Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
Assess marginal cost against marginal revenue
B
Determine the market price
C
Adjust output level accordingly
D
Calculate average total cost
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
In a perfectly competitive market, a firm determines its output level for profit maximization by first identifying the market price for its product. Next, the firm calculates its marginal cost, which is the cost of producing one more unit of the product. The firm then compares the market price to its marginal cost; if the price is higher than the marginal cost, it should increase production to maximize profits. For example, if the market price is $10 and the marginal cost of producing an additional unit is $8, the firm will profit more by producing that unit. The firm continues this process until the price equals the marginal cost, which is the point where it maximizes its profit.
Detailed Explanation
Firms first need to know the market price. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that checking costs against revenue comes first; It's easy to think adjusting output is the first step.
Key Concepts
Perfect Competition
Market Equilibrium
Profit Maximization
Topic
Perfect Competition and Market Equilibrium
Difficulty
medium level question
Cognitive Level
understand
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