Production Function: Short Run and Long Run Production Functions, Q&A

To understand production and costs it is important to grasp the concept of the production function and understand the basics in mathematical terms. We break down the short run and long run production functions based on variable and fixed factors. Let us get started!

What is the Production Function?

The functional relationship between physical inputs (or factors of production) and output is called production function. It assumed inputs as the explanatory or independent variable and output as the dependent variable. Mathematically, we may write this as follows:

Q = f (L,K)

Here, ‘Q’ represents the output, whereas ‘L’ and ‘K’ are the inputs, representing labour and capital (such as machinery) respectively. Note that there may be many other factors as well but we have assumed two-factor inputs here.

Time Period and Production Functions

Production Function

The production function is differently defined in the short run and in the long run. This distinction is extremely relevant in microeconomics. The distinction is based on the nature of factor inputs.

Those inputs that vary directly with the output are called variable factors. These are the factors that can be changed. Variable factors exist in both, the short run and the long run. Examples of variable factors include daily-wage labour, raw materials, etc.

On the other hand, those factors that cannot be varied or changed as the output changes are called fixed factors. These factors are normally characteristic of the short run or short period of time only. Fixed factors do not exist in the long run.

Consequently, we can define two production functions: short-run and long-run. The short-run production function defines the relationship between one variable factor (keeping all other factors fixed) and the output. The law of returns to a factor explains such a production function.

For example, consider that a firm has 20 units of labour and 6 acres of land and it initially uses one unit of labour only (variable factor) on its land (fixed factor). So, the land-labour ratio is 6:1. Now, if the firm chooses to employ 2 units of labour, then the land-labour ratio becomes 3:1 (6:2).

The long-run production function is different in concept from the short run production function. Here, all factors are varied in the same proportion. The law that is used to explain this is called the law of returns to scale. It measures by how much proportion the output changes when inputs are changed proportionately.

Solved Example for You

Question: What is meant by returns to a factor?

Answer: Returns to a factor is used to explain the short run production function. It explains what happens to the output when the variable factor changes, keeping the fixed factors constant. Thus, it can be said that ‘returns to a factor’ is a short run phenomenon.

Question: Production function is a _______.