Question

A perfectly competitive orchard that produces 500 lbs of apples in the short run has an ATC = $10 and AFC = $8. The market price is $4 per lb and is equal to MC. In order to maximize profits (or minimize losses) in the short-run, this farm should:

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is "should continue producing 500 lbs of apples"

Explanation:

(In a perfect market)

When the price is = marginal cost. This means that if you increase your production, the benefits-profits will be the same as if you produce the same quantity.

When the Price > Marginal cost, means that consumers demand more for that good, so the producer has an incentive to increase the supply

When the Price < Marginal cost, means that production is higher than the consumer's demand.  This is an incentive to decrease the supply.

For this case, the best option is to continue producing the same quantity of units, 500 lbs of apples.