Shapes of marginal-cost and the marginal-benefit curves

Question

Indicate and describe the typical shapes of marginal-cost and the marginal-benefit curves. How are these curves employed to find out the optimal allocation of resources to a specific product? If current output is such that marginal cost exceeds marginal benefit, have to more or fewer resources be allocated to this product?  Describe.

Answer 1

The marginal benefit curve is downward sloping, MB falls as more of a product is consumed since additional units of a good yield less satisfaction than previous units. The marginal cost curve is upward sloping; MC rise as more of a product is generated since additional units needs the use of increasingly unsuitable resource. The optimal amount of a specific product takes place where MB equals MC. If MC exceeds MB, fewer resources must be allocated to this use. The resources are more valuable in some alternative employ (as reflected in the higher MC) than in this employ (as reflected in the lower MB).