Consider a monopolist facing a linear inverse demand curve p(q) = a- bq, where q denotes units of output and b > 0 represents the slope of the inverse demand curve. This rm faces cost function C (q) = F + cq, where F denotes its fixed costs (can contain sunk costs), c represents the monopolist’s (constant) marginal cost of production and assume a > c ≥ 0. Find the socially optimal output level q* which is the value that maximizes consumer surplus (price equals marginal cost). Is it larger or smaller than the profit maximizing output, qm, that you found in part (a)? Is it true that q* = 2qm? Illustrate qm and q* in a graph where price is the vertical axis and q is the horizontal axis. Be sure to include the MR and MC curves as well as the inverse demand curve.

Survey Of Economics
10th Edition
ISBN:9781337111522
Author:Tucker, Irvin B.
Publisher:Tucker, Irvin B.
Chapter8: Monopoly
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 15SQ
icon
Related questions
Question

Consider a monopolist facing a linear inverse demand curve p(q) = a- bq, where q denotes units of output and b > 0 represents the slope of the inverse demand curve. This rm faces cost function C (q) = F + cq, where F denotes its fixed costs (can contain sunk costs), c represents the monopolist’s (constant) marginal cost of production and assume a > c ≥ 0.

  1. Find the socially optimal output level q* which is the value that maximizes consumer surplus (price equals marginal cost). Is it larger or smaller than the profit maximizing output, qm, that you found in part (a)? Is it true that q* = 2qm?
  2. Illustrate qm and q* in a graph where price is the vertical axis and q is the horizontal axis. Be sure to include the MR and MC curves as well as the inverse demand curve.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps with 3 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Profit Maximization
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, economics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Survey Of Economics
Survey Of Economics
Economics
ISBN:
9781337111522
Author:
Tucker, Irvin B.
Publisher:
Cengage,
Economics For Today
Economics For Today
Economics
ISBN:
9781337613040
Author:
Tucker
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Micro Economics For Today
Micro Economics For Today
Economics
ISBN:
9781337613064
Author:
Tucker, Irvin B.
Publisher:
Cengage,
Microeconomics: Principles & Policy
Microeconomics: Principles & Policy
Economics
ISBN:
9781337794992
Author:
William J. Baumol, Alan S. Blinder, John L. Solow
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:
9781337617383
Author:
Roger A. Arnold
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Microeconomics
Microeconomics
Economics
ISBN:
9781337617406
Author:
Roger A. Arnold
Publisher:
Cengage Learning