1. Working with Numbers and Graphs Q1 Suppose the marginal costs of reading are constant at $14 per hour, while the marginal benefits of reading decline (over time) as more reading is performed. In particular, suppose the following table contains the marginal benefit associated with various levels of hours spent reading. Time Spent Reading Marginal Benefits (Hours) (Dollars per hour) 10 16 40 4. Assume the marginal-benefit curve is a straight line through the two points described in the table. On the following graph, use the blue points (circle symbol) to plot the marginal-benefit curve for reading. Next, use the orange points (square symbol) to plot the marginal-cost curve for reading. Finally, use the black point (plus symbol) to indicate the point corresponding to the efficient amount of reading (that is, the point at which the net benefits of reading are maximized).

Store Travel Time Each Way        (minutes) Price of a Skirt (Dollars per skirt)     Local Department Store 15 103 Across Town 30 87 Neighboring City 60 64   Juanita makes $16 an hour at work. She has to take time off work to purchase her skirt, so each hour away from work costs her $16 in lost income. Assume that returning to work takes Juanita the same amount of time as getting to a store and that it takes her 30 minutes to shop. As you answer the following questions, ignore the cost of gasoline and depreciation of her car when traveling. Complete the following table by computing the opportunity cost of Juanita's time and the total cost of shopping at each location. Store Opportunity Cost of Time Price of a Skirt Total Cost (Dollars) (Dollars per skirt) (Dollars) Local Department Store   103   Across Town   87   Neighboring City   64

For Question 2 there is a typo. It is supposed to say consider Ronald from question 1. Both question 1 and 2 are provided, i would appreciate if someone could complete them as soon as possible. Also this is not a graded question from an exam, it is homework l have been given although l did not purchase the textbook so cant get the solutions for it.

Specify and explain the typical shapes of marginal-benefit and marginal-cost curves. How are these curves used to determine the optimal allocation of resources to a particular product? If current output is such that marginal cost exceeds marginal benefit, should more or fewer resources be allocated to this product? Explain.