📚 Learning Guide
Long-Run Equilibrium Adjustments
hard

In a monopolistically competitive market, how does a firm adjust its price in response to a change in consumer demand when the market is in long-run equilibrium?

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Learning Path
Learning Path

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Increase price due to higher demand and maintain economic profits

B

Decrease price to increase quantity sold and reduce economic profits

C

Keep price unchanged since it is already set at the long-run equilibrium level

D

Increase price to enhance brand loyalty without affecting quantity sold

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

In a monopolistically competitive market, firms sell similar but not identical products, which gives them some control over their prices. When consumer demand increases, firms notice they can sell more at a higher price, leading them to raise their prices to maximize profits. In the long run, this higher price attracts new firms to the market because they see the opportunity to profit. As new firms enter, the increased competition will eventually lead to a decrease in prices and profits for all firms, bringing the market back to a new long-run equilibrium where firms earn normal profits. For example, if a popular coffee shop raises its prices due to higher demand, new coffee shops may open nearby, offering lower prices until the market stabilizes again.

Detailed Explanation

When a market is in long-run equilibrium, firms set prices where they cover costs and earn normal profits. Other options are incorrect because Some might think higher demand means higher prices and profits; The idea here is that lowering prices will sell more.

Key Concepts

Monopolistic competition
Market structure
Price elasticity
Topic

Long-Run Equilibrium Adjustments

Difficulty

hard level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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