📚 Learning Guide
Price Discrimination and Efficiency
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In a market where a firm practices first-degree price discrimination, how does the elasticity of demand affect the prices charged to different consumers?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Prices are lower for consumers with inelastic demand and higher for elastic demand.

B

Prices are higher for consumers with inelastic demand and lower for elastic demand.

C

Prices are the same regardless of demand elasticity.

D

Prices fluctuate randomly without regard for demand elasticity.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

In a market with first-degree price discrimination, a firm charges each consumer the maximum price they are willing to pay. This means that if a consumer has a high willingness to pay, the firm will set a higher price for them. On the other hand, if a consumer is more sensitive to price changes, meaning they have a more elastic demand, the firm will charge them a lower price to encourage them to buy. For example, consider a concert where some people are willing to pay $100 for a ticket, while others can only afford $50. The firm will charge $100 to those willing to pay more and $50 to those who are more price sensitive, allowing the firm to capture more consumer surplus and maximize its profits.

Detailed Explanation

When demand is inelastic, consumers will pay more because they need the product. Other options are incorrect because This mixes up the relationship; This suggests all consumers pay the same price.

Key Concepts

first-degree price discrimination
elasticity of demand
Topic

Price Discrimination and Efficiency

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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