Both an indifference curve and an isoquant (with positive marginal products) are negatively sloped. Which of the following gives the common reason?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → With more of one item, the same satisfaction or the same output is possible only with less of the other item.
On both curves the level stays the same: the same satisfaction on an indifference curve, the same output on an isoquant. So more of one item must go with less of the other, and both curves slope downward.
This question uses Production and Costs and Theory of Consumer Behaviour together.
NCERT (2026-27): “Isoquant … If we fix capital at K1 and increase labour to L3, output increases and we reach a higher isoquant, q = q2. When marginal products are positive, with greater amount of one input, the same level of output can be produced only using lesser amount of the other. Therefore, isoquants are negatively sloped.” Introductory Microeconomics - Chapter 2, Theory of Consumer Behaviour: “Features of Indifference Curve 1. Indifference curve slopes downwards from left to right: An indifference curve slopes downwards from left to right, which means that in order to have more of bananas, the consumer has to forego some mangoes.” |