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.(i) A competitive firm%u2019s short run total cost function is given by TC = Q2

ID: 1178335 • Letter: #

Question

.(i) A competitive firm%u2019s short run total cost function is given by
TC = Q2 + 40 Q + 81
(a) Determine the range of prices for which the firm incurs a loss but  continues to produce. Also determine the range of prices for which the  firm earns a profit.
(b) Calculate the profit maximizing output and the resulting profit when price is $100.

(ii) Propylene is used to make plastic. The propylene industry is  perfectly competitive and each producer has a long run total cost  function given by:
LTC = 1/3Q^3 %u2013 6Q^2 + 40Q

Where Q denotes the output of the individual firm. The market demand for propylene is
X = 2200 %u2013 100P

Where X and P denote the market output and price respectively.

(a) Calculate the optimal output produced by each firm at the long run competitive equilibrium (LRCE).
(b) Calculate the market price and market output at the LRCE.
(c) Calculate the number of firms at the LRCE.
(d) Suppose the demand curve shifts to
X = A %u2013 100P  
Where A is a positive number. Calculate how large A would have to be so  that in the new LRCE, the number of firms is twice what it was in the  initial equilibrium.

(iii) Suppose that Saudi Arabia lets other members of OPEC sell all the  oil they want at the existing price which the Saudis set and other  members accept. The daily world demand for OPEC oil is given by:
P = 88 %u2013 2Q
where P is the price per barrel of oil and Q the total quantity of OPEC  oil (in millions of barrels per day). The supply function for other  members of OPEC who behave like a %u201Ccompetitive fringe%u201D is given by:
Qr = .6P

The Saudis%u2019 cost of production of oil is given by:
TCs = 15Qs +20
where Qs is the daily output of oil produced by the Saudis.

Calculate the price that Saudi Arabia will set to maximize its own  profit. Also calculate the optimal output and profit of the Saudis.  Determine the output produced by other members of the OPEC as well as  the total market output.

Explanation / Answer

A.MC=2Q

In this market,P=MC

2Q=100,Q=100/2=50=the profit maximizing level of output

B. It's in the short run because fixed cost =100. Fixed cost exists only in the short run.

C. the same as A.