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 262 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?

The use of salicylates dates back 2,500 years to Hippocrates's recommendation of willow bark (from which a salicylate is derived) as an aid to the pains of childbirth. However, overdosage of salicylates can harm body fluids, electrolytes, the CNS, the GI tract, the ears, the lungs, the blood, the liver, and the kidneys and cause coma or death.

Did you know?

People with alcoholism are at a much greater risk of malnutrition than are other people and usually exhibit low levels of most vitamins (especially folic acid). This is because alcohol often takes the place of 50% of their daily intake of calories, with little nutritional value contained in it.

Did you know?

Drug abusers experience the following scenario: The pleasure given by their drug (or drugs) of choice is so strong that it is difficult to eradicate even after years of staying away from the substances involved. Certain triggers may cause a drug abuser to relapse. Research shows that long-term drug abuse results in significant changes in brain function that persist long after an individual stops using drugs. It is most important to realize that the same is true of not just illegal substances but alcohol and tobacco as well.

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?

The average older adult in the United States takes five prescription drugs per day. Half of these drugs contain a sedative. Alcohol should therefore be avoided by most senior citizens because of the dangerous interactions between alcohol and sedatives.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library