optimal output rule
marginal cost
the cost of producing one more unit of a good
ΔTC/ΔQ
net gain
price equals marginal cost at the pricetaking firm’s optimal quantity of output
a price-taking firm’s profit is maximized by
influence the market price by its actions
The Price-Taking Firm’s Profit Maximizing Quantity of Output graph
average revenue
economic profit
accounting profit
nike shaped
Minimum average total cost on a graph
mc line is always
atc is always
MR =P=D line
Profit/Q
for a perfectly competitive firm it is always true that
Profit = TR − TC also equals
ATC − P
producer is profitable
minimum average variable cost
The price where average revenue is equal to average variable cost. Below this price, the firm will shut down in the short run.
Since it cannot be changed in the short run, their fixed cost is
When the market price is below the minimum average variable cost
When the market price is greater than or equal to the minimum average variable cost
Variable cost can be eliminated by not producing, which makes it
shut down price is equal
Summary of the Perfectly Competitive Firm’s Profitability and Production Conditions
1. the value of mc is the same for all firms
2. the industry makes 0 economic profit or a normal profit in the long run
3. the market is efficient in the long run
Buyers & sellers so numerous that no one can affect market price—each is a "price taker"