📚 Learning Guide
Profit Maximization in Monopolies
medium

In a monopoly, how can a firm utilize price discrimination to maximize profits based on the demand curve?

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Learning Path
Learning Path

Question & Answer
1
Understand Question
2
Review Options
3
Learn Explanation
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Choose the Best Answer

A

By charging different prices to different consumers based on their willingness to pay

B

By selling all units at a single price irrespective of consumer segments

C

By reducing the price for all consumers to increase total sales

D

By increasing production without changing prices

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

In a monopoly, a firm can maximize profits by using price discrimination, which means charging different prices to different customers based on their willingness to pay. The firm looks at the demand curve, which shows how much of a product people want at various prices. By identifying groups of customers who value the product differently, the firm can set higher prices for those who are willing to pay more and lower prices for those who are more sensitive to price. For example, a movie theater might charge higher prices for evening shows when demand is high and offer discounts for matinee showings when fewer people are likely to attend. This strategy allows the firm to capture more consumer surplus and increase overall profits.

Detailed Explanation

A monopoly can charge different prices to different customers. Other options are incorrect because Some might think selling at one price is fair; Lowering prices for everyone seems nice, but it can hurt profits.

Key Concepts

Demand Curve
Price Discrimination
Topic

Profit Maximization in Monopolies

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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