Final answer:
To find the inverse demand function, we solve for P in terms of Q; the function is P = 9 - 0.25Q. The profit-maximizing price and quantity require setting MR equal to MC and solving numerically. In the long run, entry will occur until profits are zero.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the inverse demand function for your firm's product, we manipulate the demand function Q = 36 - 4P to express P in terms of Q. Solving for P yields P = 9 - 0.25Q, which is the inverse demand function.
The profit-maximizing price and level of production are found by setting marginal revenue (MR) equal to marginal cost (MC). Since the total cost function is given by C(Q) = 4 + 4Q + Q2, the marginal cost is the derivative of this function, which is MC = 4 + 2Q. Similarly, the marginal revenue can be found by taking the derivative of the total revenue function, which is P * Q. The profit-maximizing quantity and price can be calculated numerically from these equations.
To calculate maximum profits, we subtract total costs from total revenue at the profit-maximizing quantity and price.
In the long run, we expect that entry will occur until profits are zero in a monopolistically competitive market, as there are no significant barriers preventing new firms from entering the market and competing away profits.