This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Why do we need methods of allocating scarce resources? What will be an ideal ... (Read 283 times)

lidoalex

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 538
Why do we need methods of allocating scarce resources?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

How does a firm in a competitive market decide what level of output to produce in order to maximize its profit?
 
  What will be an ideal response?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

canderson530

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 317
Answer to Question 1

Because resources are scare, it is not possible to fulfill everyone's wants. As a result, some method of deciding which wants will be fulfilled and which will notthat is, some method of allocating resourcesmust be utilized.

Answer to Question 2

A firm can maximize profits by producing up to the point where the additional revenue earned from one extra unit is equal to the additional cost of each unit, i.e. at the point where marginal revenue is equal to marginal cost. For competitive firms, marginal revenue is equal to price, so these firms will maximize profits by producing at the point where price is equal to marginal cost.
There are two caveats to the price equal to marginal cost rule. First, in the short run the firm price must be at least as large as average variable cost; otherwise the firm will shut down. Second, in the long run price must be as least as large as average cost; otherwise the firm will exit.



lidoalex

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 538

canderson530

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 317

 

Did you know?

Human kidneys will clean about 1 million gallons of blood in an average lifetime.

Did you know?

Hyperthyroidism leads to an increased rate of metabolism and affects about 1% of women but only 0.1% of men. For most people, this increased metabolic rate causes the thyroid gland to become enlarged (known as a goiter).

Did you know?

Egg cells are about the size of a grain of sand. They are formed inside of a female's ovaries before she is even born.

Did you know?

Hypertension is a silent killer because it is deadly and has no significant early symptoms. The danger from hypertension is the extra load on the heart, which can lead to hypertensive heart disease and kidney damage. This occurs without any major symptoms until the high blood pressure becomes extreme. Regular blood pressure checks are an important method of catching hypertension before it can kill you.

Did you know?

Amphetamine poisoning can cause intravascular coagulation, circulatory collapse, rhabdomyolysis, ischemic colitis, acute psychosis, hyperthermia, respiratory distress syndrome, and pericarditis.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library