📚 Learning Guide
Market Adjustments and Firm Behavior
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A firm in a perfectly competitive market is experiencing losses. What is the best long-term strategy it should consider to improve its situation?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Continue operating at a loss until demand improves

B

Reduce production to where marginal cost equals marginal revenue

C

Increase prices to match competitors

D

Exit the market and invest in a different industry

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

In a perfectly competitive market, if a firm is experiencing losses, the best long-term strategy it should consider is to exit the market if it cannot become profitable. This is because, in the long run, firms need to cover all their costs, including fixed costs, to survive. If the firm continues to operate at a loss, it will drain its resources and may ultimately go bankrupt. For example, if a small bakery is unable to sell enough bread to cover its costs due to too much competition, it might be wiser for the owner to close the bakery and seek a more profitable business opportunity. By exiting the market, the firm can reallocate its resources more effectively, either investing in a different venture or saving money for future opportunities.

Detailed Explanation

Reducing production to where marginal cost equals marginal revenue helps the firm minimize losses. Other options are incorrect because Some might think waiting for demand to improve is smart; Increasing prices to match competitors seems logical, but in a competitive market, customers will go elsewhere.

Key Concepts

Market Adjustments
Firm Behavior in Perfect Competition
Marginal Cost and Average Total Cost
Topic

Market Adjustments and Firm Behavior

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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