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A learning curve with an 85% rate means unit time falls to 85% each time cumulative output doubles, so the exponent is log(0.85)/log(2) = -0.234. Starting at 60 minutes, the sixteenth unit takes 31.3 minutes - a 48% reduction after four doublings. Manufacturing rates typically fall between 80% and 95%.
Unit time
T(n) = T(1) x n^b, with b = log(rate) / log(2)
Cumulative time
approximately T(1) x n^(b+1) / (b + 1)
About 80-85% for labour-intensive assembly, 90-95% for machine-paced work where the operator has less influence.
No. It flattens as the process approaches physical limits, so extrapolating many doublings ahead overstates the gains.