Allocative efficiency requires producing where P=MC. Clearly explain why any other output level is does not...

Allocative efficiency requires producing where P=MC. Clearly explain why any other output level is does not have allocative efficiency.

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Expert Solution

Allocative efficiency occurs when the distribution of any goods or services is optimal according to consumer's preferences. Allocative efficiency occurs when the Price is equal to the Marginal Cost. In perfect competition, the equilibrium is at the point where Price (P) = Marginal Cost (MC).

To understand why allocative efficiency requires producing where P = MC, lets consider an example where P > MC. If at a quantity of 10 units, the marginal cost of producing the good for each unit is $6 but the market equilibrium price is $12 for each unit, then the the market equilibrium price is greater than the marginal cost. This shows there is under consumption in the society. In this case, if the firm increased production, the benefit the society would get would be higher than the cost of producing that good or service. Hence, if the quantity produced increased and price decreased until the Marginal Cost is equal to the Price, the society would be get benefit.

Similarly, lets consider the case where P < MC. For example, at a quantity of 30 units, the marginal cost of producing the good for each unit is $12 but the market equilibrium price is $6 for each unit, then the marginal cost is greater than the market equilibrium price. This shows there is over consumption in the society. In this case, if the firm continued to increase production, the cost of producing that good or the service would be higher than the benefit to the society. Hence, if the quantity produced decreased and the price increased until the Marginal Cost is equal to the Price, the firm would get benefit.

Hence, Allocative efficiency requires producing where P=MC

Rahul Sunny answered 8 months ago

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