Question

Consider a monopolist currently selling output Q to two different markets: Market A and Market B. This monopolist is able to price discriminate and charge different prices in these markets. Let QA and PA be the quantity and price in market A, and QB and PB be the quantity and price in market B. The monopolist is optimally choosing its prices and quantities, in order to maximize profit. The monopolist knows the price elasticity of demand in these markets, and knows that market A is more inelastic than market B. Consider each of the following three statements. What do we know for sure?1) Regarding marginal revenues, we must have MRA > MRB 2) Regarding prices, we must have PA > PB 3) Regarding quantities, we must have QA> QB

Answer 1

Answer:

1. This is true because demand in market A is more inelastic which means demand curve and marginal revenue curve are steeper in this market. at any quantity marginal revenue will be higher in market A than in market B

2. This is true because market where demand is inelastic have a higher price. This is because revenue is increased when higher price is charged in market with inelastic demand.

3. This is false/uncertain because when price is higher in market a the quantity will be lower relativity. This is due to the downward sloping demand function in which price is increased quantity will decline.

Explanation: