📚 Learning Guide
Understanding Price Discrimination
easy

If a company successfully implements price discrimination, what is the likely effect on consumer surplus?

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

Consumer surplus increases as all consumers pay lower prices.

B

Consumer surplus decreases as consumers are charged different prices.

C

Consumer surplus remains unchanged due to market competition.

D

Consumer surplus is maximized for all consumers regardless of price.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

Price discrimination is when a company charges different prices to different customers for the same product based on their willingness to pay. When a company successfully uses this strategy, it often reduces consumer surplus, which is the extra benefit consumers get when they pay less than what they are willing to pay. For example, if a movie theater charges $10 for a ticket to some customers and $5 to others, those who pay $5 enjoy a larger consumer surplus. However, the theater captures more revenue from those who are willing to pay $10, which means the total consumer surplus is lower overall. Thus, while some consumers may still benefit, the company's profits increase, leading to a decrease in the total consumer surplus available in the market.

Detailed Explanation

When a company charges different prices to different people, some consumers pay more. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that lower prices for everyone would help everyone; It's a common belief that competition keeps prices the same.

Key Concepts

Price Discrimination
Consumer Surplus
Market Power
Topic

Understanding Price Discrimination

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.