If it took 1000 hours to produce the first unit of a product, and the learning curve is 70%, how long will it take to produce units 26 through 50?
A) 12,307 hours
B) 8,404 hours
C) 134 hours
D) 3,903 hours
E) 1,134 hours

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To use the learning curve formula, we need to first find the learning rate (LR), which is the logarithm base 2 of the learning curve percentage divided by negative logarithm base 2 of 2 (since we are doubling the units):

LR = log2(0.70) / -log2(2) = 0.5146

Next, we need to find the unit time (UT), which is the time it takes to produce the first unit:

UT = 1000 hours

Using these values, we can now find the time it takes to produce units 26 to 50:

Time = UT x (26^LR - 50^LR) / (26^LR x (1 - LR))

Time = 1000 x (26^0.5146 - 50^0.5146) / (26^0.5146 x (1 - 0.5146))

Time = 3903 hours

Therefore, the answer is D, 3,903 hours.

If It Took 1000 Hours to Produce the First Unit