by the constant price p°. The result is

†3.2 p°TPP = p°y.

The expression p°y is the total revenue obtained from the sale of the output y and is the
same as p°TPP. The expression p°TPP is sometimes referred to as the total value of the
product (TVP). It is a measure of output (TPP) transformed into dollar terms by multiplying
by p°. For a farmer, it represents the revenue obtained from the sale of a single commodity,
such as corn or beef cattle. If the output price is constant, the TVP function has the same
shape as the TPP function, and only the units on the vertical axis have changed (Figure 3.1).

Figure 3.1 The Relationship Between TVP, VMP, AVP, and MFC
Profit Maximization with One Input and One Output 41

3.2 Total Factor or Resource Cost

Suppose that production requires only one input. Suppose also that a farmer can
purchase as much of this input as is needed at the going market price v. The purely
competitive environment is again assumed to exist. The market price for the input, factor, or
resource does not vary with the amount that an individual farmer purchases. Thus the market
price might be designated as v°. The term v°x can be referred to as total factor cost or total
resource cost. These terms are sometimes abbreviated as TFC or TRC. Hence

†3.3 TRC = TFC = v°x.

The TFC function has a constant slope, in this case equal to v°. Another way of looking
at v° is that it is the increase in cost associated with the purchase of an additional unit of the
input. The increase in cost is equal to the price of the input v°.

3.3 Maximizing the Difference between Returns and Costs

A farmer might be interested in maximizing net returns or profit. Profit (A) is the total
value of the product (TVP) less the total factor cost (TFC). The profit function for the farmer
can be written as

†3.4 A = TVP ! TFC.

Or, equation †3.4 might be written as

†3.5 A = p°y ! v°x

Figure 3.2 illustrates the TVP function, the TFC function, and the profit function,
assuming that the underlying production function is of the neoclassical form as described in
detail in chapter 2. The profit function is easily drawn, since it is a graph representing the
vertical difference between TVP and TFC. If TFC is greater than TVP, profits are negative
and the profit function lies below the horizontal axis. These conditions hold at both the very
early stages as well as the late stages of input use. Profits are zero when TVP = TFC. This
condition occurs at two points on the graph, where the profit function cuts the horizontal axis.
The profit function has a zero slope at two points. Both of these points correspond to points
where the slope of the TVP curve equals the slope of the TFC curve. The first of these points
corresponds to a point of profit minimization, and the second is the point of profit
maximization, which is the desired level of input use.

The slope of the profit function can be expressed (using ) notation) as )A/)x. Hence

†3.7 )A/)x = )TVP/)x !)TFC/)x

The slope of the function is equal to zero at the point of profit maximization (and at the point
of profit minimization!more about this later). Therefore, the slope of the TVP function
()TVP/)x) must equal the slope of the TFC function ()TFC/)x) at the point of profit
maximization.

3.3 Value of the Marginal Product and Marginal Factor Cost

The value of the marginal product (VMP) is defined as the value of the incremental unit
of output resulting from an additional unit of x, when y sells for a constant market price p°.
42 Agricultural Production Economics

Figure 3.2 TVP, TFC, VMP, MFC, and Profit

Profit Maximization with One Input and One Output 43

The VMP is another term for the slope of the TVP function under a constant product price
assumption. In other words, VMP is another name for )TVP/)x. Since TVP = p°TPP, the
VMP must equal p° )TPP/)x. But )TPP/)x = MPP. Therefore, VMP must be equal to
p°MPP.

The marginal factor cost (MFC), sometimes called marginal resource cost (MRC), is
defined as the increase in the cost of inputs associated with the purchase of an additional unit
of the input. The MFC is another name for the slope of the TFC function. Note that if the
input price is assumed to be constant at v°, then MFC = v°These relationships might also be
expressed by

†3.6 A = TVP ! TFC

3.4 Equating VMP and MFC
The points where the slope of TVP equals the slope of TFC corresponds either to a point
of profit minimization or a point of profit maximization. These points are also defined by

†3.8 p° MPP = VMP = MFC = v°

Figure 3.2 also illustrates these relationships. MFC, being equal to a constant v°, is a straight
line. Notice that APP can be multiplied by the price of the product p°, and is sometimes
referred to as average value of the product (AVP). It is equal to p°APP or p°y/x, or in this case
$4.00@(APP).

There are many ways of rearranging the equation p° MPP = v°. One possibility is to
divide both sides of the equation by the output price p°. Then at the point of maximum profit,
MPP must be equal to v°/p°, the factor/product price ratio. Another possibility is to divide
both sides of the equation by average physical product (APP) or y/x. The profit maximizing
condition would then be given by

†3.9 MPP/APP = (v°x)/(p°y)

However, MPP/APP is the elasticity of production for x. The term v°x represents total
factor cost. The term p°y represents total revenue to the farm, since it is the price of the output
times output. At the point of profit maximization, the elasticity of production will be exactly
equal to the ratio of total factor cost to total revenue for the farm.

The data contained in Table 2.5 can be used to determine how much nitrogen fertilizer
should be applied to the corn. To do this, prices must be assigned both to corn and to the
nitrogen fertilizer. Assume that the price of corn is $4.00 per bushel and that nitrogen costs
$0.15 per pound. These data are presented in Table 3.1.

Several comments can be made with regard to the data contained in Table 3.1. First,
at a nitrogen application level of 180 pounds per acre, the MPP of nitrogen is calculated to
be 0.0264. The number is very close to zero and suggests that maximum yield is at very close
to an application rate of 180 pounds per acre. The MPP is calculated by first differentiating
the TPP or production function to find the corresponding MPP function

†3.10 y = 0.75x + 0.0042x2 ! 0.000023x3

†3.11 dy/dx = 0.75 + 0.0084x ! 0.000069x2

44 Agricultural Production Economics

Table 3.1 Profit Maximization in the Application of Nitrogen to Corn

)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Quantity Corn Yield MPP of p° VMP MFC (v°) Profit (B)
of Nitrogen (bu/acre) Nitrogen ($) (p°MPP) ($) ($)
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
0 0.0 0.7500 4.00 3.0000 0.15 0.0
20 16.496 0.8904 4.00 3.5616 0.15 62.98
40 35.248 0.9756 4.00 3.9024 0.15 134.99
60 55.152 1.0056 4.00 4.0224 0.15 211.61
80 75.104 0.9804 4.00 3.9216 0.15 288.42
100 94.000 0.9000 4.00 3.6000 0.15 361.00
120 110.736 0.7644 4.00 3.0576 0.15 424.94
140 124.208 0.5736 4.00 2.2944 0.15 475.83
160 133.312 0.3276 4.00 1.3104 0.15 509.25
180 136.944 0.0264 4.00 0.1056 0.15 520.78
200 134.000 !0.3300 4.00 !1.3200 0.15 506.00
220 123.376 !0.7416 4.00 !2.9664 0.15 460.50
240 103.968 !1.2084 4.00 !4.8336 0.15 379.87
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Then the MPP at x = 180 is

MPP = 0.75 + 0.0084(180) ! 0.000069(180)2 = 0.0264
However, since at the point where x = 180, MPP is still positive, the true yield maximum must
be at a nitrogen application level of slightly greater than 180 pounds per acre, where dy/dx =
MPP = 0.
Profits appear to be greatest at a nitrogen application rate of 180 pounds per acre.
However, at 180 pounds per acre, the return from the incremental unit of nitrogen (the VMP
of x) is $0.1056, whereas its cost is $0.15. The results suggest that the last unit of nitrogen
that was used returned less than it cost. The profit-maximizing level of nitrogen use must be
at slightly less than 180 pounds per acre. If the input is not free, the profit-maximizing level
of input use will always be somewhat less than the level of input use that maximizes the
production function. In many instances, however, the difference between the
profit-maximizing level of input use and the yield-maximization level of input use may not be
very large. In this case the incremental pound of nitrogen must return corn worth only $0.15
in order to cover its cost. If corn sells for $4.00 per bushel, this is but $0.15/$4.00 = 0.0375
bushel of corn from the incremental pound of nitrogen.

The difference between the level of nitrogen needed to maximize profits versus the
amount needed to maximize output and total revenue does not appear to be very great. If
nitrogen were free, there would be no difference at all. As the price of nitrogen increases, the
level of nitrogen required to maximize profits is reduced. For example, if nitrogen sold for
$1.00 per pound, the last pound of nitrogen applied would need to produce 0.25 bushel of corn
at $4.00 per bushel. In general, the distinction between the point representing maximum profit
and the point representing maximum revenue becomes more and more important as input
prices increase.

If the price of fertilizer is very cheap, the farmer will lose little by fertilizing at a level
consistent with maximum yield rather than maximum profit. However, if fertilizer is
expensive, the farmer needs to pay close attention to the level of input use that maximizes
profits. The same analysis holds true for other inputs used in agricultural production processes
for both livestock and crops.
Profit Maximization with One Input and One Output 45

Profits per acre of corn in this example appear to be extraordinarily high, but remember
that the production function describing corn yield response to the application of nitrogen
assumes that all other inputs are fixed and given. The cost per acre for these inputs could be
calculated. Suppose that this turns out to be $450 per acre. This value could be subtracted
from each value in the profit column. Conclusions with regard to the profit maximizing level
of nitrogen use would in no way be altered by doing this.

3.5 Calculating the Exact Level of Input Use to Maximize Output or

Profits
The exact level of input use required to maximize output (y) or yield can sometimes be
calculated. Several examples will be used to illustrate problems in doing this with various
production functions. From the earlier discussion it is apparent that if output is to be at its
maximum, the MPP of the function must be equal to zero. The last unit of input use resulted
in no change in the output level and requires that MPP = dy/dx = 0 at the point of output
maximization.
Suppose the production function

†3.12 y = 2x
In this case

†3.13 MPP = dy/dx = 2 (and not zero!)

The MPP is always 2, and 2 cannot be equal to zero, and the production function has no
maximum. A more general case might be the production function

†3.14 y = bx

†3.15 MPP = dy/dx = b = 0 ?

If b were zero, regardless of the amount of x that was produced, no y would result. For any
positive value for b, the function has no maximum. Now suppose the production function

†3.16 y = x0.5

†3.17 MPP = dy/dx = 0.5 x!0.5 = 0 ?

The only value for x is zero for which the MPP would also be equal to 0. Again, this function
has no maximum. In general, any function of the form

†3.18 y = axb

where a and b are positive numbers, has no maximum.

Now suppose a production function

†3.19 y = 10 + 8x ! 2x2

†3.20 dy/dx = 8 ! 4x = 0

†3.21 4x = 8

†3.22 x=2
46 Agricultural Production Economics

Equation †3.19 has a maximum at x = 2. In general, a production function of the form

†3.23 y = a + bx + cx2
where
a >_ 0
b>0
c<0

will have a maximum at some positive level of x.

Finally, the output-maximizing level of input use can be found for the production
function used in Chapter 2

†3.24 y = 0.75x + 0.0042x2 ! 0.000023x3

First, differentiate to find MPP, and then set MPP equal to 0

†3.25 MPP = dy/dx = 0.75 + 0.0084x ! 0.000069x2 = 0

Now recall from basic algebra that a polynomial of the general form

†3.26 y = ax2 + bx + c
has two solutions for x. These solutions are

†3.27

For this production function (Equation †3.24), a = !0.000069, b = 0.0084 and c = 0.75.
One solution generates a negative value for x, which can be ruled out as economically
impossible. The second solution is 181.595 units of x, which is the output-maximizing level
of nitrogen use (or a slightly greater value than 180, where MPP was 0.0264).
The exact amount of nitrogen required to maximize profits in corn production can be
calculated by using a similar approach. A few production functions that do not have an output
maximum do have a profit maximizing solution. First, if profits are maximum or minimum,
the slope of the profit function must be equal to zero.

The total value of the product (TVP) is equal to

†3.28 TVP = p°y

where p° = $4.00 per bushel

y = yield of corn in bushels per acre

The relationship between corn yield and nitrogen use is again given by the production
function written in the general form as

†3.29 y = f(x)

where x is the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied in pounds per acre. Thus
Profit Maximization with One Input and One Output 47

†3.30 TVP = p°f(x)

The total factor cost is

†3.31 TFC = v°x

where v° = $0.15 per pound of nitrogen. The profit function is

†3.32 A = TVP ! TFC

or

†3.33 A = 4.00 f(x) ! 0.15x

To find the maximum or minimum of the profit function, it is necessary to locate the
points on the profit function in which the slope is zero. If the slope of a function is equal to
zero, its first derivative must also be equal to zero, because the first derivative of any function
is an equation that represents the slope of the function. The first derivative of the profit
function can be set equal to zero

†3.34 dA/dx = 4.00(df/dx) ! 0.15 = 0

or

†3.35 4.00(df/dx) = 0.15

The term on the left-hand side of equation †3.35 is p°MPP. The price of the product is
multiplied times the amount produced by the incremental unit in order to obtain the value of
the marginal product (VMP). The term on the right hand side of the expression is MFC. The
conclusion reached here is the same conclusion that was reached from the tabular data. Profits
can be maximized at the point where the slope of TVP = the slope of TFC, or VMP = MFC.
Several examples are again used to illustrate these ideas for specific production
functions. Suppose that f(x) = bx, where b is any positive number. Then the production
function is

†3.36 y = bx
and

†3.37 TVP = p°bx

†3.38 TFC = v°x

profit = A = TVP ! TFC = p°bx ! v°x

If profit is to be maximized, then the slope of the profit function must be equal to zero.
That is.

†3.39 dA/dx = p°b ! v° = 0

or

†3.40 p°b = v°
48 Agricultural Production Economics

but p°, v°, and b are all constants. the value for p°b either equals v° or it does not equal v°.
If p°b does not equal v°, the profit maximizing position has not been found. The value for p°b
can be looked upon as the return from the incremental unit of x, and of course, v° is the cost
or price of x. If p°b is greater than v°, profit could be increased by increasing the use of x by
ever larger amounts. If p°b is less than v°, any incremental increase in the use of x will not
cover the incremental cost, and the farmer would be better off to shut down the operation. If
p°b equals v°, this is true for any level of input use, since VMP is a constant and not a
function of x. VMP is equal to MFC everywhere and the farmer is indifferent as to the level
of production.
Now consider a case where the production function is given by

†3.41 y = axb

The corresponding profit function is

Profit = A = p°axb ! v°x
The profit maximizing condition is

†3.42 dA/dx = bp°axb!1 ! v° = 0

Suppose first that b is greater than 1. Each incremental unit of x produces more and more
additional y. Thus MPP is increasing, and as a result, VMP must also be becoming larger and
larger. As a result, the more input that is used by the farmer, the greater the incremental
return. As a result the farmer will make the most profit by increasing the use of the input
without limit.
Now suppose that b is less than 1 but greater than zero. In this case, MPP will decline
as the amount of x used is increased. The exact amount of input that will be used to maximize
profits can be determined by solving the equation for x

†3.43 bp°axb!1 = v°

†3.44 xb!1 = v°/(bp°a)

†3.45 x = [v°/(bp°a)]1/(b!1)
For example, if b = 0.5, then 1/(b ! 1) = !2 and x = [(0.5bp°a)/v°]2. If a is positive and b
is positive but less than 1, and with constant input and output prices, there will be a finite
profit-maximizing level of input use. This is true despite the fact that the underlying
production function has no maximum.

corn yield response to nitrogen as a polynomial (equation †3.10. From equation †3.10, it is
Now consider the case for the neoclassical production function used earlier to represent

also possible to determine specifically how much nitrogen would be required to exactly
maximize profits.

†3.46 y = 0.75x + 0.0042x2 ! 0.000023x3

†3.47 Profit = A = p°(0.75x + 0.0042x2 ! 0.000023x3) ! v°x

†3.48 dA/dx = p°(0.75 + 0.0084x ! 0.000069x2) ! v° = 0

Profit Maximization with One Input and One Output 49

(equation †3.47) can be rewritten as

Now suppose that p° = $4.00, and v° = $0.15. The first derivative of the profit equation

†3.49 4.00(0.75 + 0.0084x ! 0.000069x2) = 0.15

or
3 + 0.0336x ! 0.000276x2 = 0.15

or
2.85 + 0.0336x ! 0.000276x2 = 0
Using again the formula for finding solutions to polynomials

(3.50)

= 179.32 pounds of nitrogen per acre to maximize profits.

(The only root solution with economic meaning is one that generates a positive value for the
input x.)

To ensure that profits are maximized rather than minimized, the second-derivative test,
or second-order conditions are sometimes used. The first derivative of the profit function is
again differentiated. In this case

†3.51 dA/dx = 2.85+ 0.0336x ! 0.000276x2

†3.52 d2A/dx2 = 0.0336 ! 0.000552x

If x = 179.322, the value for the second derivative is

†3.53 0.0336 ! 0.000552 (179.322) = !0.0653857

The negative number indicates that profits are at a maximum. A positive number implies a
point of profit minimization.

Figure 3.3 illustrates the TVP, VMP, AVP, MFC, and profit curves illustrated from the
data contained in Table 3.1. In this example, profit actually represents returns to all inputs
other than the nitrogen fertilizer. The profit maximizing point can be found at the point where
the slope of TVP equals the slope of TFC, or, equivalently, where VMP equals MFC. The first
panel illustrates the results for an input (MFC) price of $0.15 per pound. As indicated by the
data, the level of input use that maximizes profits (179.322 pounds of nitrogen, for a TVP of
$547.69 and a profit level of $520.79) is not very different from the level of input use that
maximizes TVP (and TPP, 181.595 pounds of nitrogen for a TVP of $547.86 and a profit of
$520.62).
In the second panel of Figure 3.3, the price of the input, nitrogen, is increased to $0.45
per pound. There are two outcomes from the price increase. First, profit is reduced. Second,
the maximum of the profit function shifts to the left, to a lower level of input use. In this
example, assuming the MFC is $0.45, the profit maximizing level of input use is reduced to
174.642 pounds, and profit is reduced to $467.69.
50 Agricultural Production Economics

Figure 3.3 Profit Maximization under Varying

Assumptions with Respect to Input Prices
Profit Maximization with One Input and One Output 51

In the third panel, the price of the input is further increased to $0.90 per pound. As a
result, the profit-maximizing level of input use is decreased to 167.236 pounds, and the
maximum profit is also reduced to $390.75.
The fourth panel illustrates the equivalent marginal conditions, and illustrates the profit-
maximizing points for the three different prices at the intersection of the VMP curve and the
three marginal factor costs ($0.15, $0.45, and $0.90) The input level where VMP is
maximum (60.870) and where AVP is maximum (91.304) is also illustrated.

3.6 General Conditions for Profit Maximization

The following are a set of rules for profit maximization. The total value of the product
function is given as

†3.54 r = h(x)
or r = TVP
The cost function is given as

†3.55 c = g(x)
or c = TFC

Profits are defined by

†3.56 A=r!c
or A = h(x) ! g(x)
or A = TVP ! TFC
The first order conditions for profit maximization require that

†3.57 dA/dx = hN(x) ! gN(x) = 0

†3.58 = dr/dx ! dc/dx = 0

†3.59 = dTVP/dx ! dTFC/dx = 0

†3.60 = VMP ! MFC = 0

†3.61 VMP = MFC

†3.62 VMP/MFC = 1

The second derivative test is often used to ensure that profits are maximum, not
minimum at this point. The second- derivative test requires that

†3.63 d2A/dx2 = hO(x) ! gO(x) < 0

†3.64 hO(x) < gO(x)

†3.65 d2TVP/dx2 < d2TFC/dx2

†3.66 dVMP/dx < dMFC/dx

52 Agricultural Production Economics

The slope of the VMP function must be less than the slope of MFC. This condition is met if
VMP slopes downward and MFC is constant.

3.7 Necessary and Sufficient Conditions

The terms necessary and sufficient are used to describe conditions relating to the
maximization or minimization of a function. These terms have a very special meaning. The
term necessary means that the condition must hold for the event to occur. In this case, the
equations †3.57 to †3.66, the condition is the slope of the function, and the event is the
slope of the profit function must be equal to zero if the function is to be maximized. In

maximization of the function.

The necessary condition for the maximization of the function is that the slope be equal
to zero. However, if the slope of the profit function is equal to zero, the profit function might
also be at a minimum value. A necessary condition does not ensure that the event will occur
but only describes a circumstance under which the event could take place. A necessary
condition is required for profit maximization, but taken alone, a necessary condition does not
ensure that profits will be maximum, only that profits could be maximum.
If the sufficient condition is present, the event will always occur. Thus a sufficient
condition for profit maximization means that if the condition holds, profits will always be
maximum. The term sufficient does not rule out the possibility that there may be other
conditions under which the event will take place, but only states that if a particular condition
is present, the event will always take place.
The terms necessary and sufficient are regularly used together. The necessary condition
for the maximization of a profit function for corn is that the slope of the function be equal to
zero. The sufficient condition for the maximization of a profit function for corn is that the
slope of the function be equal to zero, and that the rate of change in the slope, or the second
derivative of the profit function, be negative.

Requirements with respect to signs on first derivatives are sometimes called the
first-order conditions, or first derivative tests for a maximum or minimum. Requirements with
respect to signs on second derivatives are sometimes called the second order conditions, or
second derivative tests. A necessary condition is sometimes, but not always, the same as a first
derivative test. A second derivative test is normally only part of the requirements for a
sufficient condition.

It is not a sufficient condition for a maximum if only the second derivative is negative.
There are many points on the profit function that have negative second derivatives which
are neither a minimum nor a maximum. Only when the necessary and sufficient conditions
are taken together is a maximum achieved. Finally, necessary and sufficient conditions taken
together will ensure that the event will always occur and that no other set of conditions will
result in the occurrence of the event.

3.8 The Three Stages of the Neoclassical Production Function

The neoclassical production function described in Chapter 2 can be divided into three
stages or regions of production (Figure 3.4). These are designated by Roman numerals I, II,
and III. Stages I and III have traditionally been described as irrational stages of production.
The terminology suggests that a farm manager would never choose levels of input use within
these regions unless the behavior were irrational. Irrational behavior describes a farmer who
Profit Maximization with One Input and One Output 53

Figure 3.4 Stages of Production for a Neoclassical Production Function

chooses a goal inconsistent with the maximization of net returns, or profit. Stage II is
sometimes called the rational stage, or economic region of production. This terminology
suggests that rational farmers who have as their goal profit maximization will be found
operating within this region. However, in certain instances, such as when dollars available for
the purchase of inputs are limited, a rational farmer may not always operate in stage II of the
production function.

Stage I of the neoclassical production function includes input levels from zero units up
to the level of use where MPP = APP. Stage II includes the region from the point where MPP
= APP to the point where the production function reaches its maximum and MPP is zero.
Stage III includes the region where the production function is declining and MPP is negative.
The stages of production can also be described in terms of the elasticity of production.
For the neoclassical production function, as the level of input use increases, the elasticity of
production (Ep) also changes because the elasticity of production is equal to the ratio of MPP
to APP. The value for the elasticity of production identifies the stage of production. If Ep is
greater than 1, then MPP is greater than APP and we are in stage I. Stage I ends and stage
II begins at the point where Ep = 1 and MPP = APP. Stage II ends and stage III begins at the
54 Agricultural Production Economics

point where Ep equals zero and MPP is also zero. Stage III exists anywhere that Ep is negative
and hence MPP is also negative. Notice that the first stage of the neoclassical production
function ends and the second stage begins at the point where the marginal product of the
incremental or last unit of input x just equals the average product for all units of the input x.

It is easy to understand why a rational farmer interested in maximizing profits would

never choose to operate in stage III (beyond point C, Figure 3.4). It would never make sense
to apply inputs if, on so doing, output was reduced. Even if fertilizer were free, a farmer
would never apply fertilizer beyond the point of output maximum.
Output could be increased and costs reduced by reducing the level of input use. The
farmer would always make greater net returns by reducing the use of inputs such that he or
she were operating instead in stage II.

It is also easy to see why a farmer would not choose to produce in the region where
MPP is increasing (point A, Figure 3.4) in the first part of stage I, if output prices were
constant and sufficient funds were available for the purchase of x. In this region, the marginal
product of the input is increasing as more and more of the input is used. Diminishing marginal
returns have not yet set in, and each additional unit of input used will produce a greater and
greater additional net return. The additional return occurs despite the fact that for the first few
units, the MPP for the incremental unit might still be below the cost of the incremental unit,
as represented by the constant MFC function.
It is difficult to see why a farmer would not choose to operate in the second part of stage
I, where MPP is declining but APP is increasing (line AB, Figure 3.4), if output prices were
constant and sufficient funds were available to purchase additional units of x. However, using
the definition

†3.67 AVP = p°APP = p°y/x.

the total value of the product (TVP) might then be defined as

†3.68 TVP = xAVP = xp°y/x = p°TPP

Look at Figure 3.5. Pick any level of input use and call that level x* corresponding with
point A on Figure 3.5. Now draw a vertical line from the horizontal axis to the corresponding
point on the AVP curve (point B). The value of the AVP curve at x* represents the average
revenue obtained from the sale of output per unit of x used, assuming that the total amount
of used was x*. With constant output prices, AVP might be thought of as the average revenue
expressed per unit of x used. Now draw a horizontal line from the point on the AVP curve to
the vertical axis. The length of the horizontal line represents the total amount of x used, or x*.
A rectangle has now been formed, with the lower sides being the axes of the graph. Thus, the
rectangle OABE in Figure 3.5 represents the TVP for x = x*. This is because the length of the
rectangle is x* and its height is AVP.

Now draw a line from x* to MFC. Another rectangle is formed by OACD. Input prices
are assumed to be constant v° = MFC. Since v° is constant, v° is equal to the average cost of
a unit of x; or TFC = v°x and AFC = (v°x)/x = v° = dTFC/dx = MFC. Then TFC at x = x*
is equal to the area contained in the second rectangle as measured by OACD.
Profit equals returns less costs.

†3.69 A = TVP ! TFC.

Profit Maximization with One Input and One Output 55

Figure 3.5 If VMP is Greater than AVP, the Farmer Will Not Operate

In Figure 3.5, the first rectangle is TVP and the second rectangle is TFC. Since TVP is
less than TFC, the loss is represented by the rectangle EBCD. Suppose now that the input
price is lower than the maximum value for VMP but higher than the maximum value for AVP.
These conditions describe the second part of stage I. The farmer equates VMP and MFC and
finds the resulting profit maximizing level of input use x*. However, since AVP is less than
VMP, the first rectangle representing TVP ( OABE) would necessarily be less than the second
rectangle representing TFC (OACD). This would imply that

†3.70 A = TVP ! TFC < 0

Moreover, TVP < TFC occurs everywhere in stage I of the production function. The
farmer would lose money if operation were continued in stage I. If the price of the input is
higher than the maximum AVP, there is no way that the incremental unit of input can produce
returns sufficient to cover its incremental cost. Under such circumstances a rational solution
would be to use zero units of the input. This situation will be remedied if either of two events
occurs: (1) the price of the input declines to a level below the maximum AVP, or (2) the price
of the output increases such that AVP rises. New technology might also cause APP to
increase, and the result would be an increase in AVP.

If MFC were below AVP in stage I, the farmer could always increase profit by
increasing the use of the input. However, a farmer might not be able to always get the funds
needed for the purchase of the input. In the special case, the farmer could operate in stage
I if funds for the purchase of input x were restricted or limited. In this instance, the
profit-maximizing level of input use would occur in stage II. Revenues exceed costs at many
points within stage I, and the farmer may be better off to use available revenue for the
purchase of x and to produce in stage I, even if the profit-maximizing point in stage II cannot
be achieved. However, the farmer would never want to operate in stage III of the production
function, or, for that matter, to the right of the point in stage II representing the
profit-maximizing level of input use, assuming positive input and output prices. The
profit-maximizing point is most desired, but other points to the left of the profit maximizing
point may also generate a positive profit for the farmer.
56 Agricultural Production Economics

3.9 Further Topics on Stages of Production

One of the reasons for the popularity of the neoclassical production function is that it
includes all three stages of production. It is worthwhile to examine some features of other
production functions in an effort to determine whether or not the various stages of production
are accurately represented. As a starting point, a simple function might be

†3.71 y = bx

As indicated earlier, The MPP(dy/dx) for this function is b and the APP(y/x) equal to
b. The elasticity of production (MPP/APP) is b/b, which is 1 everywhere. This implies that
this function does not have any identifiable stages. The curious conclusion is that the function
is at the dividing point between stages I and II throughout its range. No wonder this function
has not proven popular with economists. If py [output (y) times its price (p)] were greater than
bx [input (x) times its marginal product], profit maximization would entail obtaining as much
x as one could possibly obtain, and producing as much y as possible. At some point, input
prices would not hold constant, and hence the purely competitive assumptions would break
down.

A production function with a constant slope produces VMP and MFC curves that are
both horizontal lines, with VMP above MFC. For a given level of input use, the area under
VMP represents returns, and the area under the MFC represents costs. The portion of the
rectangles that do not overlap represents profits. If py were less than bx, returns would not
cover costs and the farm would maximize profits by shutting down and producing no output.
If py exactly equaled bx, the farmer would be indifferent toward producing or shutting down,
since zero profit would result in either case.
Now consider the case where the production function is
†3.72

As indicated earlier, the elasticity of production in this case is 0.5 throughout the range of the
function, since the ratio MPP/APP is 0.5. This suggests that the farm is in stage II of the
production function everywhere. Notice that this stage II is not a simple representation of
stage II from the neoclassical production function. The elasticity of production for the
neoclassical function decreases from 1 (at the start of stage II) to 0 (at the end of stage II) as
the use of the input is increased.
For this production function, the elasticity of production remains constant. For any
production function of the form y = bx", the elasticity of production is equal to the constant
". If " is greater than 1, the production function is in stage I everywhere. If " is less than zero
the function is in stage III everywhere. The function y = bx is a special case of this function
with " equal to 1.

3.10 The Imputed Value of an Additional Unit of an Input

For profits to be maximum, a necessary condition is that the slope of the TVP function
be equal to the slope of the total factor cost function. This might also be expressed as

†3.73 VMP = MFC = v°

†3.74 p°MPP = MFC = v°

 Profit Maximization with One Input and One Output 57

†3.75 p°dTPP/dx = dTFC/dx

or

†3.76 p°dy/dx = v°

Equations †3.73 to †3.76 all describe the necessary condition for profit maximization. (The
sufficient condition requires that VMP equal MFC and that the VMP curve intersect the MFC
curve from above).
Another way of expressing the relationship VMP = MFC is

†3.77 VMP/MFC = 1

VMP is the return obtained from the incremental unit of x, or the value to the manager of the
incremental unit of x. MFC is the cost of the incremental unit of x. The equation VMP = MFC
is a decision rule that tells the farmer how much input should be used in order to maximize
profits. This decision rule states that the use of the input should be increased until the point is
reached whereby the last dollar spent on the input returns exactly its incremental cost. This is
one of the fundamental marginal rules of economics. Many if not most of the previous
incremental dollars spent on the input paid back more than the cost of the input. These units,
taken together, generate the profit for the farm (Figure 3.6).

Figure 3.6 The Relationship Between VMP and MFC Illustrating

the Imputed Value of an Input

Now suppose that

†3.78 VMP/MFC = 3
Equation †3.78 states that the value of the last dollar spent on the input in terms of its
contribution to revenue to for the farm is three times its cost. Moreover, the last dollar spent
on the input returns $3 to the farm. This number is sometimes referred to as the imputed value
or implicit worth of the incremental dollar spent on the input. Both terms refer to the same
concept.
58 Agricultural Production Economics

There is no particular reason to believe that the imputed value, or implicit worth of the
last dollar spent on an input should necessarily be a dollar. The implicit worth of the last dollar
spent on an input may be greater than, equal to, or less than a dollar. However, a necessary
condition for profit maximization is for VMP to equal MFC. Profit maximization requires that
the value of the last dollar spent on the input be a dollar. If profits are max-imized, the imputed
value of an input will be 1 since its contribution to revenue exactly covers its cost. If the
imputed value is 3, as in this instance, profits could be further increased by increasing the use
of the input until the imputed value is reduced to 1.

Now suppose that

†3.79 VMP/MFC = 0.5

Equation †3.79 states that the value of the last dollar spent on the input in terms of its
contribution to revenue for the farm is only one-half its cost. This is a point to the right of the
profit-maximizing point, although it is still in stage II. Revenue from the sale of the output
produced by the last unit of input only covers 50 percent of the cost or price of the input. The
last dollar spent returns only 50 cents. The other 50 cents is loss. In this case, profits to the
farm could probably be increased by reducing the use of the input. Since the MPP of the input
usually increases as its use decreases, this has the effect of raising MPP and thus increasing
VMP for the input.

Now suppose that

†3.80 VMP/MFC = 0
Assuming constant positive prices for both the input and output the only way this could happen
is if MPP were zero. In this instance, the last dollar contributes nothing to revenue. The only
point where this could happen is at the maximum of the production (TPP or TVP) function, the
dividing point between stages II and III.
Finally, suppose that

†3.81 VMP/MFC = !5
Assuming constant positive prices for both the input and the output the only way this could
happen is for MPP to be negative. This implies stage III of the production function. In this
case, the last dollar spent on the input results in a loss in revenue of $5. This is a point in stage
III where the farmer would never produce.

The implicit worth or imputed value of an input or factor of production has also
sometimes been called the shadow price for the input. It is called a shadow price because it is
not the price that the farmer might pay for the input, but rather the value of a dollar spent on
the input to the farmer in his or her operation. A farmer might be willing to purchase an input
at prices up to but not exceeding the imputed value or shadow price of the input on the farm.

Diagrammatically, the shadow price or imputed value of an input can easily be seen
(Figure 3.6). The VMP represents the value of the input: the MFC, its price or cost per unit.
The shadow price is the ratio of value to price. If MFC and product prices are constant, the
shadow price usually increases until MPP reaches its maximum and then decreases. The
shadow price is 1 where MPP (and VMP) intersects MFC, and zero where MPP intersects the
horizontal axis of the graph.
 Profit Maximization with One Input and One Output 59

3.11 Concluding Comments

Profit-maximization conditions for the factor-product model have been introduced.
Profits are maximum when the necessary and sufficient conditions for a maximum have been
met. The necessary conditions for profit maximization require that the profit function have a
slope of zero. The necessary condition for profit maximization can be determined by finding
the point on the profit function where the first derivative is zero. The sufficient condition,
ensuring profit maximization, holds if the first derivative of the profit function is zero and the
second derivative of the profit function is negative.
Alternatively, the level of input use that maximizes profits can be found by equating the
VMP of the input with the MFC, which in pure competition is the price of the input. The slope
of the total value of the product curve will be equal to the slope of the total factor cost curve.
The slope of the total value of the product curve is its derivative, which if output prices are
constant is the VMP curve. If the price of x is constant, the slope of the total factor cost curve
is the MFC.

Under the assumptions of pure competition, with constant, positive input and output
prices, a farmer interested in maximizing profits would never operate in stage III of the
production function, where MPP and VMP are declining. A farmer would operate in stage I of
the production function only if sufficient funds were not available for the purchase of inputs
needed to reach stage II. A farmer would not produce at all if the price of x exceeded the
maximum average value of the product.

Problems and Exercises

1. Suppose that the output sells for $5 and the input sells for $4. Fill in the blanks in the
following table.
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
x (input) y (output) VMP AVP
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
0 0 )))
)))
10 50 )))
)))
25 75 )))
)))
40 80 )))
)))
50 85 )))
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

2. In Problem 1, what appears to be the profit-maximizing level of input use? Verify this by
calculating TVP and TFC for each level of input use as shown in the table.

3. Suppose that the production function is given by

y = 2x0.5
The price of x is $3 and the price of y is $4. Derive the corresponding VMP and AVP functions.
What is MFC? Solve for the profit-maximizing level for input use x.

4. When the input price is constant, the slope of the total factor cost function will also be
constant. Is this statement true or false? Explain.
60 Agricultural Production Economics

5. Whenever the total factor cost function and the total value of the product function are
parallel to each other, profits will be maximized. Is this statement true or false? Explain.

6. Suppose that the production function is the one found in Problem 5, Chapter 2. Corn sells
for $4.00 per bushel and nitrogen sells for $ 0.20 per pound. At what nitrogen application rate
are profits maximized?
7. Explain the terms necessary and sufficient, in terms of a farmer seeking to maximize profits
in the feeding of dairy cattle for milk production.
8. Is the shadow price of a dairy feed ration different from the price the farmer pays per pound
of the ration? Explain. Of what importance is a shadow price to a farmer seeking to maximize
profits from a dairy herd?

9. Explain the consequences to the farmer if the production function for milk were a linear
function of the amount of feed fed to each cow.
10. Verify each of the numbers presented in Figure 3.3.