In: Economics
3) Suppose the demand curve for a particular product is given by Qd(P) = 600 – 20P. Suppose also that marginal revenue and marginal cost to a monopolist is described by the following two equations. Suppose price is measured in $/lb and quantity is measured in lbs.
MR = 30 – (1/10)Q
MC = (1/5)Q
a) Determine the profit maximizing quantity, price, total revenue, and consumer surplus in this monopoly market.
Profit is maximized where marginal revenue and marginal cost
Equating MR and MC
30 - (1/10)Q = (1/5)Q
30 = Q/5 + Q/10
300 = 3Q
Q = 100
Hence the profit-maximizing quantity is 100 units
To find the profit-maximizing price we will use this quantity in demand function.
Q = 600 - 20P
100 = 600 - 20P
P = 25
Hence the profit-maximizing price is $25
To find the total revenue we will use this formula
Total Revenue = Price x Quantity
Total Revenue = 25 x 100
Total Revenue = 2500
Hence the total revenue is $2500
The red triangle in the above graph represents the consumer surplus hence the area of this triangle will be equal to consumer surplus.
Consumer Surplus = 1/2 x base x height
Consumer Surplus = 1/2 x 100 x 5
Consumer Surplus = 250
Hence the consumer surplus is $250