Question

A firm sells a product in a perfectly competitive market. The marginal cost of the product at the current output level of 500 units is $1.50. The minimum possible average variable cost is $1. The market price of the product is $1.25. To maximize profits, the firm should:
increase production to more than 500 units
continue producing 500 units
decrease production to less than 500 units
shut down

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is the third statement which says to maximize profits, the firm should produce less than 500 units.

Explanation:

The quantity of output produced is 500 units.

The marginal cost of producing 500 units is $1.50.

The minimum average variable cost is $1.

The price of the product is $1.25.  

The firm will be at equilibrium when the price is equal to marginal cost. To maximize profits firm should decrease output to the extent that marginal cost comes to $1.25. At that point, the firm will earn profits as average variable cost is lower than the price.