Plot the points from the table where labor units are on the x-axis and total product (candles per hour) is on the y-axis. Connect the points with a smooth curve. The points are (0,0), (1,18), (2,42), (3,78), (4,112), (5,140), (6,161), (7,173), (8,173), (9,165), (10,150).
On the same graph, plot the MP and AP values. Use a different color or line style to distinguish them from the TP curve. The MP points are (1, 18), (2,24), (3, 36), (4,34), (5,28), (6,21), (7,12), (8,0), (9, -8), (10,-15). The AP points are (1,18), (2,21), (3,26), (4,28), (5,28), (6,26.8), (7, 24.7), (8,21.6), (9, 18.3), (10, 15).
- Increasing Returns: Find the point on the TP curve where the slope is increasing at an increasing rate. This typically occurs early on. Plot a point at labor units = 2. This corresponds to where MP is increasing.
- Diminishing Returns: Find the point on the TP curve where the slope is increasing at a decreasing rate. This occurs after the inflection point where the curve starts to flatten. Plot a point at labor units = 4. This corresponds to where MP is decreasing but positive.
- Negative Returns: Find the point on the TP curve where the slope is negative, meaning total output starts to decrease. Plot a point at labor units = 8. This corresponds to where MP is negative.
The graph should show the TP, MP, and AP curves plotted against labor units. Three points should be marked on the TP curve indicating increasing returns at approximately labor units = 2, diminishing returns at approximately labor units = 4, and negative returns at labor units = 8.