In: Economics
Suppose in a Perfect Competitive market the demand function is p=120−q and the supply function is p=40+q. Calculate total welfare.
Demand function, p = 120 - q or q = 120 - p
and supply function, p = 40 + q or q = -40 + p
At equilibrium,
Demand = Supply
=> 120 - p = -40 + p
=> p = $80 and thus, q = 40 units
Total welfare = 0.5*(p when demand = 0) - p*(p when supply is zero)*q = 0.5*(120 - 40)*40 = $1600
Thus, total welfare is $1600