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Find the price (in dollars per unit) that will maximize profit for the demand and cost functions, where P is the price, X is the number of units, and C is the cost.

a) P = X + C
b) P = C - X
c) P = X * C
d) P = C / X

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The price to maximize profit for a monopoly is determined by setting quantity where marginal revenue equals marginal cost, then finding the corresponding price on the demand curve. None of the options (a-d) provided reflect this process, which is rooted in understanding the intersection of demand, cost, revenue, and marginal analysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Finding the Price to Maximize Profit

To find the price that will maximize profit given the demand and cost functions, we can reference the steps outlined for a profit-maximizing monopoly. In the first step, the monopoly determines the profit-maximizing level of output (Q1) where the marginal revenue (MR) equals the marginal cost (MC). Then, to find the price to charge, the monopoly will draw a line vertically from Q1 on the quantity axis to meet the demand curve, which indicates the profit-maximizing price (P1). Total revenue is then calculated as the quantity sold Q1 multiplied by the price P1. Subtracting total cost from total revenue, where total cost is Q1 times the average cost to produce Q1, yields the profit.

Of the given options (a-d), none directly reflect the steps outlined; instead, they seem to be various incorrect forms of calculating price.

The profit-maximizing price is not simply a function of cost and quantity, but is largely influenced by the demand curve, as well as the relationship between marginal costs and marginal revenue. The correct profit-maximizing price is one where P1 is determined after identifying Q1 where MR = MC, and then assessing the demand curve at Q1 to set the price.