The first unit of a product took 50 hours to build, and the learning curve is 85%. How long will it take to make the 10th unit? (Use at least three decimals in the exponent if you use the logarithmic approach.)
A) less than 24 hours
B) from 25 to 30 hours
C) from 30 to 35 hours
D) from 35 to 40 hours
E) more than 40 hours

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The time to produce the nth unit in a learning curve is given by T_n = T_1 * n^b, where T_1 is the time to produce the first unit, n is the unit number, and b is the learning curve index, calculated as b = log(learning percentage) / log(2). For an 85% learning curve, b = log(0.85) / log(2) ≈ -0.234. Thus, the time for the 10th unit, T_10 = 50 * 10^(-0.234) ≈ 28.398 hours, which falls in the range from 25 to 30 hours.

The First Unit of a Product Took 50 Hours to Build