In: Economics
You are the manager of a monopoly that sells a product to two
groups of consumers in different parts of the country. Group 1’s
elasticity of demand is -5, while group 2’s is -2. Your marginal
cost of producing the product is $30.
a. Determine your optimal markups and prices under third-degree
price discrimination.
Instructions: Enter your responses rounded to two
decimal places.
Markup for group 1: _______________
Price for group 1: $ ________________
Markup for group 2: ________________________
Price for group 2: $ ___________________
b. Which of the following are necessary conditions for third-degree
price discrimination to enhance profits.
Instructions: In order to receive full credit, you
must make a selection for each option. For correct answer(s), click
the box once to place a check mark. For incorrect answer(s), click
twice to empty the box.
SOLUTION ;-
GIVEN THAT
Group 1’s elasticity of demand is -5
, while group 2’s is -2.
Your marginal cost of producing the product is $30.
a.
The formula for mark up is
Mark Up = E / (1 + E)
Here, E = elasticity of demand
Group 1’s elasticity of demand is -5
So, Mark up for group 1 = - 5 / (1 - 5)
Mark up for group 1 = - 5 / - 4
Mark up for group 1 = 1.25
Now , we can determine the price for group 1, by multiplying MC with the mark up value.
Price for group 1 = 1.25 * $30
Price for group 1 = $37.5.
Now, Group 2’s elasticity of demand is - 2
So, Mark up for group 2 = - 2 / (1 - 2)
Mark up for group 2 = - 2 / - 1
Mark up for group 2 = 2
Price for group 2 = 2 * $30
Price for group 2 = $60.
So,
Markup for group 1: 1.25
Price for group 1: $37.50
Markup for group 2: 2
Price for group 2: $60
b.
The necessary conditions for third-degree price discrimination to enhance profits is
There are two different groups with different (and identifiable) elasticities of demand.
We are able to prevent resale between the groups.