📚 Learning Guide
Profit Maximization in Monopolies
easy

In a monopoly market, what is a key consequence of price-setting above marginal cost that leads to inefficiency?

Master this concept with our detailed explanation and step-by-step learning approach

Learning Path
Learning Path

Question & Answer
1
Understand Question
2
Review Options
3
Learn Explanation
4
Explore Topic

Choose the Best Answer

A

Profit maximization

B

Consumer surplus increase

C

Deadweight loss

D

Perfect competition

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

In a monopoly market, a key consequence of setting prices above marginal cost is that it leads to inefficiency because fewer people can afford the product. When a monopolist charges a higher price, they limit the number of consumers who can buy the good, resulting in lost potential sales. For example, if a company sells a medicine for $100 instead of $50, some patients who need it may not be able to buy it at the higher price. This means that while the monopolist makes a larger profit, society loses out because not everyone who needs the product can access it. Ultimately, this creates a situation where resources are not being used in the most beneficial way for everyone.

Detailed Explanation

When a monopoly sets prices higher than the cost to make one more item, some people can't buy it. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that maximizing profit is always good; People might believe that higher prices help consumers.

Key Concepts

Deadweight Loss
Topic

Profit Maximization in Monopolies

Difficulty

easy level question

Cognitive Level

understand

Ready to Master More Topics?

Join thousands of students using Seekh's interactive learning platform to excel in their studies with personalized practice and detailed explanations.