Question

Consider a profit-maximizing firm in a competitive industry. Under which of the following situations would the firm choose to produce where MR = MC?
Instructions: You may select more than one answer. Click the box with a check mark for correct answers and click to empty the box for the wrong answers.

a. Yes?/No? Minimum AVC < Price < minimum ATC.
b. Yes?/No? Price > minimum ATC.
c. Yes?/No? Price < minimum AVC

Answer 1

Answer:

Option (a) and (b) are considered or correct.

Explanation:

Under the following two conditions, a firm in a perfectly competitive market produces at a point where the marginal revenue is equal to the marginal cost:

(i) Minimum AVC < Price < minimum ATC : Yes

In this case, a firm may suffer a loss but it will be able to cover its minimum average variable cost. Hence, this firm continue operating in this market and if he shut down its operation then he may suffer a larger loss. Therefore, it chooses to continue operating under this market conditions.

(ii) Price > minimum ATC : Yes

In this case, the price received by the seller is greater than the minimum average total cost. Therefore, the firm is able to cover all of its cost of production and earning an economic profit. Hence, it obviously chooses to continue its operation.

The third option is not considered here because in this case, the firm won't be able to cover its variable cost.