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Egwald Economics: Microeconomics

Cost Functions

by

Elmer G. Wiens

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Cost Functions:  Cobb-Douglas Cost | Normalized Quadratic Cost | Translog Cost | Diewert Cost | Generalized CES-Translog Cost | Generalized CES-Diewert Cost | References and Links

M. Generalized CES-Translog Cost Function

This web page replicates the procedures used to estimate the parameters of a Translog cost function to approximate a CES cost function. To determine the Translog's efficacy in estimating varying elasticities of substitution among pairs of inputs, on this web page we approximate a Generalized CES cost function with the Translog cost function.

Unlike the CES cost function, the Generalized CES cost function is not necessarily homothetic. Consequently, when we estimate the Translog cost function directly, we do not impose the homothetic conditions as we did when we approximated the CES cost function with the Translog cost function.

The three factor Translog (total) cost function is:

ln(C(q;wL,wK,wM)) = c + cq * ln(q) + cL * ln(wL) + cK * ln(wK) + cM * log(wM)              
                  + .5 * [dqq * ln(q)^2 + dLL * ln(wL)^2 + dKK * ln(wK)^2 + dMM * ln(wM)^2]
                  + .5 * [(dLK + dKL) * ln(wL)*ln(wK) + (dLM + dML) * ln(wL)*ln(wM) + (dKM + dMK) * ln(wK)*log(wM)]
                  + dLq * ln(wL)*ln(q) + dKq * ln(wK)*ln(q) + dMq * ln(wM)*ln(q)
        (**)

an equation linear in its 18 parameters, c, cq, cL, cK, cM, dqq, dLL, dKK, dMM, dLK, dKL, dLM, dML, dKM, dMK, dLq, dKq, and dMq.

We shall use two methods to obtain estimates of the parameters:

          À1: Estimate the parameters the cost function by way of its factor share functions — requires data relating output quantities to (cost minimizing) factor inputs, and input prices,

          À2: Estimate the parameters of the cost function directly — requires data relating output quantities to total (minimum) cost and input prices.

We shall use the three factor Generalized CES production function to generate the required cost data, yielding a data set relating output, q, and factor prices, wL, wK, and wM, [randomized about the base prices (wL*, wK*, wM*)]   to the Generalized CES cost minimizing factor inputs, L, K, and M. The base factor prices and the randomizing distribution are specified in the form below.

The three factor Generalized CES production function is:

q = A * [alpha * L^-rhoL + beta * K^-rhoK + gamma *M^-rhoM]^(-nu/rho) = f(L,K,M).

where L = labour, K = capital, M = materials and supplies, and q = product.

The parameter nu permits one to adjust the returns to scale, while the parameter rho is the geometric mean of rhoL, rhoK, and rhoM:

rho = (rhoL * rhoK * rhoM)^1/3.

If rho = rhoL = rhoK = rhoM, we get the standard CES production function. If also, rho = 0, ie sigma = 1/(1+rho) = 1, we get the Cobb-Douglas production function.

Generalized CES Elasticity of Scale of Production:

εLKM = ε(L,K,M) = (nu / rho) * (alpha * rhoL * L^-rhoL + beta * rhoK * K^-rhoK + gamma * rhoM * M^-rhoM) / (alpha * L^-rhoL + beta * K^-rhoK + gamma * M^-rhoM).

See the Generalized CES production function.



À1:   Estimate the factor share equations separately.

Taking the partial derivative of the cost function, C(q;wL,wK,wM), with respect to an input price, we get the (nonlinear) factor demand function for that input:

∂C/∂wL = L(q; wL, wK, wM),

∂C/∂wK = K(q; wL, wK, wM),

∂C/∂wM = M(q; wL, wK, wM)

The (total) cost of producing q units of output equals the sum of the factor demand functions weighted by their input prices:

C(q;wL,wK,wM)   =   wL * L(q; wL, wK, wM) + wK * K(q; wL, wK, wM) + wM * M(q; wL, wK, wM),

Write the factor share functions as:

sL(q;wL,wK,wM) = wL * L(q; wL, wK, wM) / C(q;wL,wK,wM) = wL * ∂C/∂wL / C(q;wL,wK,wM) = (∂ln(C)/∂wL )/ (∂ln(wL)/∂wL) = ∂ln(C)/∂ln(wL),

sK(q;wL,wK,wM)= wK * K(q; wL, wK, wM) / C(q;wL,wK,wM) = wK * ∂C/∂wK / C(q;wL,wK,wM) = (∂ln(C)/∂wK )/ (∂ln(wK)/∂wK) = ∂ln(C)/∂ln(wK),

sM(q;wL,wK,wM)= wM * M(q; wL, wK, wM) / C(q;wL,wK,wM) = wM * ∂C/∂wM / C(q;wL,wK,wM) = (∂ln(C)/∂wM )/ (∂ln(wL)/∂wM) = ∂ln(C)/∂ln(wM).

The Translog factor share functions are:

sL(q;wL,wK,wM) = cL + dLq * ln(q) + dLL * ln(wL) + dLK * ln(wK) + dLM * ln(wM),

sK(q;wL,wK,wM) = cK + dKq * ln(q) + dKL * ln(wL) + dKK * ln(wK) + dKM * ln(wM),

sM(q;wL,wK,wM) = cM + dMq * ln(q) + dML * ln(wL) + dMK * ln(wK) + dMM * ln(wM),

three linear equations in their 15 parameters.

Since it is likely that, as measured numerically, dLK != dKL, dLM != dML, and dKM != dMK, these distinctions are maintained in the factor share equations.

Having obtained the unrestricted estimates of the coefficients of the factor share functions, we shall compute the restricted least squares estimates with dLK = dKL, dLM = dML, and dKM = dMK.

I. Stage 1. Obtain the estimates of the fifteen parameters of the three factor share equations using linear multiple regression.

   Stage 2. Substitute the values of these parameters into the Translog cost function, and estimate its remaining three parameters, c, cq, and dqq, using linear multiple regression.

II. The estimated coefficients of the Translog cost function will vary with the parameters nu, rho, rhoL, rhoK, rhoM, alpha, beta and gamma of the Generalized CES production function.

Set the parameters below to re-run with your own Generalized CES parameters.

The restrictions ensure that the least-cost problems can be solved to obtain the underlying Generalized CES cost function, using the parameters as specified.
Intermediate (and other) values of the parameters also work.

Restrictions:
.8 < nu < 1.1;
-.6 < rhoL = rho < .6;
-.6 < rho < -.2 → rhoK = .95 * rho, rhoM = rho/.95;
-.2 <= rho < -.1 → rhoK = .9 * rho, rhoM = rho / .9;
-.1 <= rho < 0 → rhoK = .87 * rho, rhoM = rho / .87;
0 <= rho < .1 → rhoK = .7 * rho, rhoM = rho / .7;
.1 <= rho < .2 → rhoK = .67 * rho, rhoM = rho / .67;
.2 <= rho < .6 → rhoK = .6 * rho, rhoM = rho / .6;
rho = 0 → nu = alpha + beta + gamma (Cobb-Douglas)
4 <= wL* <= 11,   7<= wK* <= 16,   4 <= wM* <= 10

Generalized CES Production Function Parameters
nu:      
rho:      
Base Factor Prices
wL* wK* wM*
Distribution to Randomize Factor Prices
Use [-2, 2] Uniform distribution    
Use .25 * Normal (μ = 0, σ2 = 1)

The Generalized CES production function as specified:

q = 1 * [0.35 * L^- 0.17647 + 0.4 * K^- 0.11823 + 0.25 *M^- 0.26339]^(-1/0.17647) = f(L,K,M).

The factor prices are distributed about the base factor prices by adding a random number distributed uniformly in the [-2, 2] domain.

III. For these coefficients of the CES Generalized production function, I generated a sequence (displayed in the "Generalized CES-Translog Cost Function" table) of factor prices, outputs, and the corresponding cost minimizing inputs. Then I used these data to estimate the coefficients of each factor share equation separately:

QR Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cL0.3595930.001470.9
dLq0.00021102.887
dLL0.0343540308.814
dLK-0.013430-56.214
dLM-0.0205440-177.106
R2 = 0.9998 R2b = 0.9998 # obs = 31

QR Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cK0.2730320.001359.549
dKq0.0206990285.468
dKL-0.0136470-123.366
dKK0.0305290128.501
dKM-0.017160-148.765
R2 = 0.9999 R2b = 0.9998 # obs = 31

QR Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cM0.3673750.001372.189
dMq-0.020910-221.85
dML-0.0207060-144.001
dMK-0.0170990-55.369
dMM0.0377040251.464
R2 = 0.9999 R2b = 0.9998 # obs = 31

The three estimated factor share functions are:

sL(q;wL,wK,wM) = 0.359593 + 0.000211 * ln(q) + 0.034354 * ln(wL) + -0.01343 * ln(wK) + -0.020544 * ln(wM),

sK(q;wL,wK,wM) = 0.273032 + 0.020699 * ln(q) + -0.013647 * ln(wL) + 0.030529 * ln(wK) + -0.01716 * ln(wM),

sM(q;wL,wK,wM) = 0.367375 + -0.02091 * ln(q) + -0.020706 * ln(wL) + -0.017099 * ln(wK) + 0.037704 * ln(wM)

As estimated, generally dLK != dKL, dLM != dML, and dKM != dMK: Young's Theorem doesn't hold without constraints across equations.

Note: C(q;wL,wK,wM) linear homogeneous in factor prices implies:

1   =?   cL + cK + cM   =   0.359593 + 0.273032 + 0.367375   =   1
0   =?   dLL + dLK + dLM   =   0.034354 + -0.01343 + -0.020544  =   0.000379
0   =?   dKL + dKK + dKM   =   -0.013647 + 0.030529 + -0.01716  =   -0.000278
0   =?   dML + dMK + dMM   =   -0.020706 + -0.017099 + 0.037704  =   -0.000101
0   =?   dLq + dKq + dMq   =   0.000211 + 0.020699 + -0.02091  =   -0

IV. The Restricted Factor Share Equations.

Having obtained the unrestricted estimates of the coefficients of the factor share functions, we compute the restricted least squares estimates with dLK = dKL, dLM = dML, and dKM = dMK.

QR Restricted Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cL0.3602870.000496726.481593
dLq0.0001847.1E-52.596803
dLL0.0343450.000112306.137703
dLK-0.0136040.000102-132.846894
dLM-0.0206248.2E-5-252.95836
cK0.2729130.000759359.394837
dKq0.0207087.3E-5284.1169
dKL-0.0136040.000102-132.846894
dKK0.0305210.000243125.617807
dKM-0.0171450.000106-161.732588
cM0.3672630.000516712.284305
dMq-0.0208987.3E-5-286.006053
dML-0.0206248.2E-5-252.95836
dMK-0.0171450.000106-161.732588
dMM0.0377210.000117322.888705
R2 = 1 R2b = 1 # obs = 93

dLK = dKL, dLM = dML, and dKM = dMK

The three estimated, restricted factor share functions are:

sL(q;wL,wK,wM) = 0.360287 + 0.000184 * ln(q) + 0.034345 * ln(wL) + -0.013604 * ln(wK) + -0.020624 * ln(wM),

sK(q;wL,wK,wM) = 0.272913 + 0.020708 * ln(q) + -0.013604 * ln(wL) + 0.030521 * ln(wK) + -0.017145 * ln(wM),

sM(q;wL,wK,wM) = 0.367263 + -0.020898 * ln(q) + -0.020624 * ln(wL) + -0.017145 * ln(wK) + 0.037721 * ln(wM)

Imposing the dLK = dKL, dLM = dML, and dKM = dM restrictions may distort five necessary C(q;wL,wK,wM) linear homogeneous in factor prices restraints:

1   =?   cL + cK + cM   =   0.360287 + 0.272913 + 0.367263   =   1.000463
0   =?   dLL + dLK + dLM   =   0.034345 + -0.013604 + -0.020624  =   0.000117
0   =?   dKL + dKK + dKM   =   -0.013604 + 0.030521 + -0.017145  =   -0.000228
0   =?   dML + dMK + dMM   =   -0.020624 + -0.017145 + 0.037721  =   -4.7E-5
0   =?   dLq + dKq + dMq   =   0.000184 + 0.020708 + -0.020898  =   -6.0E-6

Let us impose these additional five restraints and re-estimate the Restricted Factor Share Equations:

QR Restricted Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cL0.360570.0001931870.447298
dLq0.0001695.6E-53.020126
dLL0.0342717.9E-5431.425891
dLK-0.0136218.0E-5-170.456918
dLM-0.020656.1E-5-337.176009
cK0.2723020.0001931409.070826
dKq0.0207255.8E-5358.618432
dKL-0.0136218.0E-5-170.456918
dKK0.0307140.000124247.948723
dKM-0.0170938.3E-5-205.403822
cM0.3671280.0001921913.271974
dMq-0.0208945.7E-5-367.089569
dML-0.020656.1E-5-337.176009
dMK-0.0170938.3E-5-205.403822
dMM0.0377438.3E-5456.285509
R2 = 1 R2b = 1 # obs = 93

dLK = dKL, dLM = dML, dKM = dMK
1 = cL + cK + cM
0 = dLL + dLK + dLM
0 = dKL + dKK + dKM
0 = dML + dMK + dMM
0 = dLq + dKq + dMq

The three re-estimated, restricted factor share functions are:

sL(q;wL,wK,wM) = 0.36057 + 0.000169 * ln(q) + 0.034271 * ln(wL) + -0.013621 * ln(wK) + -0.02065 * ln(wM),

sK(q;wL,wK,wM) = 0.272302 + 0.020725 * ln(q) + -0.013621 * ln(wL) + 0.030714 * ln(wK) + -0.017093 * ln(wM),

sM(q;wL,wK,wM) = 0.367128 + -0.020894 * ln(q) + -0.02065 * ln(wL) + -0.017093 * ln(wK) + 0.037743 * ln(wM)

V.  To obtain estimates of the remaining three parameters, c, cq, and dqq, write:

ln(C(q;wL,wK,wM)) - {cL * ln(wL) + cK * ln(wK) + cM * log(wM) + .5 * [dLL * ln(wL)^2 + dKK * ln(wK)^2 + dMM * ln(wM)^2]
+ .5 * [(dLK + dKL) * ln(wL)*ln(wK) + (dLM + dML) * ln(wL)*ln(wM) + (dKM + dMK) * ln(wK)*log(wM)]
+ dLq * ln(wL)*ln(q) + dKq * ln(wK)*ln(q) + dMq * ln(wM)*ln(q)}
= R(q;wL,wK,wM) = c + cq * ln(q) + .5 * dqq * ln(q)^2

Estimate the linear equation:

R(q;wL,wK,wM) = c + cq * ln(q) + .5 * dqq * ln(q)^2

to obtain c, cq, and dqq.

QR Restricted Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
c1.1155280.0001388083.574691
cq101000
dqq0.0209152.3E-5923.81781
R2 = 1 R2b = 1 # obs = 31

1 = cq

VI. The Translog cost function as estimated is:

ln(C(q;wL,wK,wM)) = 1.115528 + 1 * ln(q) + 0.36057 * ln(wL) + 0.272302 * ln(wK) + 0.367128 * log(wM)
+ .5 * [0.020915 * ln(q)^2 + 0.034271 * ln(wL)^2 + 0.030714 * ln(wK)^2 + 0.037743 * ln(wM)^2]
+ .5 * [-0.027242 * ln(wL)*ln(wK) + -0.041301 * ln(wL)*ln(wM) + -0.034185 * ln(wK)*log(wM)]
+ 0.000169 * ln(wL)*ln(q) + 0.020725 * ln(wK)*ln(q) + -0.020894 * ln(wM)*ln(q)           (***)

VII. Check for linear homogeneity:

1   =?   cL + cK + cM   =   0.36057 + 0.272302 + 0.367128   =   1
0   =?   dLL + dLK + dLM   =   0.034271 + -0.013621 + -0.02065  =   -0
0   =?   dKL + dKK + dKM   =   -0.013621 + 0.030714 + -0.017093  =   -0
0   =?   dML + dMK + dMM   =   -0.02065 + -0.017093 + 0.037743  =   -0
0   =?   dLq + dKq + dMq   =   0.000169 + 0.020725 + -0.020894  =   -0

C(q;wL,wK,wM) linear homogeneous in factor prices requires for any t > 0, that C(q;wL,wK,wM) obey:

C(q;t*wL,t*wK,t*wM) = t * C(q;wL,wK,wM)

      For example, with wL = 7, wK = 13, wM = 6, and t = 2:

2 * C(25; 7, 13, 6) = 1412.92 =? 1412.92 = C(25; 14, 26,12).

2 * C(30; 7, 13, 6) = 1722.07 =? 1722.07 = C(30; 14, 26,12).

VIII. Check for homotheticity:

Can we write C(q;wL,wK,wM) as the product of the unit cost function C(1;wL,wK,wM) and a suitable increasing function h(q) with h(0) = 0, and h(1) = 1:

C(q;wL,wK,wM) =? h(q) * C(1;wL,wK,wM)

To do so it is necessary that:

1   =?   cq   =   1,     0   =?   dqq  =   0.020915,

0   =?   dLq  =   0.000169,     0   =?   dKq  =   0.020725,     0   =?   dMq  =   -0.020894.

      For example, with wL = 7, wK = 13, wM = 6, and q = 30, try h(q) = q1/nu with nu = 1:

C(30; 7, 13, 6) = 861.04 =? 722.4 = 30 * 24.08 = 30^1/1 * C(1; 7, 13, 6).

Try it with rho = 0!

IX. 1. The matrix ∇2C of second order partial derivatives of the cost function C(q;wL,wK,wM) is symmetric. To show this, write:

ln(C(q;wL,wK,wM) = C(q;wL,wK,wM), so C(q;wL,wK,wM) = exp(C(q;wL,wK,wM)).

2C/∂q∂wL = dLq/(q*wL) = ∂2C/∂wL∂q,

2C/∂q∂wK = dKq/(q*wK) = ∂2C/∂wK∂q,

2C/∂q∂wM = dMq/(q*wM) = ∂2C/∂wM∂q,

2C/∂wL∂wK = .25 * (dLK+dKL)/(wL*wK) = ∂2C/∂wK∂wL,

2C/∂wL∂wM = .25 * (dLM+dML)/(wL*wM) = ∂2C/∂wM∂wL,

2C/∂wK∂wM = .25 * (dKM+dMK)/(wL*wK) = ∂2C/∂wM∂wK.

        Since the matrix ∇2C(q;wL,wK,wM) is symmetric, the matrix ∇2C(q;wL,wK,wM) is also symmetric.

  2. The cost function C(q;wL,wK,wM) is a concave in factor prices if its Hessian matrix ∇2wwC of second order partial derivatives with respect to factor prices is negative semidefinite.   Following the procedure suggested by Diewert and Wales (1987), write sL = sL(q;wL,wK,wM), sK = sK(q;wL,wK,wM), and sM = sM(q;wL,wK,wM), and the matrices:

D =
dLLdLKdLM
dKLdKKdKM
dMLdMKdMM
S =
sL 0 0
 0sK 0
 0 0sM
SS =
sL*sLsL*sKsL*sM
sK*sLsK*sKsK*sM
sM*sLsM*sKsM*sM
W =
wL 0 0
 0wK 0
 0 0wM

Assuming C(q;wL,wK,wM) > 0, then ∇2wwC is negative semidefinite if and only if the matrix:

H = W * ∇2wwC * W   =   D   -   S   +   SS

is negative semidefinite. See the Mathematical Notes.

  The values of the second order partial derivatives depend on the amount of output, and on factor prices. As an example, consider the case where q = 30, wL = 7, wK = 13, and wM = 6:

W * ∇2wwC * W =
-0.194960.116080.07888
0.11608-0.200910.08483
0.078880.08483-0.16371

The principal minors of H are H1 = -0.194963, H2 = 0.025695, and H3 = -0.

If these principal minors alternate in sign, starting with negative, with H3 <= 0, the matrix H is negative (semi)definite,
and the cost function C(q;wL,wK,wM) is a concave function in factor prices at q = 30, wL = 7, wK = 13, and wM = 6.

The eigenvalues of H are e1 = -0.3144, e2 = -0.2452, and e3 = -0.
H3 = e1 * e2 * e3 = -0.

X. The three estimated factor demand functions are obtained by:

L(q;wL,wK,wM) = sL(q;wL,wK,wM) * C(q;wL,wK,wM) / wL,

K(q;wL,wK,wM) = sK(q;wL,wK,wM) * C(q;wL,wK,wM) / wK,

M(q;wL,wK,wM) = sM(q;wL,wK,wM) * C(q;wL,wK,wM) / wM.

    The estimated factor demand elasticities are obtained by:

εL,wL = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wL) = -1 + sL(q;wL,wK,wM) + dLL / sL(q;wL,wK,wM),

εL,wK = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wK) = sK(q;wL,wK,wM) + dLK / sL(q;wL,wK,wM),

εL,wM = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wM) = sM(q;wL,wK,wM) + dLM / sL(q;wL,wK,wM),

εL,q = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(q) = q * ∂ln(C)/∂q + dLq / sL(q;wL,wK,wM), etc.

      For example, with wL = 7, wK = 13, wM = 6, and q = 30:

εL,wLεL,wKεL,wMεL,q
εK,wLεK,wKεK,wMεK,q
εM,wLεM,wKεM,wMεM,q
-0.54780.32620.22161.0877
0.3185-0.55130.23281.1441
0.28210.3033-0.58541.0125

XI. Uzawa Partial Elasticities of Substitution:

uLK = C(q;wL,wK,wM) * ∂L(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wK / (L(q;wL,wK,wM) * K(q;wL,wK,wM)),

uLM = C(q;wL,wK,wM) * ∂L(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wM / (L(q;wL,wK,wM) * M(q;wL,wK,wM)),

uKL = C(q;wL,wK,wM) * ∂K(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wL / (K(q;wL,wK,wM) * L(q;wL,wK,wM)),

uKM = C(q;wL,wK,wM) * ∂K(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wM / (K(q;wL,wK,wM) * M(q;wL,wK,wM)),

uML = C(q;wL,wK,wM) * ∂M(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wL / (M(q;wL,wK,wM) * L(q;wL,wK,wM)),

uMK = C(q;wL,wK,wM) * ∂M(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wK / (M(q;wL,wK,wM) * K(q;wL,wK,wM)),

    where the partial derivatives of the factor demand functions are:

∂L(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wK = (dLK * C / wK + sL * K) * C / (wL * L * K),

∂L(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wM = (dLM * C / wM + sL * M) * C / (wL * L * M),

∂K(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wL = (dKL * C / wL + sK * L) * C / (wK * K * L),

∂K(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wM = (dKM * C / wM + sK * M) * C / (wK * K * M),

∂M(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wL = (dML * C / wL + sM * L) * C / (wM * M * K),

∂M(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wK = (dMK * C / wK + sM * K) * C / (wM * M * L)

With the dLK = dKL, dLM = dML, and dKM = dMK restrictions in the factor share functions, we get equality of the cross partial elasticities of substitution:

uLK = uKL,    uLM = uML,  and    uKM = uMK.

as seen in the following table.

XII. Table of Results: check that the estimated Translog cost function and input amounts for a given level of output agree with the Generalized CES production function's minimized cost and inputs. Also, compare the Allen partial elasticities of substitution, sLK, sLM, and sMK, with the Uzawa partial elasticities of substitution, uLK, uLM, and uKM.

Generalized CES-Translog Cost Function
À1: Estimate the Translog cost function using restricted factor shares
Parameters: nu = 1, rho = 0.17647, rhoL = 0.17647, rhoK = 0.11823, rhoM = 0.26339
   —   Generalized CES Cost Data   —    —   Translog Cost Data   —   Factor SharesUzawa ElasticitiesW * ∇2wwC * W
obs #qwLwKwM LK MsLKsLMsKMεLKMcostest costest Lest Kest MsLsKsMuLKuLMuKLuKMuMLuMKe1e2e3
1187.4 12.426.1 24.1614.14 23.790.90.790.830.928499.53499.7224.1814.1423.810.3580.3510.2910.890.80.890.830.80.83 -0.309-0.253-0
2198.14 12.37.62 25.5316.45 22.640.90.790.830.932582.73582.925.5516.4522.650.3570.3470.2960.890.80.890.830.80.83 -0.306-0.256-0
3206.32 11.147 29.4516.67 22.640.90.790.830.931530.31530.429.4816.6722.630.3510.350.2990.890.80.890.840.80.84 -0.305-0.257-0
4215.26 14.77.8 38.5314.64 23.080.90.790.830.928597.97598.0238.5414.6523.060.3390.360.3010.890.80.890.840.80.84 -0.305-0.257-0
5228.66 13.95.7 28.1417.27 32.760.890.790.830.922670.44670.4528.1317.2732.780.3630.3580.2790.90.80.90.830.80.83 -0.315-0.245-0
6237.6 14.246.9 33.3417.98 29.750.90.790.830.924714.72714.7233.3417.9829.750.3550.3580.2870.890.80.890.830.80.83 -0.311-0.25-0
7247 13.927.42 36.8818.95 28.90.90.790.830.926736.41736.3736.8818.9528.90.3510.3580.2910.890.80.890.840.80.84 -0.309-0.253-0
8256.84 12.366.52 36.4820.41 31.120.90.790.830.925704.68704.6236.4720.4131.120.3540.3580.2880.890.80.890.830.80.83 -0.31-0.251-0
9267 13.95.44 37.4919.31 37.520.890.790.830.919734.92734.8337.4719.3137.530.3570.3650.2780.90.790.90.830.790.83 -0.315-0.244-0
10277.74 11.385.74 35.0823.56 36.60.890.790.830.923749.62749.5135.0623.5536.610.3620.3580.280.890.80.890.830.80.83 -0.314-0.246-0
11288.34 11.465.26 34.4624.56 40.920.890.790.830.921784.08783.9434.4324.5640.940.3660.3590.2750.90.790.90.830.790.83 -0.317-0.242-0
12295.42 11.647.24 48.9523.83 31.330.90.790.830.926769.56769.4448.9423.8431.310.3450.3610.2950.890.80.890.840.80.84 -0.307-0.254-0
13307 136 43.7924.14 40.130.890.790.830.92861.17861.0443.7824.1440.130.3560.3640.280.890.790.890.830.790.83 -0.314-0.245-0
14315.92 12.247.64 51.5526.04 33.790.90.790.830.925882.1881.9751.5526.0433.780.3460.3610.2930.890.80.890.840.80.84 -0.308-0.253-0
15325.06 14.165.44 56.5721.9 42.570.890.790.830.916827.95827.8256.5521.8942.590.3460.3740.280.890.790.890.840.790.84 -0.315-0.244-0
16338.54 13.487.06 45.7129.21 42.970.890.790.830.9211087.421087.2645.6929.242.980.3590.3620.2790.90.790.90.830.790.83 -0.315-0.245-0
17346.1 11.624.4 48.7526.42 50.830.890.790.830.915828.04827.9348.7426.4250.820.3590.3710.270.90.790.90.830.790.83 -0.319-0.239-0
18355.4 13.167.88 63.8328.15 37.410.90.790.830.9221009.851009.7563.8128.1537.40.3410.3670.2920.890.790.890.840.790.84 -0.309-0.252-0
19366.72 12.045.2 51.6229.64 50.720.890.790.830.916967.5967.3951.6129.6450.710.3590.3690.2730.90.790.90.830.790.83 -0.318-0.24-0
20375.56 13.65.42 62.0227.22 50.120.890.790.830.914986.58986.4962.0127.250.130.350.3750.2750.90.790.90.830.790.83 -0.317-0.242-0
21385.38 11.567.14 65.5232.38 41.320.890.790.830.9221021.821021.7865.5132.3841.320.3450.3660.2890.890.790.890.840.790.84 -0.31-0.250
22397.16 12.024.02 51.5431.36 65.280.890.790.830.9111008.441008.4351.5631.3865.210.3660.3740.260.90.780.90.820.780.82 -0.324-0.232-0
23408.46 136.1 54.2335.81 56.150.890.790.830.9161266.861266.8354.2235.8256.150.3620.3680.270.90.790.90.830.790.83 -0.319-0.239-0
24418.64 146.12 56.4835.65 59.140.890.790.830.9141348.981348.9956.4835.6559.130.3620.370.2680.90.790.90.830.790.83 -0.32-0.238-0
25426.1 12.084.88 63.6133.76 600.890.790.830.9131088.711088.7463.6333.76600.3570.3750.2690.90.780.90.830.780.83 -0.32-0.238-0
26438.78 135.82 56.9538.98 62.810.890.790.830.9141372.251372.3556.9538.9962.80.3640.3690.2660.90.790.90.830.790.83 -0.321-0.236-0
27445.48 13.526.38 78.1534.44 540.890.790.830.9151238.461238.5878.1534.4354.040.3460.3760.2780.90.790.90.840.790.84 -0.316-0.243-0
28457.26 11.227.06 65.9243.75 53.150.890.790.830.9191344.721344.9165.9243.7653.170.3560.3650.2790.90.790.90.830.790.83 -0.315-0.245-0
29467.26 13.344.66 65.4537.2 73.350.890.790.830.9091313.271313.5465.5137.2173.290.3620.3780.260.90.780.90.830.780.83 -0.324-0.232-0
30475.16 11.844.72 77.836.58 65.090.890.790.830.9111141.781141.9877.8536.5765.110.3520.3790.2690.90.780.90.830.780.83 -0.32-0.237-0
31485.8 11.926.84 81.0742.16 55.320.890.790.830.9171351.091351.4281.0942.1655.350.3480.3720.280.890.790.890.840.790.84 -0.315-0.245-0
AVE:336.82 12.716.18 49.9727.18 43.720.890.790.830.92936.19936.249.9727.1843.720.3550.3650.280.890.790.890.830.790.83-0.314-0.245-0




À2:   Estimating the Translog cost function directly.

XIII. If we have a data set relating the input (factor) prices, wL, wK, and wM, to the total (minimum) cost of producing output for varying levels output, but we do not have data on the required levels of inputs, we can estimate the Translog cost function directly. We will use the same sequence (displayed in the "Generalized CES-Translog Cost Function" table) of factor prices, outputs, and total (minimum) cost as used in À1. The estimated coefficients of the cost function will vary with the parameters nu, rho, rhoL, rhoK, rhoM, alpha, beta and gamma of the Generalized CES production function used to generate these data. We impose 5 restrictions on the estimates of the parameters as specified:

SVD Restricted Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
c1.0931540.0004762296.707787
cq1.0131440.0002853557.406386
cL0.360730.0002621377.541433
cK0.2725780.000363750.524013
cM0.3666930.000251464.734875
dqq0.0170678.7E-5195.79156
dLL0.0344130.000174197.710679
dKK0.0304660.00033391.550726
dMM0.0372590.000205182.15811
2*dLK-0.027620.000351-78.758444
2*dLM-0.0412060.00022-187.610265
2*dKM-0.0333120.000461-72.254754
dLq0.0003210.000132.45742
dKq0.0414160.000189219.450511
dMq-0.0417370.000141-295.133351
R2 = 1 R2b = 1 # obs = 31
Observation Matrix Rank: 15

1 = cL + cK + cM
0 = dLL + dLK + dLM
0 = dKL + dKK + dKM
0 = dML + dMK + dMM
0 = dLq + dKq + dMq

XIV. The Translog cost function estimated directly is:

ln(C(q;wL,wK,wM)) = 1.093154 + 1.013144 * ln(q) + 0.36073 * ln(wL) + 0.272578 * ln(wK) + 0.366693 * log(wM)
+ .5 * [0.017067 * ln(q)^2 + 0.034413 * ln(wL)^2 + 0.030466 * ln(wK)^2 + 0.037259 * ln(wM)^2]
+ .5 * [-0.02762 * ln(wL)*ln(wK) + -0.041206 * ln(wL)*ln(wM) + -0.033312 * ln(wK)*log(wM)]
+ 0.000321 * ln(wL)*ln(q) + 0.041416 * ln(wK)*ln(q) + -0.041737 * ln(wM)*ln(q)           (***)

XV. Its three derived factor share functions are:

sL(q;wL,wK,wM) = 0.36073 + 0.000321 * ln(q) + 0.034413 * ln(wL) + -0.01381 * ln(wK) + -0.020603 * ln(wM),

sK(q;wL,wK,wM) = 0.272578 + 0.041416 * ln(q) + -0.01381 * ln(wL) + 0.030466 * ln(wK) + -0.016656 * ln(wM),

sM(q;wL,wK,wM) = 0.366693 + -0.041737 * ln(q) + -206.03 * ln(wL) + -0.016656 * ln(wK) + 0.037259 * ln(wM)

XVI. Notes:
      1. As derived, dLK = dKL, dLM = dML, and dKM = dMK: Young's Theorem holds by construction.

      2. C(q;wL,wK,wM) linear homogeneous in factor prices implies:

1   =?   cL + cK + cM   =   0.36073 + 0.272578 + 0.366693   =   1
0   =?   dLL + dLK + dLM   =   0.034413 + -0.01381 + -0.020603  =   -0
0   =?   dKL + dKK + dKM   =   -0.01381 + 0.030466 + -0.016656  =   0
0   =?   dML + dMK + dMM   =   -0.020603 + -0.016656 + 0.037259  =   -0
0   =?   dLq + dKq + dMq   =   0.000321 + 0.041416 + -0.041737  =   -0

      3. The matrix ∇2C of second order partial derivatives of the cost function C(q;wL,wK,wM) is symmetric.

     4. The cost function C(q;wL,wK,wM) is a concave in factor prices if its Hessian matrix ∇2wwC of second order partial derivatives with respect to factor prices is negative semidefinite.   Following the procedure suggested by Diewert and Wales (1987), write sL = sL(q;wL,wK,wM), sK = sK(q;wL,wK,wM), and sM = sM(q;wL,wK,wM), and the matrices:

D =
dLLdLKdLM
dKLdKKdKM
dMLdMKdMM
S =
sL 0 0
 0sK 0
 0 0sM
SS =
sL*sLsL*sKsL*sM
sK*sLsK*sKsK*sM
sM*sLsM*sKsM*sM
W =
wL 0 0
 0wK 0
 0 0wM

Assuming C(q;wL,wK,wM) > 0, then ∇2wwC is negative semidefinite if and only if the matrix:

H = W * ∇2wwC * W   =   D   -   S   +   SS

is negative semidefinite. See the Mathematical Notes.

  The values of the second order partial derivatives depend on the amount of output, and on factor prices. As an example, consider the case where q = 30, wL = 7, wK = 13, and wM = 6:

W * ∇2wwC * W =
-0.194980.14120.05378
0.1412-0.215290.07409
0.053780.07409-0.12788

The principal minors of H are H1 = -0.19498, H2 = 0.022041, and H3 = 0.

If these principal minors alternate in sign, starting with negative, with H3 <= 0, the matrix H is negative (semi)definite,
and the cost function C(q;wL,wK,wM) is a concave function in factor prices at q = 30, wL = 7, wK = 13, and wM = 6.

The eigenvalues of H are e1 = -0.3483, e2 = -0.1898, and e3 = 0.
H3 = e1 * e2 * e3 = 0.

XVII. Check for linear homogeneity:

C(q;wL,wK,wM) linear homogeneous in factor prices requires for any t > 0, that C(q;wL,wK,wM) obey:

C(q;t*wL,t*wK,t*wM) = t * C(q;wL,wK,wM)

      For example, with wL = 7, wK = 13, wM = 6, and t = 2:

2 * C(25; 7, 13, 6) = 1487.91 =? 1487.91 = C(25; 14, 26,12).

2 * C(30; 7, 13, 6) = 1818.91 =? 1818.91 = C(30; 14, 26,12).

XVIII. Check for homotheticity:

Can we write C(q;wL,wK,wM) as the product of the unit cost function C(1;wL,wK,wM) and a suitable increasing function h(q) with h(0) = 0, and h(1) = 1:

C(q;wL,wK,wM) =? h(q) * C(1;wL,wK,wM)

To do so it is necessary that:

1   =?   cq   =   1.013144,     0   =?   dqq  =   0.017067,

0   =?   dLq  =   0.000321,     0   =?   dKq  =   0.041416,     0   =?   dMq  =   -0.041737.

      As examples:

          a. with wL = 7, wK = 13, wM = 6, and q = 25, try h(q) = q1/nu with nu = 1:

C(25; 7, 13, 6) = 743.96 =? 588.76 = 25 * 23.55 = 25^1/1 * C(1; 7, 13, 6).

          b. with wL = 7, wK = 13, wM = 6, and q = 30, try h(q) = q1/nu with nu = 1:

C(30; 7, 13, 6) = 909.46 =? 706.51 = 30 * 23.55 = 30^1/1 * C(1; 7, 13, 6).

Try it with rho = 0!

XIX. The three derived factor demand functions are obtained by:

L(q;wL,wK,wM) = sL(q;wL,wK,wM) * C(q;wL,wK,wM) / wL,

K(q;wL,wK,wM) = sK(q;wL,wK,wM) * C(q;wL,wK,wM) / wK,

M(q;wL,wK,wM) = sM(q;wL,wK,wM) * C(q;wL,wK,wM) / wM.

    The factor demand elasticities are obtained by:

εL,wL = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wL) = -1 + sL(q;wL,wK,wM) + dLL / sL(q;wL,wK,wM),

εL,wK = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wK) = sK(q;wL,wK,wM) + dLK / sL(q;wL,wK,wM),

εL,wM = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wM) = sM(q;wL,wK,wM) + dLM / sL(q;wL,wK,wM),

εL,q = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(q) = q * ∂ln(C)/∂q + dLq / sL(q;wL,wK,wM), etc.

      For example, with wL = 7, wK = 13, wM = 6, and q = 30:

εL,wLεL,wKεL,wMεL,q
εK,wLεK,wKεK,wMεK,q
εM,wLεM,wKεM,wMεM,q
-0.5470.39610.15091.1042
0.3247-0.49510.17041.1985
0.25770.3551-0.61280.9033

XX. Table of Results: check that the estimated Translog cost function and input amounts for a given level of output agree with the Generalized CES production function's minimized cost and inputs. Also, compare the Allen partial elasticities of substitution, sLK, sLM, and sMK, with the Uzawa partial elasticities of substitution, uLK, uLM, and uKM. Comparing the estimated cost and input amounts obtained from the Translog cost function with the Generalized CES data, one can conclude that method À1 obtains more accurate results than method À2 for rho > 0 and rho < 0. Try it with rho = 0.

Generalized CES-Translog Cost Function
À2: Estimate the Translog cost function directly
Parameters: nu = 1, rho = 0.17647, rhoL = 0.17647, rhoK = 0.11823, rhoM = 0.26339
   —   Generalized CES Cost Data   —    —   Translog Cost Data   —   Factor SharesUzawa ElasticitiesW * ∇2wwC * W
obs #qwLwKwM LK MsLKsLMsKMεLKMcostest costest Lest Kest MsLsKsMuLKuLMuKLuKMuMLuMKe1e2e3
1187.4 12.426.1 24.1614.14 23.790.90.790.830.928499.53521.325.2517.2619.680.3580.4110.230.910.750.910.820.750.82 -0.339-0.2080
2198.14 12.37.62 25.5316.45 22.640.90.790.830.932582.73600.0226.3419.9118.460.3570.4080.2340.910.750.910.830.750.83 -0.337-0.2120
3206.32 11.147 29.4516.67 22.640.90.790.830.931530.31545.7830.3820.218.40.3520.4120.2360.90.750.90.830.750.83 -0.336-0.2130
4215.26 14.77.8 38.5314.64 23.080.90.790.830.928597.97622.2240.1517.9218.920.3390.4230.2370.90.740.90.830.740.83 -0.335-0.2120
5228.66 13.95.7 28.1417.27 32.760.890.790.830.922670.44709.9429.8221.5526.680.3640.4220.2140.910.740.910.820.740.82 -0.346-0.1950
6237.6 14.246.9 33.3417.98 29.750.90.790.830.924714.72749.23522.2624.080.3550.4230.2220.910.740.910.820.740.82 -0.342-0.201-0
7247 13.927.42 36.8818.95 28.90.90.790.830.926736.41767.5238.4923.3923.250.3510.4240.2250.910.740.910.830.740.83 -0.341-0.2030
8256.84 12.366.52 36.4820.41 31.120.90.790.830.925704.68735.438.1225.2724.890.3550.4250.2210.910.740.910.820.740.82 -0.343-0.2-0
9267 13.95.44 37.4919.31 37.520.890.790.830.919734.92783.0439.9924.3730.210.3570.4330.210.910.730.910.820.730.82 -0.348-0.1910
10277.74 11.385.74 35.0823.56 36.60.890.790.830.923749.62785.5936.8129.3928.960.3630.4260.2120.910.730.910.820.730.82 -0.347-0.1930
11288.34 11.465.26 34.4624.56 40.920.890.790.830.921784.08827.5636.4130.932.280.3670.4280.2050.910.730.910.810.730.81 -0.351-0.1870
12295.42 11.647.24 48.9523.83 31.330.90.790.830.926769.56795.3350.6729.4224.630.3450.4310.2240.910.730.910.830.730.83 -0.341-0.2020
13307 136 43.7924.14 40.130.890.790.830.92861.17909.4646.3130.4231.630.3560.4350.2090.910.720.910.820.720.82 -0.348-0.190
14315.92 12.247.64 51.5526.04 33.790.90.790.830.925882.1912.0353.3932.2426.360.3470.4330.2210.910.730.910.830.730.83 -0.342-0.199-0
15325.06 14.165.44 56.5721.9 42.570.890.790.830.916827.95886.7660.6627.9533.840.3460.4460.2080.910.710.910.820.710.82 -0.348-0.1880
16338.54 13.487.06 45.7129.21 42.970.890.790.830.9211087.421139.6847.9736.7333.260.3590.4340.2060.910.720.910.810.720.81 -0.35-0.1880
17346.1 11.624.4 48.7526.42 50.830.890.790.830.915828.04889.0552.4233.9539.730.360.4440.1970.910.710.910.810.710.81 -0.354-0.1790
18355.4 13.167.88 63.8328.15 37.410.90.790.830.9221009.851048.566.3635.1128.950.3420.4410.2180.910.720.910.830.720.83 -0.343-0.1960
19366.72 12.045.2 51.6229.64 50.720.890.790.830.916967.51029.8555.0337.8939.190.3590.4430.1980.910.710.910.810.710.81 -0.353-0.180
20375.56 13.65.42 62.0227.22 50.120.890.790.830.914986.581056.8566.5434.9539.020.350.450.20.910.710.910.810.710.81 -0.351-0.1820
21385.38 11.567.14 65.5232.38 41.320.890.790.830.9221021.821059.4368.0440.4931.560.3460.4420.2130.910.720.910.820.720.82 -0.346-0.1920
22397.16 12.024.02 51.5431.36 65.280.890.790.830.9111008.441096.256.1341.0150.080.3670.450.1840.920.690.920.80.690.8 -0.36-0.1680
23408.46 136.1 54.2335.81 56.150.890.790.830.9161266.861342.557.5645.8442.560.3630.4440.1930.910.710.910.810.710.81 -0.355-0.1760
24418.64 146.12 56.4835.65 59.140.890.790.830.9141348.981437.9160.3145.8944.830.3620.4470.1910.910.70.910.80.70.8 -0.356-0.1740
25426.1 12.084.88 63.6133.76 600.890.790.830.9131088.711167.9868.3743.6945.710.3570.4520.1910.910.70.910.810.70.81 -0.356-0.1740
26438.78 135.82 56.9538.98 62.810.890.790.830.9141372.251461.2760.7550.2647.170.3650.4470.1880.920.70.920.80.70.8 -0.358-0.1710
27445.48 13.526.38 78.1534.44 540.890.790.830.9151238.461313.4283.0144.1341.040.3460.4540.1990.910.70.910.820.70.82 -0.351-0.1810
28457.26 11.227.06 65.9243.75 53.150.890.790.830.9191344.721394.7568.4955.1939.420.3570.4440.20.910.710.910.810.710.81 -0.352-0.1820
29467.26 13.344.66 65.4537.2 73.350.890.790.830.9091313.271427.8971.3348.9255.230.3630.4570.180.920.680.920.80.680.8 -0.361-0.1640
30475.16 11.844.72 77.836.58 65.090.890.790.830.9111141.781228.6883.947.6149.160.3520.4590.1890.910.690.910.810.690.81 -0.356-0.1720
31485.8 11.926.84 81.0742.16 55.320.890.790.830.9171351.091412.4784.953.5741.150.3490.4520.1990.910.70.910.820.70.82 -0.351-0.1810
AVE:336.82 12.716.18 52.8734.44 33.880.890.790.830.92936.19988.9552.8734.4433.880.3550.4370.2080.910.720.910.820.720.82-0.348-0.1890




Mathematical Notes

1. The Translog Cost Function:

ln(C(q;wL,wK,wM)) = c + cq * ln(q) + cL * ln(wL) + cK * ln(wK) + cM * log(wM)              
                  + .5 * [dqq * ln(q)^2 + dLL * ln(wL)^2 + dKK * ln(wK)^2 + dMM * ln(wM)^2]
                  + .5 * [(dLK + dKL) * ln(wL)*ln(wK) + (dLM + dML) * ln(wL)*ln(wM) + (dKM + dMK) * ln(wK)*log(wM)]
                  + dLq * ln(wL)*ln(q) + dKq * ln(wK)*ln(q) + dMq * ln(wM)*ln(q)
        (**)

2. The Factor Share Functions:

∂ln(C)/∂ln(wL) = (∂ln(C)/∂wL )/ (∂ln(wL)/∂wL) = (1 / C(q;wL,wK,wM)) * ∂ln(C)/∂wL * wL = wL * L(q; wL, wK, wM) / C(q;wL,wK,wM) = sL(q;wL,wK,wM),

∂ln(C)/∂ln(wK) = (∂ln(C)/∂wK )/ (∂ln(wK)/∂wK) = (1 / C(q;wL,wK,wM)) * ∂ln(C)/∂wK * wK = wK * K(q; wL, wK, wM) / C(q;wL,wK,wM) = sK(q;wL,wK,wM),

∂ln(C)/∂ln(wM) = (∂ln(C)/∂wM )/ (∂ln(wM)/∂wM) = (1 / C(q;wL,wK,wM)) * ∂ln(C)/∂wM * wM = wM * M(q; wL, wK, wM) / C(q;wL,wK,wM) = sM(q;wL,wK,wM).

 

sL(q;wL,wK,wM) = cL + dLq * ln(q) + dLL * ln(wL) + dLK * ln(wK) + dLM * ln(wM),

sK(q;wL,wK,wM) = cK + dKq * ln(q) + dKL * ln(wL) + dKK * ln(wK) + dKM * ln(wM),

sM(q;wL,wK,wM) = cM + dMq * ln(q) + dML * ln(wL) + dMK * ln(wK) + dMM * ln(wM),

3. The Factor Demand Functions:

L(q;wL,wK,wM) = sL(q;wL,wK,wM) * C(q;wL,wK,wM) / wL,

K(q;wL,wK,wM) = sK(q;wL,wK,wM) * C(q;wL,wK,wM) / wK,

M(q;wL,wK,wM) = sM(q;wL,wK,wM) * C(q;wL,wK,wM) / wM.

4. The Factor Demand Elasticities:

C = wL * L / sL = wK * K / sK = wM * M / sM,   → sL = (wL * L) * sK / (wK * K) = wL * L / C,    

∂L/∂wL = [(∂sL/∂wL * C + sL * ∂C/∂wL) * wL - (sL * C)(1)] / wL^2 = [(dLL/wL * wL*L/sL + sL * L) * wL - (sL * wL * L/sL)] / wL^2 = (L /wL) * (dLL/sL + sL - 1), so
εL,L = ∂ln(L)/∂ln(wL) = ∂ln(L)/∂wL * ∂wL/∂ln(wL) = ∂L/∂wL * wL/L = (- 1 + sL + dLL/sL).

∂L/∂wK = [(∂sL/∂wK * C + sL * ∂C/∂wK] / wL = [dLK/wK * (wL *L / sL) + ((wL * L) * sK / (wK * K))*K] / wL = [dLK*L/(wK*sL) + L*sK/wK], so
εL,K = ∂ln(L)/∂ln(wK) = ∂ln(L)/∂wK * ∂wK/∂ln(wK) = ∂L/∂wK * wK/L = (sK + dLK/sL).

∂L/∂q = [(∂sL/∂q * C + sL * ∂C/∂q] / wL = [(dLq/q)*(wL*L/sL) + (wL*L/C)*C*(∂ln(C)/∂q)]/wL, so
εL,q = ∂ln(L)/∂ln(q) = ∂ln(L)/∂q * ∂q/∂ln(q) = (∂L/∂q)*(q/L) = q * ∂ln(C)/∂q + dLq / sL,

5. Cost Function C(q;wL,wK,wM) Concave in Factor Prices:

∂ln(C)/∂ln(wL) = sL = wL * L / C = wL * ∂C/∂wL / C → ∂C/∂wL = sL * C / wL,

2ln(C)/∂ln(wL)∂ln(wL) = [(∂wL/∂ln(wL) * ∂C/∂wL + wL * ∂2C/∂wL∂ln(wL)) * C - wL * ∂C/∂wL * ∂C/∂ln(wL)] / C2
          = [(wL * ∂C/∂wL + wL * ∂2C/∂wL∂wL * wL) * C - wL * ∂C/∂wL * ∂C/∂wL * wL] / C2
          = wL * ∂C/∂wL / C - wL * ∂C/∂wL * wL * ∂C/∂wL / C2 + wL * wL * ∂2C/∂wL∂wL / C
          = sL - sL * sL + wL * wL * ∂2C/∂wL∂wL / C = dLL, so

wL * wL * ∂2C/∂wL∂wL / C = dLL - sL + sL * sL

2ln(C)/∂ln(wL)∂ln(wK) = [(∂wL/∂ln(wK) * L + wL * ∂L/∂ln(wK)) * C - wL * L * ∂C/∂ln(wK)] / C2
          = [(0 + wL * ∂2C/∂wL∂wK * wK) * C - wL * L * ∂C/∂wK * wK] / C2
          = - wL * L * wK * K / C2 + wL * wK * ∂2C/∂wL∂wK / C
          = - sL * sK + wL * wK * ∂2C/∂wL∂wK / C = dLK, so

wL * wK * ∂2C/∂wL∂wK / C = dLK + sL * sK

 

 
   

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