Question 1
A factory produces Widgets with a 80% learning curve (each doubling of cumulative production reduces time by 19%).
First unit takes 66 minutes.
Batch sizes (in order): 10, 40, 20 units.
What is the TOTAL production time for all batches (in minutes, rounded to nearest minute)?
Step-by-step solution (Learning Curve):
1. Learning curve formula: T_n = T_1 × n^-0.322
where exponent = log(0.8)/log(2) = -0.322
2. Calculate cumulative time using integration:
Cumulative time for N units = T_1 × N^0.6780719051126377 / (learning_exponent + 1)
3. Time per batch:
Batch 1 (10 units): 46.4 minutes
Batch 2 (40 units): 22.9 minutes
Batch 3 (20 units): 17.7 minutes
4. Total time: 87.0 ≈ 87 minutes
Key Strategy: Learning curve reduces time with repetition; use cumulative average method for batch calculations.
1. Learning curve formula: T_n = T_1 × n^-0.322
where exponent = log(0.8)/log(2) = -0.322
2. Calculate cumulative time using integration:
Cumulative time for N units = T_1 × N^0.6780719051126377 / (learning_exponent + 1)
3. Time per batch:
Batch 1 (10 units): 46.4 minutes
Batch 2 (40 units): 22.9 minutes
Batch 3 (20 units): 17.7 minutes
4. Total time: 87.0 ≈ 87 minutes
Key Strategy: Learning curve reduces time with repetition; use cumulative average method for batch calculations.