A Two-Firm Cartel That Produces at a Constant Marginal Cost

question 80

Multiple Choice

A two-firm cartel that produces at a constant marginal cost of $20 faces a market inverse demand curve of P = 100 - 0.50Q. Initially, both firms agree to act like a monopolist, each producing 40 units of output. If one of the firms cheats on the agreement (assuming the other firm is compliant and continues to produce at 40 units) , how much output should the cheating firm produce to maximize profits?

• A) 41 units
• B) 60 units
• C) 80 units
• D) 44 units

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Definitions:

Pure Monopoly

A market structure where a single company is the sole producer for a particular good or service, facing no competition.

Barriers to Entry

Factors that make it difficult for new firms to enter a market, such as high startup costs, regulatory requirements, and established competitors.

Market Power

The ability of a firm to influence or control the price and quantity of goods or services in a market.

Marginal Revenue

The additional income obtained from selling one more unit of a product or service.