Which of the following statements about isoquants is true?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Question context: The topic is isoquants, which represent combinations of inputs that yield the same output level in production analysis.
Option 1: 'Isoquants are downward-sloping and linear.' In general, isoquants are downward-sloping due to substitutability between inputs, but they are not necessarily linear; many isoquants are curved due to diminishing marginal rates of technical substitution. Therefore, this statement is not universally correct.
Option 2: 'Isoquants are steeper when diminishing returns are absent.' The steepness of an isoquant reflects the marginal rate of technical substitution (MRTS) between inputs. When diminishing returns are absent (i.e., constant returns to scale or perfect substitutability in some contexts), the MRTS does not exhibit the typical convexity toward the origin; however, saying isoquants are steeper specifically because diminishing returns are absent is not a standard or generally accurate characterization. This makes the statement misleading or incorrect in standard microeconomics terminology.
Option 3: 'Isoquants show all combinations of inputs that produce the same level of output.' This statement captures the core definition of an isoquant: it maps every possible mix of inputs (e.g., labor and capital) that yields the same output quantity. It is the hallmark property used in isoquant analysis.
Option 4: 'Isoquants intersect at the minimum efficient scale.' Isoquants cannot intersect each other; they are curves for a given output level across input combinations, and different isoquants (for different output levels) should not cross. The idea that isoquants intersect at the minimum efficient scale contradicts the standard geometry of isoquants and the concept of efficiency in production; therefore, this is false.
In summary, Option 3 accurately describes the defining feature of isoquants, while Options 1, 2, and 4 rely on common misconceptions about their shape, interpretation of steepness, or geometric properties.

Which of the following statements about isoquants is true?

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