Suppose a monopolist faces a demand curve D(p) = 10 - P. It has no variable cost, but it incurs a quasi-fixed cost F = 9 if it produces any output at all. (d) Suppose instead that the regulator allowed the firm to continue operating, but regulated its price. The regulator wants to choose price to maximize consumer surplus, subject to the firm not losing money. That is, the regulator chooses P to maximize consumer surplus such that Q = 10 - P and PQ ≥ 9. How many prices satisfy both constraints (with equality)? un

ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
14th Edition
ISBN:9780190931919
Author:NEWNAN
Publisher:NEWNAN
Chapter1: Making Economics Decisions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1QTC
icon
Related questions
Question
2
Suppose a monopolist faces a demand curve D(p) = 10 - P. It has no variable
cost, but it incurs a quasi-fixed cost F = 9 if it produces any output at all.
(d) Suppose instead that the regulator allowed the firm to continue operating,
but regulated its price. The regulator wants to choose price to maximize
consumer surplus, subject to the firm not losing money. That is, the
regulator chooses P to maximize consumer surplus such that Q = 10- P
and PQ ≥ 9. How many prices satisfy both constraints (with equality)?
Which one is best for welfare?
(e) Suppose instead that there is no price regulation and the monopolist could
engage in first-degree price discrimination. What would the consumer
surplus and producer surplus be in this case?
(f) Compare the outcomes for direct operation, price regulation, and first-
degree price discrimination. Which maximize total welfare? Does this
answer necessarily imply that society should choose that option? Are
there any other (unmodeled) factors that we might want to consider in
the real world?
Transcribed Image Text:Suppose a monopolist faces a demand curve D(p) = 10 - P. It has no variable cost, but it incurs a quasi-fixed cost F = 9 if it produces any output at all. (d) Suppose instead that the regulator allowed the firm to continue operating, but regulated its price. The regulator wants to choose price to maximize consumer surplus, subject to the firm not losing money. That is, the regulator chooses P to maximize consumer surplus such that Q = 10- P and PQ ≥ 9. How many prices satisfy both constraints (with equality)? Which one is best for welfare? (e) Suppose instead that there is no price regulation and the monopolist could engage in first-degree price discrimination. What would the consumer surplus and producer surplus be in this case? (f) Compare the outcomes for direct operation, price regulation, and first- degree price discrimination. Which maximize total welfare? Does this answer necessarily imply that society should choose that option? Are there any other (unmodeled) factors that we might want to consider in the real world?
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Nash Equilibrium
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, economics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Economics
ISBN:
9780190931919
Author:
NEWNAN
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134078779
Author:
Karl E. Case, Ray C. Fair, Sharon E. Oster
Publisher:
PEARSON
Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134870069
Author:
William G. Sullivan, Elin M. Wicks, C. Patrick Koelling
Publisher:
PEARSON
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:
9781305585126
Author:
N. Gregory Mankiw
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Economics
ISBN:
9781337106665
Author:
Luke M. Froeb, Brian T. McCann, Michael R. Ward, Mike Shor
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Managerial Economics & Business Strategy (Mcgraw-…
Managerial Economics & Business Strategy (Mcgraw-…
Economics
ISBN:
9781259290619
Author:
Michael Baye, Jeff Prince
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education