Returns to scale in production: Recall that a production function F(K, L) exhibits constant returns to scale if doubling the inputs leads to a doubling of output. If it leads to more than doubling of output, there are increasing returns to scale; if it leads to less than doubling of output, there are decreasing returns to scale. The answers to parts (a) and (f) are worked out below.
Returns to scale in production: Recall that a production function F(K, L) exhibits constant returns to scale if doubling the inputs leads to a doubling of output. If it leads to more than doubling of output, there are increasing returns to scale; if it leads to less than doubling of output, there are decreasing returns to scale. The answers to parts (a) and (f) are worked out below.
(a) Y = K1/2L1/2. If we double K and L, output is
(2K) 1/2(2L) 1/2 = 21/221/2K1/2L1/2 = 21/2+1/2K1/2L1/2 = 2K1/2L1/2.
So output exactly doubles, and there are constant returns to scale.
(b) Y = K1/3L2/3 + 
. This production function says you get units of output “for free,” that is, even if there is no capital and no labor. Then you produce on top of that with a Cobb-Douglas production function. If we double K and L, output is
Notice that the first term is doubled, but the output we got for free (the A) is left unchanged. Therefore, output is less than doubled, and this production function exhibits decreasing returns to scale.
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