Statement of Law of Variable Proportion

The Law of Variable Proportions states that as we increase the quantity of only one input while keeping other inputs fixed, the total product increases initially at an increasing rate, then at a decreasing rate, and finally at a negative rate.

As per the law of variable proportions, the changes in TP and MP can be categorized into three phases:

Phase 1: TP rises at an increasing rate, and MP increases.

Phase 2: TP rises at a decreasing rate, MP decreases and is positive.

Phase 3: TP falls, and MP becomes negative.

Law of Variable Proportion: Meaning, Assumptions, Phases and Reasons for Variable Proportions

The Law of Variable Proportions is a crucial concept in production theory, providing insights into how varying one input affects overall production. It underscores the importance of optimal resource utilization and helps in making informed decisions about input levels to achieve desired production outcomes.

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What is the Law of Variable Proportions?

The Law of Variable Proportions, also known as the Law of Diminishing Returns, is a fundamental principle in economics that describes how the output of a production process changes as the quantity of one input varies while other inputs are kept constant. This law is applicable in the short run, where at least one factor of production (such as capital) is fixed....

Returns to Factor: Law of Variable Proportion

Returns to a Factor refer to the rise in the total product that results from increasing just one factor while holding the other factors constant. The production of the firm displays the Law of Variable Proportions in the short term when one input is variable, and the other inputs are fixed....

Statement of Law of Variable Proportion

The Law of Variable Proportions states that as we increase the quantity of only one input while keeping other inputs fixed, the total product increases initially at an increasing rate, then at a decreasing rate, and finally at a negative rate....

Assumptions of the Law of Variable Proportion

It operates in the short run because the factors are categorised as variable and fixed. The law is applicable to all fixed factors, including land. The law of variable proportions allows for the combination of several variable units with fixed factors. This law primarily applies to the production sector. It is simple to calculate the impact of a change in output caused by a change in variable factors. It is considered that after a certain point, factors of production become imperfect substitutes for one another. In order for this law to function, it is assumed that the state of technology would remain constant. All variable factors are thought to be equally effective....

Example of Law of Variable Proportion

Let’s say a farmer has 1 acre of land (i.e., fixed factor) and wants to use labour (i.e., variable factor) to improve the production of rice there. The output increased initially at an increasing rate, then at a decreasing rate, and finally at a negative rate as he employed more and more units of labour. The below table displays the output behaviour in this case....

Phases of Law of Variable Proportion

Phase I: Increasing Returns to a Factor (TP increases at an increasing rate)...

Reasons for Variable Proportion

The reasons for the three phases of the law of variable proportions are:...