In: Economics
Suppose that a monopolist has a constant average total cost of production and marginal cost of production equal to $6, and has a demand for its product represented as
price |
quantity bought and sold (units) |
$10 |
1 |
$9 |
2 |
$8 |
3 |
$7 |
4 |
$6 |
5 |
(a)
Total revenue is calculated as follows -
Total revenue = Price * Quantity
Marginal revenue is calculated as follows -
Marginal revenue = Change in total revenue/Change in quantity
Based on the above formula, following is the complete table -
Price | Quantity | Total Revenue | Marginal Revenue |
$10 | 1 | $10 | $10 |
$9 | 2 | $18 | $8 |
$8 | 3 | $24 | $6 |
$7 | 4 | $28 | $4 |
$6 | 5 | $30 | $2 |
(b)
In order to maximize profit, a monopolist produce that level of output corresponding to which MR equals MC.
The marginal cost is $6.
The MC equals MR corresponding to 3 units of output.
The price corresponding to 3 units of output is $8 per unit.
So,
The profit-maximizing quantity produced and sold is 3 units.
The price is $8 per unit.
(c)
Calculate the profit -
Profit = Total Revenue - Total Cost
Profit = [Price * quantity] - [ATC * quantity]
Profit = [$8 * 3] - [$6 * 3] = $24 - $18 = $6
Thus,
The profit at the optimal quantity is $6