Chapter 10, Problem 3SCQ

Consider the curve in the figure below, which shows the market demand. marginal cost, and marginal revenue curve for firms in an oligopolistic industry. In this example, we assume firms have zero fixed costs.

1. Suppose the firms collude to form a cartel. What price will the cartel charge? What quantity will the cartel supply? How much profit will the cartel earn?
2. Suppose now that the cane] breaks up and the oligopolistic firms compete as vigorously as possible by cutting the price and increasing sales. What will be the industry quantity and price? What will be the collective profits of all firms in the industry?
3. Compare the equilibrium price, quantity, and profit for the cartel and cutthroat competition outcomes.