1. Appendix 2A Differential Calculus in Management
A function with one decision variable, X, can be written as Y = f(X)
The marginal value of Y, with a small increase of X, is My = DY/DX
For a very small change in X, the derivative is written:
dY/dX = limit DY/DX
DX  B
2005 South-Western Publishing 1

2. Marginal = Slope = Derivative
The slope of line C-D is DY/DX
The marginal at point C is My is DY/DX
The slope at point C is the rise (DY) over the run (DX)
The derivative at point C is also this slope Y D DY DX C X

3. Optimum Can Be Highest or Lowest
Finding the maximum flying range for the Stealth Bomber is an optimization problem.
Calculus teaches that when the first derivative is zero, the solution is at an optimum.
The original Stealth Bomber study showed that a controversial flying V-wing design optimized the bomber's range, but the original researchers failed to find that their solution in fact minimized the range.
It is critical that managers make decision that maximize, not minimize, profit potential! 2

4. Quick Differentiation Review
Name Function Derivative Example
Constant Y = c dY/dX = 0 Y = 5
Functions dY/dX = 0
A Line Y = c•X dY/dX = c Y = 5•X
dY/dX = 5
Power Y = cXb dY/dX = b•c•X b Y = 5•X2
Functions dY/dX = 10•X 7

5. Quick Differentiation Review
Sum of Y = G(X) + H(X) dY/dX = dG/dX + dH/dX
Functions
example Y = 5•X + 5•X2 dY/dX = •X
Product of Y = G(X)•H(X)
Two Functions dY/dX = (dG/dX)H + (dH/dX)G
example Y = (5•X)(5•X2 )
dY/dX = 5(5•X2 ) + (10•X)(5•X) = 75•X2 8

6. Quick Differentiation Review
Quotient of Two Y = G(X) / H(X) Functions
dY/dX = (dG/dX)•H - (dH/dX)•G H2
Y = (5•X) / (5•X2) dY/dX = 5(5•X2) -(10•X)(5•X) (5•X2)2
= -25X2 / 25•X4 = - X-2
Chain Rule Y = G [ H(X) ]
dY/dX = (dG/dH)•(dH/dX) Y = (5 + 5•X)2
dY/dX = 2(5 + 5•X)1(5) = •X 9

7. Applications of Calculus in Managerial Economics
maximization problem: A profit function might look like an arch, rising to a peak and then declining at even larger outputs. A firm might sell huge amounts at very low prices, but discover that profits are low or negative.
At the maximum, the slope of the profit function is zero. The first order condition for a maximum is that the derivative at that point is zero.
If  = 50·Q - Q2, then d/dQ = ·Q, using the rules of differentiation.
Hence, Q = 25 will maximize profits where •Q = 0. 10

8. More Applications of Calculus
minimization problem: Cost minimization supposes that there is a least cost point to produce. An average cost curve might have a U-shape. At the least cost point, the slope of the cost function is zero.
The first order condition for a minimum is that the derivative at that point is zero.
If C = 5·Q2 - 60·Q, then dC/dQ = 10·Q - 60.
Hence, Q = 6 will minimize cost where 10•Q - 60 = 0. 11

9. More Examples Competitive Firm: Maximize Profits Max = 100•Q - Q2
where  = TR - TC = P•Q - TC(Q)
Use our first order condition: d/dQ = P - dTC/dQ = 0.
Decision Rule: P = MC.
a function of Q
Problem 1 Problem 2
Max = 100•Q - Q2
100 -2•Q = 0 implies Q = 50 and  = 2,500
Max= •X2
So, 10•X = 0 implies Q = 0 and= 50 12

10. Second Order Condition: One Variable
If the second derivative is negative, then it’s a maximum
If the second derivative is positive, then it’s a minimum
Max= •X2
10•X = 0
second derivative is: 10 implies Q = 0 is a MIN
Max = 100•Q - Q2
100 -2•Q = 0
second derivative is: -2 implies Q =50 is a MAX
Problem 1 Problem 2 13

11. Partial Differentiation
Economic relationships usually involve several independent variables.
A partial derivative is like a controlled experiment -- it holds the “other” variables constant
Suppose price is increased, holding the disposable income of the economy constant as in Q = f (P, I ), then Q/P holds income constant. 14

12. Problem:
Sales are a function of advertising in newspapers and magazines ( X, Y)
Max S = 200X + 100Y -10X2 -20Y2 +20XY
Differentiate with respect to X and Y and set equal to zero.
S/X = X + 20Y= 0
S/Y = Y + 20X = 0
solve for X & Y and Sales 15

13. Solution: 2 equations & 2 unknowns
X + 20Y= 0
Y + 20X = 0
Adding them, the -20X and +20X cancel, so we get Y = 0, or Y =15
Plug into one of them: X = 0, hence X = 25
To find Sales, plug into equation: S = 200X + 100Y -10X2 -20Y2 +20XY = 3,250 16