The Outcome of Regulating a Natural Monopoly Using the Marginal

question 89

Multiple Choice

The outcome of regulating a natural monopoly using the marginal cost pricing rule is

• A) that the firm makes a normal profit.
• B) that the firm maximizes its profit.
• C) that consumer surplus is less than what it would be if the firm maximized its profit.
• D) an efficient level of production.
• E) that the firm makes an economic profit.

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Definitions:

Profit Maximization Condition

The state or point at which a firm achieves the highest possible profit, often determined by the marginal cost equalling the marginal revenue.

Demand Curve

A graph showing the relationship between the price of a good and the quantity of that good that consumers are willing and able to purchase at various prices.

Price Taker

An entity in a market that has no control over the prices at which it buys or sells goods, typically because it is too small to influence market prices.

Demand

The quantity of a good or service that consumers are willing and able to purchase at various price levels.