Concave and Convex

UNIT 11 CONCAVE AND CONVEX Functions

FUNCTIONS*
Structure
11.0 Objectives
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Convex Set and Convex Functions
11.2.1 Convex Combination and Convex Sets
11.2.2 Convex Sets, Convex and Concave Functions
11.3 Concave and Convex Functions and their Characteristics
11.3.1 Concave and Convex Functions
11.3.2 Point of Inflection
11.4 Quasi-Concavity and Quasi-Convexity
11.5 Economic Applications of Convexity and Concavity
11.6 Let Us Sum Up
11.7 Answers to Check Your Progress Exercises

11.0 OBJECTIVES
After going through this unit, you will be able to:
• describe certain important geometric properties of Convex sets;
• understand the relation of a convex set with Convex and Concave
functions;
• explain concave and convex function along with their characteristics;
• define the concept of Quasi-Concavity and Quasi-Convexity; and
• discuss some Economic applications of Convexity and Concavity.

11.1 INTRODUCTION
In the previous Unit, while discussing higher order derivatives, we discussed
concave and convex function. We saw that concave and convex functions are
defined in terms of their second-order derivatives. This unit carries forward
that discussion of concavity and convexity. But along with functions, this unit
carries the discussion forward to the case of convex sets. We will learn to
appreciate the importance of convexity, although the crucial importance of
convexity in Economics will become apparent to you only in the units on
optimisation. In this unit we will focus on the idea that concavity and convexity
are to do with the shapes that certain functions have. We shall see that
concavity and convexity of functions are features decided by the second order
derivatives of functions. We shall be relating the concept of convexity also to
the related but rather important concept of quasi-concavity. Throughout, we
shall also be describing some important economic applications of convexity.
We shall take functions, mainly from Microeconomics since you have a course
on Principles of Microeconomics in this semester, and see which of the

* Contributed by Shri Saugato Sen, SOSS, IGNOU 195

Single-Variable important functions that you come across in that course are convex and which
Optimisation are concave, and what are the implications of these.
The unit begins with discussion about convex sets as well as convex functions
and brings out the relationship between convex sets and convex functions. The
unit discusses the relevant geometric properties of convex sets. Following this
the unit discusses in detail the nature of concave and convex functions and their
properties. The unit also explains carefully what we understand by quasi-
concavity and how it relates to convexity. After these theoretical discussions,
the unit describes some Economic applications of convexity.

11.2 CONVEX SET AND CONVEX FUNCTION

To understand the geometric properties of functions, we begin with some
geometric definitions. Before that, recall the definition and properties of sets.
Also recall various set-theoretic functions you have been familiarised with. In
the previous unit, we saw the meaning of convexity as applied to functions. We
must also understand the meaning of convexity as used to describe a set.
Although convex functions and convex sets are related concept, they are also
distinct concepts. We should not confuse among the two.

Let us understand the concept of convex sets. A set S of pointsin R2 or R3, or in

other words, a set S in a real vector space, is definedas convex if for any two
points in the set, the line segment connecting these two points lies entirely in
the set. A straight line satisfies the requirement of a convex set. A set
consisting of a single point is also a convex set. The geometric definition of
convexity also applies to solid geometric figures. For example, a solid cube is a
convex set, but a hollow cylinder is not. For higher dimensions, the geometric
properties become less intuitively obvious.

11.2.1 Convex Combination and Convex Sets

Now we define the concept of a convex combination of points. A linear
combination of two points,u and v can be written as k1u + k2v , where k1 and k2
are numbers. When k1 and k2 both lie in the closed interval [0,1] and add up to
unity, the linear combination is said to be a convex combination and can be
written as
k1u + (1−k1 )v, 0 ≤ k1≤ 1
In view of the above concept, a convex set may be redefined as follows: a set S
is said to be a convex set if and only if for any two points
u ∈ S and v ∈ S , and for every number θ ∈ [ 0,1] , it is true that
w = θ u + (1 − θ ) v ∈ S . Put another way, a set Q is convex if, for all
points v0 and v1 in Q and for every real number λ in the unit interval [0,1], the
point(1 − λ) v0 + λv1is a member of Q. By mathematical induction, a set Q is
convex if and only if every convex combination of members of Q also belongs
to Q. By definition, a convex combination of an indexed subset{v0, v1, . . . , vD}
of a vector space is any weighted average λ0v0 + λ1v1 + . . . + λDvD, for some
indexed set of non-negative real numbers {λD} satisfying the equation λ0 + λ1 +
. . . + λD = 1.

The definition of a convex set implies that the intersection of two convex sets
is a convex set. More generally, the intersection of a family of convex sets is a
196 convex set.
Anything that is hollow or dented, for example, a crescent shape, is non convex Concave and Convex
Functions
(Refer figure 11.1). In Figure 11.1 (a), the set Q is convex, since for this, all the
points of any line segment joining any pair of points of the set (here, v0 and v1)
will lie inside the given set Q. Whereas, in 11.1 (b), we have a non-convex set
R. In set R, not all the points of the line segment joining any pair of points of
the set (here, v2 and v3) lies inside the set R. Trivially, the empty set is convex.

Q R
v1
v3
v0 v2

(a) A Convex Set (b) Non-convex Set

Figure 11.1

11.2.2 Convex Set, Convex and Concave Functions

Comparing the definition of a convex set with that of a convex function, we
notice that even though the adjective ‘convex’ is used in both, the meaning of
this word is different in the two contexts. In describing a function the word
convex denotes how the curve or surface bends itself. i.e., describes the bulge
in the curve. In the context of a set, the word convex specifies how the points
in the set are ‘stacked’ together, i.e., how dense is the set. Mathematically, a
convex set and convex function appear distinct. However, in some sense they
are not unrelated. We know that for the definition of a convex function, we
need a convex set for the domain. A convex function is a function with the
property that the set of points which are on or above its graph is a convex
function. In terms of the definition of a convex set that we just saw, a function
is a convex function if it has the property that the chord joining any two points
on its graph lie on or above the graph (refer Figure 11.2). For a function that is
convex, the set above the function must be convex.

Convex functions are described algebraically as follows: a function f is convex

if and only if

f (α x1 + (1 − α ) x2 ) ≤ α f ( x1 ) + (1 − α ) f ( x2 ) , for any real numbers

x1 , x2 , α , such that 0 ≤ α ≤ 1 . In the above expression, if the inequality is a
strict one, the function is strictly convex. For convex functions, a general
property is that the sum of two convex functions is also a convex function.
Also, if a convex function is multiplied by a positive constant, we obtain
another convex function.

For a concave function, the set below the function must be convex. Also, the
inequality in the expression above is reversed in the case of a concave function.
This we will see in more detail in subsequent sections.

197
Single-Variable
Optimisation
f (x) y = f (x)
Q

P R

x1 x0 x2 x

Figure 11.2: Convex Function

Consider the diagram above. For the function y = f(x), let f be a differentiable
convex function, and suppose x1<x2 and 0 <α <1, so that xo = α x1 + (1 − α ) x2 .
Now, let points P,Q, R and S in the xy-plane be defined as in the above figure.
Since f is convex, R cannot lie above S; therefore the slope of the chord PR
cannot be more than the slope of the chord PQ. This inequality holds even as α
tends to 1, in which case R approaches P along the curve and the slope of PR
approaches the slope of the curve at P. Hence the slope of the curve at P will
be less than the slope of the chord PQ. Thus,

f ( x2 ) − f ( x1 )
f ′ ( x1 ) ≤
x2 − x1

Similarly, as α tends to 0, we obtain

f ( x2 ) − f ( x1 )
f ′ ( x2 ) ≥
x2 − x1

We arrive at a very important property of differentiable convex functions:

Property 1:If f is a differentiable convex function, then
f ( a + h ) ≥ f ( a ) + hf ′ ( a ) for all a andh.

Another important property of differentiable convex functions is the following:

Property 2:A differentiable function f is convex if and only if f ′ ( a ) ≤ f ′ ( b )
whenever a ≤ b.
The discussion of convex and concave using calculus will be continued in the
next section, but let us end this section with some discussion on concave
functions from a geometric point of view.
We say that a function is concave if the set of all points which are on or below
the graph of the function is a convex set. We may say that a function f is
concave if and only if –f is convex. Hence from this, we see that the properties
of a concave function can be derived from the corresponding properties of
convex functions. Thus,a function f is concave if and only if
f (α x1 + (1 − α ) x2 ) ≥ α f ( x1 ) + (1 − α ) f ( x2 )

198
If f is a differentiable concave function, then Concave and Convex
Functions
f ( a + h ) ≤ f ( a ) + hf ′ ( a )

Also, we say that a function f is strictly concave if –f is strictly convex.

In the next section we move to a discussion of convex and concave functions
using properties from calculus, particularly second derivatives.We will see that
if a differentiable function is strictly convex over some interval, then its second
derivative is positive over that interval. We will also see that if a differentiable
function is strictly concave over some interval, then its second derivative is
negative over that interval.
Check Your Progress 1
1) What do you understand by a convex combination? Use the concept of
convex combination to explain the concept of a convex set.
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
2) In what way is the word ‘convex’ as used in the context of a convex set
different from the way the word convex is used in the context of a convex
function?
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
3) What is the relation between a convex function and convex set?
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..

11.3 CONCAVE AND CONVEX FUNCTIONS AND

THEIR CHARACTERISTICS
You will now be asked to recall the basic properties and techniques of
differentiation that you studied in earlier units in order to understand this
section. We briefly touched upon the meaning of a convex function in the
previous section in the context of a convex set. In this section we discuss in
199
Single-Variable detail the concept of convex and concave functions using the tools of
Optimisation differential calculus and see what substantial mathematical meaning is imbued
in the concept of a convex function and how it is useful to understand functions
in Economics.

Let us, by way of preamble, mention that convex and concave functions have
to do with the second derivative of functions. So as background let us recall
dy
that if we have y = f(x) as a function, then f ′( x ) = is also a function of x.
dx
Now if we take the derivative of f ′(x ) then it is a derivative of the first
derivative of y and is called the second derivative of y. It is denoted in several
d (dy / dx) d [ f ′( x)] d 2 y
different ways: or or 2 or f ′′( x ) .
dx dx dx

Just as the first derivative is a function whose derivative can be found (called
the second derivative), the second derivative, too, is a function whose
derivative can be found (and is called the third derivative, denoted by f ′′′(x ) .

If the first two derivatives of a function exist, we say that the function is twice-
differentiable. Twice-differentiable functions are very useful in Economics.

11.3.1 Concave and Convex Functions

Let us first understand how the sign of the first-derivative determines whether a
function is increasing or decreasing:

f ′( x ) ≥ 0 on (a, b ) ⇔ f ( x ) is increasing on (a, b) .

Similarly, f ′( x ) ≤ 0 on (a, b) ⇔ f (x ) is decreasing on (a, b) .

Where, symbol “⟺” stands for “if and only if ” expression.
Now the second derivative is the derivative of the first derivative. The second
derivative being non-negative in an interval, in analogy to the statement
above,would mean that the first derivative would be increasing in that interval.
We can state the relationship between the sign of the second derivative and
whether the first derivative is increasing or not as below:
f ′′( x ) ≥ 0 on (a, b ) ⇔ f ′( x ) is increasing on (a, b )

Similarly, f ′′(x ) ≤ 0 on (a, b ) ⇔ f ′( x ) is decreasing on (a, b) .

Let us recall that the first derivative measures the slope of the tangent at that
point on the curve f. Hence, first derivative increasing means that the slope of
the tangent line is increasing. This means that as x increases, the slope at the
tangent to the curve f(x) gets progressively steeper. The change in the steepness
of the tangent line leads us towards the idea of convexity using second-order
derivatives.

Let us consider a function f (x) = x2. Its first derivative is 2x and the second
derivative is 2. In the domain x< 0, we have f`′(x) = 2x but since x < 0, 2x< 0.
So in the domain x< 0, f (x) = x2 falls. As x increases, the slope falls in absolute
value which means that since the slope is negative, the value of the slope is
actually increasing in x. Thus the second derivative is positive. We state that a
200
twice differentiable function f (x)is convex if, at all points on its domain, Concave and Convex
f ′′( x ) ≥ 0 . A twice differentiable function f (x) is strictly convex if f ′′(x ) > 0 , Functions

except possibly at a single point. For example, consider the function f (x) = x4.
It’s second derivative is 12x2, which is positive for all x except x = 0 where the
second derivative becomes zero.

Now consider the function f (x) = 10 – x2. We see that the first derivative is –
2x and the second derivative is – 2. Thus this function is decreasing in x for all
x> 0 and is increasing in x for all x< 0. The slope, however, is falling for all
values of x. This means that when f`′(x) > 0, it is becoming less steep, while
when f`′(x) < 0 the function is becoming more steep in absolute value, but the
slope is becoming more negative. Since the function f (x) = 10 – x2 has a
negative second derivative, it has properties that are opposite of those of a
convex function. It is a concave function. A twice differentiable function f (x)
is concave if f ′′( x ) ≤ 0 on all points of its domain. Also, a twice differentiable
function f (x) is strictly concave if f ′′( x ) < 0 on all points of its domain except
possibly at a single point.

Two points can be made here. First, a linear function, since it has a second
derivative equal to zero, satisfies the condition for both a convex function as
well as a concave function. Secondly, since multiplying by – 1 reverses an
inequality, we could say that f (x) is concave if – f (x) is convex, and that f (x) is
strictly concave if – f (x) is strictly convex.

Suppose we consider an interval I and assume that f (x) is continuous in I and is

twice-differentiable in the interior of I (denoted by I0 — interior means
boundary points of the interval are excluded). Then we can state the following
definitions:

A function f is convex on I ⇔ f ′′( x ) ≥ 0 for all x in I 0

A function f is concave on I ⇔ f ′′( x ) ≤ 0 for all x in I 0

Till now we have considered convex and concave functions over an interval. It
would be interesting to see what can be said about convexity and concavity at a
particular point. The sign of the second derivative at a point x = a provides
some useful information. If f ′′(a ) is positive, then f (x) is changing at an
increasing rate as x increases through a, and the slope of the tangent to the
curve y = f (x) increases as we pass through the point x = a. The tangent to the
curve turns in an anticlockwise direction and the curve is convex from below
when viewed at this point. On the other hand, if f ′′(a ) is negative, then f (x)
changes at a decreasing rate, the slope turns in the clockwise direction, and the
curve is concave from below at the point where x = a. These results
concerning the second derivative are independent of the value of f ′(a ) and
whether the tangent to the curve slopes upwards, downwards or is horizontal at
the point x = a. Therefore

i) f ′′(a ) ≥ 0 implies that the function changes at an increasing rate as the

function passes through point a and the function is convex from below at
the point x = a.

201
Single-Variable ii) f ′′(a ) ≤ 0 implies that the function changes at a decreasing rate as the
Optimisation
function passes through point a and the function is concave from below at
the point x = a.

The numerical value of f ′′(a ) shows how quickly the change in the value of
f(x) changes and how great is the curvature of the curve y = f(x)at the point x =
a.
11.3.2 Points of Inflection
The functions which we study in Economics sometimes have the property that
they are convex in some part of the domain but concave in other parts. Such
points where a function changes from being concave to being convex, or from
being convex to being concave, are called inflection points. The curve changes
from one side of the tangent to the other side of the tangent. In short, x = k is an
inflection point, if f ′′( x ) changes sign at x = k. We call the point [k, f(k)] an
inflection point on the graph.

The point k is an inflection point for a twice-differentiable function f if there is

an interval (a, b) containing k such that one of the following two conditions
holds:

i) f ′′( x ) ≥ 0 if a < x < k and f ′′( x ) ≤ 0 if k < x < b , or

ii) f ′′( x ) ≤ 0 if a < x < k and f ′′( x ) ≥ 0 if k < x < b

The most important property of a point of inflection is that it marks a change in

curvature, from convex to concave as we move from left to right through the
point of inflection, or conversely.
Apart from the change in curvature property, another property of inflection
points is that an inflection point always corresponds to an extreme value
(maxima or minima) of the slope of the tangent to the curve. You will of
course, study maxima and minima in greater detail in the next unit. For any
function f (x), at the point where the maxima or minima of f(x) occurs, the first
derivative of f(x) = 0. In the case of inflection, we are talking of the maxima or
minima of the slope of the tangent to the curve at that point. Now, if we have a
function f(x), the slope of the tangent to f(x) is f ′(x ) , then its first derivative is
f ′′( x ) , and this has to be 0. Further the value of f ′′( x ) must change in sign as x
increases through the point of inflection. We can thus restate the criteria for a
point of inflection. If k is a point of inflection, then:
i) If k is an inflection point for f (x), then f ′′(k ) = 0

ii) If f ′′(k ) = 0 and f ′′(x) changes sign at k, then k is an inflection point.

The first is a necessary condition for a point of inflection, and the second is a
sufficient one.
If f(x) has a third derivative then an alternative criterion can be given in terms
of the third derivative. If f ′′′(k ) is negative at a point where f ′′(k ) = 0 then
f ′(x ) is maximum at x = k (note that we are not saying that f (x) is maximum
but that f ′(x ) is maximum). If the third derivative is positive, then f ′(x ) is
minimum at x = k.
202
 Concave and Convex
11.4 QUASI-CONCAVITY AND QUASI- Functions
CONVEXITY
Let us now discuss the concept of quasi-concavity and quasi-convexity. In next
section, we will get to know the application of concavity and convexity of a
function in Economics. Before that we discuss here a weaker requirement for
several Economic situations. This condition is called quasi-concavity and
quasi-convexity. Quasi-concavity and quasi-convexity, just like concavity and
convexity, can be either strict or non-strict. What do quasi-concavity and quasi-
convexity mean? Let us look at it geometrically:

Let x and y be two distinct points in the domain of a function f, and let the
segment xy in the domain of the function give rise to the arc CD on the graph
of the function. Suppose point D is higher or equal in height to point C. Then
the function is said to be quasi-concave if all points on the arc CD (other than
C and D) are higher than or equal in height at point C. The function f would be
a quasi-convex one if all points on the arc CD are equal to or lower in height at
point D. The function f would be strictly quasi-concave (quasi-convex) if all
points on the arc are strictly higher than point C (lower than point D). We may
state here that any strictly quasi-concave (strictly quasi-convex) is quasi-
concave (quasi-convex) but the converse is not true. Usually, a quasi-concave
function that is not concave has a shape like a bell or like a portion of a bell,
and a quasi-convex has a shape like an inverted bell. A concave function is a
little like a dome and a convex function like an inverted dome.

Now let us convert these geometric characterisations into an algebraic

definition of quasi-concavity and quasi-convexity. A function f is quasi-
concave if and only if, for any distinct points x and y in the convex set domain
of f, and for 0 < λ < 1,

( )≥ ( )⇒ [ + (1 − ) ] ≥ ( )
A function is quasi-convex if and only if, for any distinct points x and y in the
convex set domain of f, and for 0 < λ < 1,

f ( y ) ≥ f ( x ) ⇒ f  λ x + (1 − λ ) y  ≤ f ( y )

To adapt this definition to strict quasi-concavity and strict quasi-convexity,

change the weak inequalities into strict inequalities.From these definitions, we
can state three results:
Result 1: If f(x) quasi-concave (strictly quasi-concave), then –f(x) is quasi-
convex (strictly quasi-convex).
Result 2: Any concave (convex) function is quasi-concave (quasi-convex) but
the converse is not true. Similarly any strictly concave (strictly
convex) function is strictly quasi-concave (strictly quasi-convex)
but the converse is not true.
Result 3: If a function f(x) is linear, then it is quasi-concave as well as quasi-
convex.
Check Your Progress 2
1) Comment upon the Convexity/concavity of the following functionsover
the set of non-negative real numbers.
203
Single-Variable
i) ( )=− + 5 − 10
Optimisation

……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
ii) ( )=5 −7
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..

iii) ( )=
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
2) Describe the concavity and/or convexity of f(x) = 7 − 42 + 12 +
97 over its domain?
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
3) The notion of Quasiconcavity is weaker than the notion of Concavity, do
you agree?
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
4) For what value of pand q will the graph of the function given by
f(x) = px3 + qx2 pass through (−1, 1) and has an inflection point at x = ?

……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..

204
 Concave and Convex
11.5 ECONOMIC APPLICATIONS OF Functions
CONVEXITY AND CONCAVITY
In Economics, convexity is one of the most important mathematical properties.
For example, in utility maximisation problems, an optimal basket of goods
occurs where the consumer's convex preference set is supported by his budget
constraint. For a given utility function, and any reference bundle X (x, y),
where x and y are the two goods— the set of all the bundles which are at least
as good as bundle X, is usually assumed to be the upper level set which is the
convex set. This upper level set consists of the consumer’s indifference curve
(IC) and all the set of x and y lying above it (Refer shaded region in Figure
11.3). This assumption of convexity simply means that consumer attains higher
utility from consuming a convex combination of two goods than the extreme
bundles, that is, if consumer is indifferent between bundles A and B then she
prefers the average bundle C, given by A + (1 − ) B for ∈ [0, 1]to either A
or B. Convex preferences results in ICs which are convex to the origin. By
convexity, C = A + (1 − ) B lies on a higher indifference curve, for ∈ [0,
1].

y
A Consumer’s upper-level
C Convex Set

Consumer’s Indifference curve:

B
x
Figure 11.3: Indifference Curve and Convex Set

If the preference set is convex, then the consumer's set of optimal decisions is a
convex set, for example, a unique optimal basket (or even a line segment of
optimal baskets). If a preference set is non-convex, then some prices produce a
budget supporting two different optimal consumption decisions (for instance,
happens when consumer faces a choice between two substitutes). The
indifference curve (IC) shows different combinations of two goods, here x and
y, giving equal level of satisfaction (or utility) to the consumer. Notice it is
downward (negative) sloping and convex-shaped. Slope of an IC is the
Marginal Rate of Substitution (MRS)— the rate at which a consumer is willing
∆! #! $%&
to trade good x for good y, MRS = or or , where MUx and MUy refer
∆" #" $%'
to the Marginal utility from consumption of additional units of good x and
(% (%
good y, respectively, [MUx = (" and MUy = (! , for a utility function U(x, y)]
(refer Figure 11.4).Downward or a negative slope of IC implies that an increase
in consumption of one good must be accompanied by decrease in consumption
of another good, so as to keep the satisfaction level constant.

Convexity of the curve is a reflection of a diminishing MRS, which simply

means that, as consumption of any one good increases more and more, the
205
Single-Variable individual will prefer to sacrifice lesser and lesser amounts of consumption of
Optimisation
# !
the other good, that is ≥ 0. This implies that slope of the tangent to the
#"
curve declines as we move down the indifference curve (refer Figure 11.5).

Good y

Good y
∆+
MRS = P
∆,

∆+ Q
R
∆x
IC IC

0 Good x 0 Good x

Figure 11.4: Slope of an Indifference Curve Figure 11.5: Diminishing MRS

The above property of a downward sloping and a convex-shaped curve also

holds for an isoquant showing efficient combinations of two inputs (or factors)
say— labor (L) and capital (K) that produce same level of output. In this case,
slope is the Marginal Rate of Technical Substitution (MRTS)—the quantity of
K that a firm is willing to sacrifice for employing an additional quantity of L to
produce the same level of output. Downward slope results from the assumption
of positive marginal productivities of the factors, which imply that an increase
in quantity of a factor leads to positive increase in output. So in order to keep
output level constant along an isoquant, increasing quantity of one factor must
be accompanied by decreasing the quantity of other factor. Convexity of an
isoquant results due to the principle of diminishing MRTS, i.e., MRTS declines
as we move down on the isoquant.

Now we consider an Economic application of concavity property. A production

function Q = f (L, K) gives the amount of output Q that can be produced with
given inputs (Labour, L and capital, K). The short run production function
holds one of the factor as fixed (here, we consider K as fixed) and gives the
total output produced by varying units of L, i.e. Q = f (L). Slope of short-run
#)
production function, that is, is the Marginal Product (MP) of labour, which
#*
equals the additional output produced by one more labour. The positive slope
of the curve indicates the fact that MP is never negative (refer Figure 11.6). In
the initial output range, i.e. till point A, labour additions results in increasing
returns, that is, MP rises— this can be the result of increasing specialisation.
However, after point A, additional units of labour input cause diminishing
returns, that is, MP starts falling. This is depicted by the concave shape of the
production function after point A. This is what is referred to as the law of
diminishing marginal returns— as a firm increases more of any one input (here
206 L) while holding other input fixed (here K), the MP of the input being added
will eventually decline. Reason for declining MP could be, as more labour is Concave and Convex
Functions
employed, increasingly more workers end up sharing fixed units of capital, so
eventually each worker will be less productive.
Q (output)

Q = f (L)

L0 L (labour)

Figure 11.5: Short-runProduction function

Another important concave function is the Production possibility curve (PPC,

also called a production possibility frontier, PPF), representing all the possible
combinations of two goods (here, x and y) that an economy can produce given
fixed amount of resources and technology, and efficient use of these resources.
#!
Such a curve is depicted in Figure 11.7. The slope of the PPF ( ) at a given
#"
point is the amount of good y that would have to be sacrificed to produce an
additional unit of good x. In other words, it is the opportunity cost of getting an
additional unit of good x. This opportunity cost equals the absolute value of the
slope of the PPF. The downward sloping PPF highlights the fact that there is a
trade-off between the two goods. This demonstrates the principle of scarcity, as
per which, producing more of good xrequires shifting resources out of good y
production and thus producing fewer units of good y. The concave shape of the
curve illustrates the law of increasing opportunity cost, which holds that as an
economy moves along its PPF in the direction of producing more of a
particular good, the opportunity cost of additional units of that good will
increase, that is, the sacrifice of the other good will be more and more. Notice
in the figure, as we move from point A to B to C to D, the sacrifice for
additional units of good x in terms of good y is increasing.

207
Single-Variable
Optimisation

Good y
A
11 B
10 C
8
D
5

PPC/PPF

0 1 2 3 4 Good x
Figure 11.7: Production Possibility Curve

Check Your Progress 3

1) Given the following utility functions, determine whether they obey the
assumption of diminishing MRS:
i) U (x, y) = 5x + y
ii) U (x, y) = -
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
2) Consider an individual for whom extremes are better than averages. What
would an indifference curve look like? Would it still imply diminishing
marginal rates of substitution?
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
3) Why is the production possibility downward sloping and concave?
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
208
 Concave and Convex
11.6 LET US SUM UP Functions

This was the first of the two units in this fourth Block of your present course.
The Block is on single-variable optimisation, and this unit has concepts and
ideas to help you prepare for the next unit on optimisation methods.

The current unit discussed in detail the very important concept of Convex Sets
and Convexity. Applications of Concave and Convex functions occur
frequently in Economics and are a foundation for optimisation, which is a
central and recurrent idea in Economics.

The unit began by explaining the idea of a convex combination and then used
that to introduce you to the concept of a convex set. The unit then moved to a
description of the relationship between a convex set and a convex function. In
the next section a calculus based discussion of convex and concave functions
using second derivatives was presented. It was seen that convex and concave
functions can be either increasing or decreasing. The conditions and criteria of
convex and concave functions were presented. This section also presented a
discussion of inflection points which are points at which the second derivative
is zero, and the curvature of the curve changes from convex to concave, or
vice-versa.

The subsequent section presented a property that may be present in certain

functions, and which provide a weaker requirement for certain Economic
conditions. This was the concept of quasi-concavity and quasi-convexity. Both
geometric and algebraic explanations were provided about the concept of
quasi-concavity and quasi-convexity. Finally the unit presented the application
of concavity and convexity in Economics citing examples of Indifference
curves, isoquants, short-run production function, production possibility curve.

11.7 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

EXERCISES
Check Your Progress 1
1) A convex combination of an indexed subset {v0, v1, . . . , vD} of a vector
space is any weighted average λ0v0 + λ1v1 + . . . + λDvD, for some indexed
set of non-negative real numbers {λD} satisfying the equation λ0 + λ1 + . .
. + λD = 1. A set for which every convex combination lies within the set is
a convex set.

2) Although convex functions and convex sets are related concept, they are
also distinct concepts. In describing a function the word convex denotes
how the curve or surface bends itself, that is it talks about the bulge. In
the context of a set, the word convex specifies how the points in the set
are ‘stacked’ together, that is how dense is the set.

3) A convex function is a function with the property that the set of points
which are on or above its graph is a convex set. In terms of the definition
of a convex set that we just saw, a function is a convex function if it has
the property that the chord joining any two points on its graph lies on or

209
Single-Variable above the graph. For a function that is convex, the set above the function
Optimisation must be convex.

Check Your Progress 2

1) i) Strictly Concave
ii) Strictly Convex
1
iii) Strictly Concave. Hint: f "(x) = − , has a negative second
4- 3
derivative for all non-negative real numbers.
2) Hint:f '(x) = 21x2 − 84x + 12 and f "(x) = 42x –84
Convexity requires f "(x) > 0 ⟹ 42 – 84> 0 ⟹x> 2. Thus, function is
strictly convex for all x> 2, and thus strictly concave for all x< 2.
3) Yes, the notion of quasiconcavity is weaker than the notion of concavity.
This is because every concave function is quasiconcave, but a quasiconcave
function may not be concave.
4) Given that graph pass through (−1,1) ⟹f(−1) = 1⟹ −p + q = 1 …(1)
Now, f'(x) = 3px2 + 2qx and f"(x) = 6px + 2q.

f (x) having inflection point at ⟹ f"( ) = 0

⟹3p+ 2q = 0 …(2)

Solving equations (1) and (2), we get p = − , q = .

Check Your Progress 3

1) i) No, the given utility function portrays constant MRS. Hint: MRS =
$%&
⟹
$%'

ii) Yes, MRS is diminishing for this utility function. Hint: MRS =
$%& !
⟹ " . As we move down the IC, that is, as consumption of good
$% '
x increases, the denominator gets bigger and MRS decreases.
2) The indifference curve for such an individual would bend away from the
origin and not towards it, that is, it will be concave-shaped instead of
convex. MRS is no longer diminishing along the indifference curve, that is,
the indifference curve exhibits increasing MRS.
3) Refer section 11.5 and answer.

210