The first unit of a product took 50 hours to build, and the learning curve is 80%. How long will it take to make the third unit? (Use at least three decimals in the exponent if you use the logarithmic approach.)
A) under 30 hours
B) about 32 hours
C) about 35 hours
D) about 50 hours
E) about 75 hours

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using the learning curve formula: Y = aX^b, where Y is the time required to build a certain unit, X is the number of units produced, a is the time required to build the first unit, and b is the learning rate in decimal form (80% = 0.80).
For the third unit:
Y = aX^b
Y = (50)(3^0.322)
Y ≈ 35.047
Therefore, it will take about 35 hours to make the third unit, which is closest to answer choice C.

The First Unit of a Product Took 50 Hours to Build