Consider the graph, which depicts a single competitive firm hat wishes to maximize profits given its costs of production. 1. What is the profit-maximizing rule for this firm? A profit-maximizing firm will
Consider the graph, which depicts a single competitive firm hat wishes to maximize profits given its costs of production. 1. What is the profit-maximizing rule for this firm? A profit-maximizing firm will
Chapter1: Making Economics Decisions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1QTC
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Please answer both parts A and B
![**Understanding Profit Maximization in Competitive Firms**
The graph shown illustrates a single competitive firm's pricing and output strategy for maximizing profits, given its production costs.
**Graph Explanation:**
- The graph has two key curves: the **Marginal Cost (MC)** curve and the **Marginal Revenue (MR)** line.
- The x-axis represents output (units), while the y-axis represents price and cost ($).
- The MC curve is U-shaped, starting at approximately $200, decreasing initially, reaching a minimum, and then rising sharply.
- The MR line is horizontal, reflecting constant marginal revenue at around $500.
**Questions and Analysis:**
**a. What is the profit-maximizing rule for this firm?**
A profit-maximizing firm will:
- [ ] Maximize profits at any output for which the marginal cost curve is below marginal revenue.
- [ ] Raise prices to the highest point on the marginal cost curve.
- [x] Produce a level of output such that marginal revenue equals marginal cost.
- [ ] Produce a level of output such that marginal revenue exceeds marginal cost.
**b. At which level of output will this firm maximize profits?**
In a competitive market, a firm maximizes profits where its **Marginal Cost** equals its **Marginal Revenue**. Based on the intersection point in the graph, this occurs at an output level corresponding to the MR line intersecting the rising MC curve.
**Output: 7 units**
This analysis helps firms understand the optimal point for production to ensure the highest level of profitability.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2Fc421684f-ca43-44ee-8152-56b76e1ae0e1%2F588f479a-a95a-42d8-a6d4-e88835015cf8%2F1txp8a_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
Transcribed Image Text:**Understanding Profit Maximization in Competitive Firms**
The graph shown illustrates a single competitive firm's pricing and output strategy for maximizing profits, given its production costs.
**Graph Explanation:**
- The graph has two key curves: the **Marginal Cost (MC)** curve and the **Marginal Revenue (MR)** line.
- The x-axis represents output (units), while the y-axis represents price and cost ($).
- The MC curve is U-shaped, starting at approximately $200, decreasing initially, reaching a minimum, and then rising sharply.
- The MR line is horizontal, reflecting constant marginal revenue at around $500.
**Questions and Analysis:**
**a. What is the profit-maximizing rule for this firm?**
A profit-maximizing firm will:
- [ ] Maximize profits at any output for which the marginal cost curve is below marginal revenue.
- [ ] Raise prices to the highest point on the marginal cost curve.
- [x] Produce a level of output such that marginal revenue equals marginal cost.
- [ ] Produce a level of output such that marginal revenue exceeds marginal cost.
**b. At which level of output will this firm maximize profits?**
In a competitive market, a firm maximizes profits where its **Marginal Cost** equals its **Marginal Revenue**. Based on the intersection point in the graph, this occurs at an output level corresponding to the MR line intersecting the rising MC curve.
**Output: 7 units**
This analysis helps firms understand the optimal point for production to ensure the highest level of profitability.
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