Question

1. A perfectly competitive industry faces a demand curve given by Q^D= 2515 – 2P. The long-run total cost curve of each firm is given by LTC = 10q -.2q²+.004q³. Derive the long-run equilibrium values of output per firm, market output, price, and the number of firms.
2. You are told that in long-run perfectly competitive equilibrium each firm produces 25 units and that the marginal cost at that level of output is $10. Solve for the long-run equilibrium values of market output, price, and the number of firms. The market demand is given by Q^D= 4000 – 10P.
3. Assume the world market for calcium is perfectly competitive and that all existing producers and potential entrants are identical. Consider the following information about the price of calcium. Between 1990 and 1995, the market price was stable at $2/pound. In the first three months of 1996, the market price doubled reaching $4/pound, where it stayed for the remainder of 1996. Throughout 1997 and 1998, the price declined, eventually reaching $2/pound by the end of 1998. Between 1998 and 2002, the price remained stable at $2/pound. Assume that technology has not changed and that input prices have remained constant over the period. Using words, explain this pricing pattern over the period.

Answer 1