📚 Learning Guide
Marginal Analysis
hard

A company is evaluating whether to increase production of its product. If the marginal cost of producing one additional unit is $20 and the current market price is $50, what impact would this decision have on producer surplus, assuming the company can sell all additional units produced? Use cost-benefit analysis principles to support your conclusion.

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Producer surplus will increase by $30 for each additional unit produced.

B

Producer surplus will remain unchanged regardless of production levels.

C

Producer surplus will decrease due to higher costs associated with production.

D

Producer surplus will increase, but only if the marginal cost is below $10.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

Because the price of $50 is higher than the marginal cost of $20, each extra unit sold gives the firm a profit of $30, so producer surplus rises by that amount per unit. In cost‑benefit terms the benefit (price) exceeds the cost, making the decision worthwhile. The company can therefore increase production and capture additional surplus equal to the price‑minus‑cost difference. For example, if they make and sell ten more units, the surplus grows by 10 × $30 = $300. This simple marginal analysis shows that the firm gains by expanding output.

Detailed Explanation

Producer surplus is the difference between price and marginal cost. Other options are incorrect because This answer assumes that more units do not change surplus; It is true that higher costs can lower surplus, but only if costs exceed price.

Key Concepts

Cost-Benefit Analysis
Producer Surplus
Marginal Cost
Topic

Marginal Analysis

Difficulty

hard level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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