In: Economics
An oligopoly firm faces a kinked demand curve with the two segments given by: P = 230 – 0.5Q and P = 280 – 1.5Q. The firm currently has a constant marginal cost, MC of $150.
a)
The Assumption of the kinked demand curve model is that the competitor of the oligopoly firm matches its rival prices in case of a price cut, thus the portion of the demand curve is relatively inelastic to the right of a kink. On the other hand, the rivals do not follow a price increase and thus the demand curve is relatively elastic to the left of the kink.
b)
At the kink both portions of the demand curve intersect. Therefore at the kink
c)
The firm has a discontinuous MR curve at Q=50. The MR segment for both the curve is
At Q=50,
As long as MC lies between these two MR, or 180<MC<130, the firm will produce at the kink. To change the price and quantity the MC must rise above $180 or fall below $130.
The MC must rise above $180 to change the price and quantity.