Final answer:
The best production method is determined by calculating the total cost for each method. Method 1 has the lowest total cost and should be used. If the cost of labor rises, Method 1 would still have the lowest total cost.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best production method can be determined by calculating the total cost for each method. Let's calculate it for each method:
Method 1: 50 units of labor x $100/unit + 10 units of capital x $400/unit = $5000 + $4000 = $9000
Method 2: 20 units of labor x $100/unit + 40 units of capital x $400/unit = $2000 + $16000 = $18000
Method 3: 10 units of labor x $100/unit + 70 units of capital x $400/unit = $1000 + $28000 = $29000
Based on the calculations, Method 1 has the lowest total cost and should be used. If the cost of labor rises to $200/unit, the calculations would change as follows:
Method 1: 50 units of labor x $200/unit + 10 units of capital x $400/unit = $10000 + $4000 = $14000
Method 2: 20 units of labor x $200/unit + 40 units of capital x $400/unit = $4000 + $16000 = $20000
Method 3: 10 units of labor x $200/unit + 70 units of capital x $400/unit = $2000 + $28000 = $30000
Again, Method 1 would still have the lowest total cost and should be used.