Question

A firm in a purely competitive industry has a typical cost structure. The normal rate of profit in the economy is 5 percent. This firm is earning $5.50 on every $50 invested by its founders.
a. What is its percentage rate of return? 11 percent.
b. Is the firm earning an economic profit? Yes If so, how large? 6 percent.
c. Will this industry see entry or exit? Entry
d. What will be the rate of return earned by firms in this industry once the industry reaches long-run equilibrium?

Answer 1

Answer: The answers are given below

Explanation:

a. What is its percentage rate of return?

From the question, we are told that the firm is earning $5.50 on every $50 invested by its founders. The percentage of return will now be:

= $5.50/$50 × 100%

= 0.11 × 100%

= 11%

b. Is the firm earning an economic profit? If so, how large?

The economic profit will be the difference that exists between the percentage of return which is 11% and the normal rate of profit which is 5%. This will be:

= 11% - 5%

= 6%

The firm is earning economic profit of 6%.

c. Will this industry see entry or exit?

There will be entry into the industry. This is because the percentage of return which is 11% is greater than the normal rate of profit which is 5%.

d. What will be the rate of return earned by firms in this industry once the industry reaches long-run equilibrium?

The rate of return earned by firms in this industry once the industry reaches long-run equilibrium will be 5% which is the normal rate of profit in the economy.