In: Economics
Determine the best level of output for a perfectly competitive firm that sells its product at
P =$2.50and faces TC = .05Q3 - 1.2Q2 + 21Q + 10
Will the firm produce at this level of output? Why?
Total Cost TC= 0.05Q3-1.12Q2+21Q+10
Marginal Cost MC = d/dQ TC = d/dQ (0.05Q3-1.12Q2+21Q+10) = 0.15Q2-2.24Q+21
Price = $2.5
In a perfect competition, Price = Marginal Revenue (MR)
So Equating MR = MC
0.15Q2 - 2.4 Q + 21 = 2.5
=> 0.15 Q2 - 2.4Q + 18.5 = 0
=> Q = - (-2.24) + sqrt( (-2.4)^2 - 4 * 0.15 * 18.5) / (2*0.15)
From the above equation, we do not get any real value of Q or any real value of production.
So it is not possible to have a best level of output for the firm.