In: Economics
The global demand for cocoa can be represented with the following equation:
P=50 - 0.25Q, where P is the price (dollars per 100 lbs.), and Q is quantity. Furthermore, assume that cocoa can be produced at a constant marginal and average cost of $10 per unit of Q.
Cocoa producers have formed a cartel, aimed at realizing the monopoly price for cocoa.
Given the demand equation and marginal cost specified above, what is the monopoly price and quantity?
The monopoly sets MC=MR for profit maximization
MR = twice the slope of the demand curve
MR = 50-0.50Q
MC = 10
50-0.50Q = 10
50-10 = 0.50Q
Q = 40/0.50 = 80
P = 50-0.25*80 = 30