📚 Learning Guide
Monopolistic Competition Analysis
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In a monopolistically competitive market, which of the following best explains why firms can set prices above marginal cost?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Firms produce identical products, leading to price competition.

B

Firms have some degree of market power due to product differentiation.

C

Firms face perfectly elastic demand curves.

D

Firms operate at minimum average total cost.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

In a monopolistically competitive market, firms can set prices above marginal cost because they sell products that are slightly different from each other. This means that each firm has some control over its price, unlike in perfect competition where firms are price takers. Because consumers may prefer one brand over another, firms can charge more than the cost of producing one more unit, which is called the marginal cost. For example, if a coffee shop offers a unique blend that customers love, it can charge a higher price compared to a generic coffee shop. This ability to set higher prices allows firms to earn profits, at least in the short run, as long as they maintain their unique appeal.

Detailed Explanation

Firms in this market sell products that are slightly different from each other. Other options are incorrect because This option suggests all products are the same, which is not true; This option means that customers would buy any amount at one price.

Key Concepts

Monopolistic Competition
Market Power
Differentiated Products
Topic

Monopolistic Competition Analysis

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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