1. Explain how the long run differs from the short run in pure competition. LO1
2. Relate opportunity costs to why profits encourage entry into purely competitive industries and
how losses encourage exit from purely competitive industries. L02
3. How do the entry and exit of firms in a purely competitive industry affect resource flows and
long‐run profits and losses? LO3
4. Using diagrams for both the industry and a representative firm, illustrate competitive long‐run
equilibrium. Assuming constant costs, employ these diagrams to show how (a) an increase and
(b) a decrease in market demand will upset that long‐run equilibrium. Trace graphically and
describe verbally the adjustment processes by which long‐run equilibrium is restored. Now
rework your analysis for increasing‐ and decreasing‐cost industries and compare the three longrun
supply curves. LO4
5. In long‐run equilibrium, P = minimum ATC = MC. Of what significance for economic
efficiency is the equality of P and minimum ATC? The equality of P and MC? Distinguish
between productive efficiency and allocative efficiency in
6. Suppose that purely competitive firms producing cashews discover that P exceeds MC. Will
their combined output of cashews be too little, too much, or just right to achieve allocative
efficiency? In the long run, what will happen to the supply of cashews and the price of cashews?
Use a supply and demand diagram to show how that response will change the combined amount
of consumer surplus and producer surplus in the market for cashew
7. The basic model of pure competition reviewed in this chapter finds that in the long run all
firms in a purely competitive industry will earn normal profits. If all firms will only earn a normal
profit in the long run, why would any firms bother to develop new products or lower‐cost
production methods? Explain. LO6
8. “Ninety percent of new products fail within two years—so you shouldn’t be so eager to
innovate.” Do you agree? Explain why or why not. LO6
9. LAST WORD How does a generic drug differ from its brand‐name, previously patented
equivalent? Explain why the price of a brand‐name drug typically declines when an equivalent
generic drug becomes available? Explain how that drop in price affects allocative efficiency.
PROBLEMS
1. A firm in a purely competitive industry has a typical cost structure. The normal rate of profit in
the economy is 5 percent. This firm is earning $5.50 on every $50 invested by its founders. What
is its percentage rate of return? Is the firm earning an economic profit? If so, how large? Will this
industry see entry or exit? What will be the rate of return earned by firms in this industry once the
industry reaches long-run equilibrium? LO3
2. A firm in a purely competitive industry is currently producing 1000 units per day at a total cost
of $450. If the firm produced 800 units per day, its total cost would be $300, and if it produced
500 units per day, its total cost would be $275. What are the firm’s ATC per unit at these three
levels of production? If every firm in this industry has the same cost structure, is the industry in
long‐run competitive equilibrium? From what you know about these firms’ cost structures, what
is the highest possible price per unit that could exist as the market price in long‐run equilibrium?
If that price ends up being the market price and if the normal rate of profit is 10 percent, then how
big will each firm’s accounting profit per unit be? LO5
3. There are 300 purely competitive farms in the local dairy market. Of the 300 dairy farms, 298
have a cost structure that generates profits of $24 for every $300 invested. What is their
percentage rate of return? The other two dairies have a cost structure that generates profits of $22
for every $200 invested. What is their percentage rate of return? Assuming that the normal rate of
profit in the economy is 10 percent, will there be entry or exit? Will the change in the number of
firms affect the two that earn $22 for every $200 invested? What will be the rate of return earned
by most firms in the industry in long‐run equilibrium? If firms can copy each other’s technology,
what will be the rate of return eventually earned by all firms? LO5
They have a magnificent team. These people are always kind and willing to listen to your concerns or issues. Better yet, your assignment is always ready before the time, they usually send you a draft to double-check before they finalize your paper.
Delivering a high-quality product at a reasonable price is not enough anymore.
That’s why we have developed 5 beneficial guarantees that will make your experience with our service enjoyable, easy, and safe.
You have to be 100% sure of the quality of your product to give a money-back guarantee. This describes us perfectly. Make sure that this guarantee is totally transparent.
Read moreEach paper is composed from scratch, according to your instructions. It is then checked by our plagiarism-detection software. There is no gap where plagiarism could squeeze in.
Read moreThanks to our free revisions, there is no way for you to be unsatisfied. We will work on your paper until you are completely happy with the result.
Read moreYour email is safe, as we store it according to international data protection rules. Your bank details are secure, as we use only reliable payment systems.
Read moreBy sending us your money, you buy the service we provide. Check out our terms and conditions if you prefer business talks to be laid out in official language.
Read more