02.05 Maximizing Profit Solved
02.05 Maximizing Profit Solved
02.05 Maximizing Profit Solved
05 Maximizing Profit
Product: iPhone 14
Price: $999
Market Type: Oligopoly
What is your product and its price? What type of market does your product exist in?
My product is the iPhone 14, which costs $999. It exists in an oligopoly market, where a few
large companies, such as Apple, Samsung, and Google, significantly influence the market.
These firms set market trends and prices, with high barriers to entry for new competitors due
to the significant investments required in technology development and brand establishment.
Why is the marginal cost curve the same basic shape, no matter the product?
The marginal cost curve typically has a U-shape because of the law of diminishing returns.
As a company produces more goods, the cost to make each additional item initially decreases
as production becomes more efficient. This is because resources are being used more
effectively, and there are cost savings from producing a larger quantity. However, after a
certain point, the cost to produce each additional item increases. This increase occurs because
resources are being stretched, workers might be required to work longer hours which costs
more, and equipment might start to wear out, causing inefficiencies.
At the profit-maximizing quantity, is the price of your product equal to, higher than, or
lower than marginal cost? Explain.
At the profit-maximizing quantity, the price of the product (P1) is higher than the marginal
cost (MC). In an oligopoly market, companies have the power to set prices above marginal
costs to earn significant profits. While the profit-maximizing rule dictates that the quantity
produced should be where marginal revenue (MR) equals marginal cost (MC), the price is
determined by the demand curve, which is positioned above the MR curve. As a result, the
firm can charge a price higher than the marginal cost to maximize its profits.
Why would an already successful business owner conduct a marginal cost analysis for
their product?
As a successful business owner, it's essential to constantly analyze our costs and pricing
strategies to stay competitive and profitable. By using marginal cost analysis, we can
determine the optimal production level to maximize our profits. This analysis also provides
valuable insights into potential cost savings and efficiency improvements. Understanding
how marginal costs change with production levels helps us make informed decisions about
production, setting prices, and investing in new technologies or processes.