📚 Learning Guide
Economic Profit Evaluation
easy

Which of the following statements accurately describe the relationship between price, average total cost, and economic profit in a monopolistically competitive market? Select all that apply.

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Choose the Best Answer

A

A firm experiences positive economic profit when price exceeds average total cost.

B

A firm incurs losses when price is equal to average total cost.

C

Negative economic profit occurs when price falls below average total cost.

D

Firms can remain in the market even with negative economic profit if they cover variable costs.

E

Economic profit cannot be zero in a monopolistically competitive market.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

In a monopolistically competitive market, firms can set prices above their average total costs, which allows them to earn economic profits in the short run. This occurs because each firm sells a product that is slightly different from its competitors, giving them some control over their pricing. However, in the long run, new firms may enter the market attracted by these profits, which increases competition and drives down prices. For example, if a coffee shop is making a profit by selling specialty drinks, other coffee shops might open nearby, leading to more choices for consumers and lower prices overall. Ultimately, in the long run, firms may only earn normal profits, where price equals average total cost.

Detailed Explanation

Other options are incorrect because This statement suggests that profit happens only when price is higher than costs; This option implies that breaking even means losing money.

Key Concepts

Economic Profit Evaluation
Monopolistic Competition
Pricing Strategies
Topic

Economic Profit Evaluation

Difficulty

easy level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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