8 Differentials
8.1 Differentials
Practice Problems
Problem 8.1.1: Find the differential of the function below and use it to estimate the change in when and . Check the approximation algebraically.
Answer:
Approximated change is 0.6, actual change is 0.61.
Problem 8.1.2: Find the differential of the function below and use it to estimate the change in when and . Check the approximation algebraically.
Answer:
Approximated change is 8,865,801,600.
Problem 8.1.3: Find the differential of the function below and use it to estimate the change in when and . Check the approximation algebraically.
Answer:
Approximated change is -0.2, actual change is -0.19.
Problem 8.1.4: The revenue function for a firm is given below. Find the marginal revenue function and use it to estimate the change in revenue when and . Check the approximation algebraically.
Answer:
Approximated change is 172,500, actual change is 173,745.
Problem 8.1.5: A firm has estimated the following revenue and cost functions:
Create a differential that measures the estimated change in profit and use it to estimate the change when and . Check the approximation algebraically.
Answer:
Approximated change is 2,930, actual change is 2,830.
Problem 8.1.6: A manufacturer has determined that the total cost (in dollars) of operating a factory is
Find the marginal cost function and use it to estimate the change in revenue when and . Check the approximation algebraically.
Answer:
Approximated change is 1,100, actual change is 1,150.
Problem 8.1.7: Suppose that a firm has determined that its (inverted) demand function and cost function can be given as, respectively:
Create a differential that measures the estimated change in profit and use it to estimate the change when and . Check the approximation algebraically.
Answer:
Approximated change is 40, actual change is 39.
Problem 8.1.8: The demand equation for a product is given below. Calculate the price-elasticity of demand when .
Answer: -0.30
Problem 8.1.9: The demand equation for a product is given below. Calculate the price-elasticity of demand when . What if ? At what price is revenue maximized?
Answer: -0.13; -2.57; 11.55
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8.2 Total differentials
Practice Problems
Problem 8.2.1: Find the differential for the function below:
Use it to approximate the change in at the point when and Compare the approximation to the actual change in .
Answer:
Approximated change is 4, actual change is 4.13.
Problem 8.2.2: Find the differential for the function below:
Use it to approximate the change in at the point when and Compare the approximation to the actual change in .
Answer:
Approximated change is -50,422,500.
Problem 8.2.3: Find the differential for the function below:
Use it to approximate the change in at the point when and Compare the approximation to the actual change in .
Answer:
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Approximated change is -0.072, actual change is -0.065.
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