Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
Both firms will earn positive economic profits.
B
One firm will drive the other out of business.
C
Both firms will earn zero economic profits.
D
Only firm A will earn economic profits.
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
In an oligopoly market, when two firms like A and B get into a price war, they start lowering their prices to attract more customers from each other. This can lead to a situation where both firms keep cutting prices until they reach a point where neither can lower their prices further without losing money. At this stage, known as Nash Equilibrium, both firms are making just enough revenue to cover their costs but not making any economic profit, which means they aren't making extra money beyond what's needed to stay in business. For example, if Firm A and Firm B both sell a product for $10 and their costs are also $10, they won't earn any profit. Ultimately, the price war can lead to intense competition that drives profits down to zero for both firms.
Detailed Explanation
In a price war, firms lower prices to compete. Other options are incorrect because Some might think both firms can still make money; It's a common belief that one firm will win and the other will lose.
Key Concepts
Nash Equilibrium
Game Theory
Topic
Economic Profit and Oligopoly
Difficulty
medium level question
Cognitive Level
understand
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