question
In which of the following markets are strategic interactions among firms most likely to occur?
a.
the market for tennis balls
b.
the market for corn
c.
the market for piano lessons
d.
markets to which patent and copyright laws apply
a.
the market for tennis balls
b.
the market for corn
c.
the market for piano lessons
d.
markets to which patent and copyright laws apply
answer
Correcta.
the market for tennis balls
the market for tennis balls
question
In choosing among alternative courses of action, Raj must consider how others might respond to the action he takes. In the language of game theory, we say that Raj must think
a.
dominantly.
b.
openly.
c.
cooperatively.
d.
strategically.
a.
dominantly.
b.
openly.
c.
cooperatively.
d.
strategically.
answer
Correctd.
strategically.
strategically.
question
For cartels, as the number of firms (members of the cartel) increases,
a.
the more concerned each seller is about its own impact on the market price.
b.
the magnitude of the price effect decreases.
c.
the easier it becomes to observe members violating their agreements.
d.
the monopoly outcome becomes more likely.
a.
the more concerned each seller is about its own impact on the market price.
b.
the magnitude of the price effect decreases.
c.
the easier it becomes to observe members violating their agreements.
d.
the monopoly outcome becomes more likely.
answer
Correctb.
the magnitude of the price effect decreases.
the magnitude of the price effect decreases.
question
In markets characterized by oligopoly,
a.
collective profits are always lower with cartel arrangements than they are without cartel arrangements.
b.
the oligopolists earn the highest profit when they cooperate and behave like a monopolist.
c.
pursuit of self-interest by profit-maximizing firms always maximizes collective profits in the market.
d.
collusive agreements will always prevail.
a.
collective profits are always lower with cartel arrangements than they are without cartel arrangements.
b.
the oligopolists earn the highest profit when they cooperate and behave like a monopolist.
c.
pursuit of self-interest by profit-maximizing firms always maximizes collective profits in the market.
d.
collusive agreements will always prevail.
answer
Correctb.
the oligopolists earn the highest profit when they cooperate and behave like a monopolist.
the oligopolists earn the highest profit when they cooperate and behave like a monopolist.
question
Refer to Table 17-8. If there were only one supplier of water, what would be the price and quantity?
a.
The price would be $7 per gallon and the quantity would be 600 gallons.
b.
The price would be $4 per gallon and the quantity would be 1200 gallons.
c.
The price would be $5 per gallon and the quantity would be 1000 gallons.
d.
The price would be $6 per gallon and the quantity would be 800 gallons.
a.
The price would be $7 per gallon and the quantity would be 600 gallons.
b.
The price would be $4 per gallon and the quantity would be 1200 gallons.
c.
The price would be $5 per gallon and the quantity would be 1000 gallons.
d.
The price would be $6 per gallon and the quantity would be 800 gallons.
answer
a.
The price would be $7 per gallon and the quantity would be 600 gallons.
The price would be $7 per gallon and the quantity would be 600 gallons.
question
Suppose that Thierry and Abdul are duopolists. Thierry is producing 700 units of output, and Abdul is producing 500 units of output. When Abdul produces 500 units, Thierry maximizes profit by producing 700 units. When Thierry produces 700 units of output, Abdul maximizes profit by producing 500 units. Thierry and Abdul are
a.
pricing at the minimum of marginal cost.
b.
in a competitive market.
c.
engaging in mark-up pricing.
d.
at a Nash equilibrium
a.
pricing at the minimum of marginal cost.
b.
in a competitive market.
c.
engaging in mark-up pricing.
d.
at a Nash equilibrium
answer
d.
at a Nash equilibrium
at a Nash equilibrium
question
Refer to Table 17-17. Which of the following outcomes represent the Nash equilibrium in this game?
a.
Q=2 for Firm A and Q=3 for Firm B.
b.
Q=3 for Firm A and Q=2 for Firm B.
c.
There is no Nash equilibrium in this game since neither player has a dominant strategy.
d.
Both a and b are correct.
a.
Q=2 for Firm A and Q=3 for Firm B.
b.
Q=3 for Firm A and Q=2 for Firm B.
c.
There is no Nash equilibrium in this game since neither player has a dominant strategy.
d.
Both a and b are correct.
answer
d.
Both a and b are correct.
Both a and b are correct.
question
Refer to Table 17-13. If both stores follow a dominant strategy, HomeMax's annual profit will grow by
a.
$0.6 million.
b.
$1.5 million.
c.
$2.5 million.
d.
$3.4 million.
a.
$0.6 million.
b.
$1.5 million.
c.
$2.5 million.
d.
$3.4 million.
answer
b.
$1.5 million.
$1.5 million.
question
Refer to Table 17-20. If Maddie chooses to clean, then Nadia will
a.
clean and Maddie's payoff will be 50.
b.
clean and Maddie's payoff will be 30.
c.
not clean and Maddie's payoff will be 7.
d.
not clean and Maddie's payoff will be 10.
a.
clean and Maddie's payoff will be 50.
b.
clean and Maddie's payoff will be 30.
c.
not clean and Maddie's payoff will be 7.
d.
not clean and Maddie's payoff will be 10.
answer
c.
not clean and Maddie's payoff will be 7.
not clean and Maddie's payoff will be 7.
question
Refer to Table 17-20. What is Maddie's dominant strategy?
a.
Maddie should always choose Clean.
b.
Maddie has two dominant strategies, Clean and Don't Clean, depending on the choice Nadia makes.
c.
Maddie has no dominant strategy.
d.
Maddie should always choose Don't Clean.
a.
Maddie should always choose Clean.
b.
Maddie has two dominant strategies, Clean and Don't Clean, depending on the choice Nadia makes.
c.
Maddie has no dominant strategy.
d.
Maddie should always choose Don't Clean.
answer
d.
Maddie should always choose Don't Clean.
Maddie should always choose Don't Clean.
question
Refer to Table 17-21. If Paul chooses Drive Straight, what will John choose to do and what will John's payoff equal?
a.
Turn, 5
b.
Drive Straight, 5
c.
Drive Straight, 0
d.
Turn, 20
a.
Turn, 5
b.
Drive Straight, 5
c.
Drive Straight, 0
d.
Turn, 20
answer
a.
Turn, 5
Turn, 5
question
Two CEOs from different firms in the same market collude to fix the price in the market. This action violates the
a.
Crandall-Putnam ruling of 1983.
b.
Clayton Act of 1914.
c.
Jackson-Microsoft ruling of 2000.
d.
Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890.
a.
Crandall-Putnam ruling of 1983.
b.
Clayton Act of 1914.
c.
Jackson-Microsoft ruling of 2000.
d.
Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890.
answer
d.
Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890.
Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890.
question
Acme Computer Co. sells computers to retail stores for $400. If Acme requires the retailers to charge customers $500 for the computers, then it is engaging in
a.
monopolistic competition.
b.
resale price maintenance.
c.
predatory pricing.
d.
tying.
a.
monopolistic competition.
b.
resale price maintenance.
c.
predatory pricing.
d.
tying.
answer
b.
resale price maintenance.
resale price maintenance.
question
Scenario 17-5
Assume that a local restaurant sells two items, salads and steaks. The restaurant's only two customers on a particular day are Mr. Carnivore and Ms. Leafygreens. Mr. Carnivore is willing to pay $20 for a steak and $7 for a salad. Ms. Leafygreens is willing to pay only $8 for a steak, but is willing to pay $12 for a salad. Assume that the restaurant can provide each of these items at zero marginal cost.
Refer to Scenario 17-5. If the restaurant is unable to use tying, what is the profit-maximizing price to charge for a steak?
a.
$8
b.
$16
c.
$12
d.
$20
Assume that a local restaurant sells two items, salads and steaks. The restaurant's only two customers on a particular day are Mr. Carnivore and Ms. Leafygreens. Mr. Carnivore is willing to pay $20 for a steak and $7 for a salad. Ms. Leafygreens is willing to pay only $8 for a steak, but is willing to pay $12 for a salad. Assume that the restaurant can provide each of these items at zero marginal cost.
Refer to Scenario 17-5. If the restaurant is unable to use tying, what is the profit-maximizing price to charge for a steak?
a.
$8
b.
$16
c.
$12
d.
$20
answer
Correctd.
$20
$20
question
The story of the prisoners' dilemma shows why
a.
oligopolies can fail to cooperate, even when cooperation is in their best interest.
b.
economists are unanimous in condemning resale price maintenance, since it inevitably reduces competition.
c.
oligopolies can fail to act independently, even when independent decision-making is in their best interest.
d.
predatory pricing is clearly not in society's best interes
a.
oligopolies can fail to cooperate, even when cooperation is in their best interest.
b.
economists are unanimous in condemning resale price maintenance, since it inevitably reduces competition.
c.
oligopolies can fail to act independently, even when independent decision-making is in their best interest.
d.
predatory pricing is clearly not in society's best interes
answer
a.
oligopolies can fail to cooperate, even when cooperation is in their best interest.
oligopolies can fail to cooperate, even when cooperation is in their best interest.
question
Which of the following examples illustrates an oligopoly market?
a.
a city whose electrical service is provided by one electric co-operative
b.
a city with two firms who are licensed to sell school uniforms for the local schools
c.
a city with many independently-owned hair styling salons
d.
a farmers' market with many individuals selling sweet corn and tomatoes
a.
a city whose electrical service is provided by one electric co-operative
b.
a city with two firms who are licensed to sell school uniforms for the local schools
c.
a city with many independently-owned hair styling salons
d.
a farmers' market with many individuals selling sweet corn and tomatoes
answer
b.
a city with two firms who are licensed to sell school uniforms for the local schools
a city with two firms who are licensed to sell school uniforms for the local schools
question
Because oligopoly markets have only a few sellers, the actions of any one seller
a.
do not affect other sellers in the market.
b.
can have a large impact on the profits of other sellers in the market.
c.
will affect how other firms behave in the market.
d.
Both b and c are correc
a.
do not affect other sellers in the market.
b.
can have a large impact on the profits of other sellers in the market.
c.
will affect how other firms behave in the market.
d.
Both b and c are correc
answer
d.
Both b and c are correc
Both b and c are correc
question
Refer to Table 17-10. If this market is perfectly competitive and the marginal cost is constant at $40 per unit, then how much output will be produced?
a.
1,200
b.
1,500
c.
900
d.
1,800
a.
1,200
b.
1,500
c.
900
d.
1,800
answer
d.
1,800
1,800
question
Refer to Table 17-12. If there are exactly five sellers of gasoline in Driveaway and if they collude, then which of the following outcomes is most likely?
a.
Each seller will sell 40 gallons and charge a price of $4.
b.
Each seller will sell 30 gallons and charge a price of $4.
c.
Each seller will sell 50 gallons and charge a price of $3.
d.
Each seller will sell 30 gallons and charge a price of $5.
a.
Each seller will sell 40 gallons and charge a price of $4.
b.
Each seller will sell 30 gallons and charge a price of $4.
c.
Each seller will sell 50 gallons and charge a price of $3.
d.
Each seller will sell 30 gallons and charge a price of $5.
answer
d.
Each seller will sell 30 gallons and charge a price of $5.
Each seller will sell 30 gallons and charge a price of $5.
question
Refer to Table 17-12. Suppose we observe that the price of a gallon of gasoline in Driveaway is $2. Given this observation, which of the following scenarios is most likely?
a.
There are two sellers of gasoline in Driveaway.
b.
There are many sellers of gasoline in Driveaway.
c.
There is one seller of gasoline in Driveaway.
d.
There are a few sellers of gasoline in Driveaway, but the number of sellers exceeds two.
a.
There are two sellers of gasoline in Driveaway.
b.
There are many sellers of gasoline in Driveaway.
c.
There is one seller of gasoline in Driveaway.
d.
There are a few sellers of gasoline in Driveaway, but the number of sellers exceeds two.
answer
b.
There are many sellers of gasoline in Driveaway.
There are many sellers of gasoline in Driveaway.
question
As the number of firms in an oligopoly increases, the price approaches
a.
marginal cost.
b.
infinity.
c.
the monopoly price.
d.
zero.
a.
marginal cost.
b.
infinity.
c.
the monopoly price.
d.
zero.
answer
a.
marginal cost.
marginal cost.
question
In the prisoners' dilemma game with Bonnie and Clyde as the players, the likely outcome is one
a.
in which both Bonnie and Clyde confess.
b.
that involves neither Bonnie nor Clyde pursuing a dominant strategy.
c.
in which neither Bonnie nor Clyde confesses.
d.
that is ideal in terms of Bonnie's self-interest and in terms of Clyde's self-interest.
a.
in which both Bonnie and Clyde confess.
b.
that involves neither Bonnie nor Clyde pursuing a dominant strategy.
c.
in which neither Bonnie nor Clyde confesses.
d.
that is ideal in terms of Bonnie's self-interest and in terms of Clyde's self-interest.
answer
a.
in which both Bonnie and Clyde confess.
in which both Bonnie and Clyde confess.
question
Refer to Figure 17-5. Suppose we observe that the outcome of the game is one in which each company earns a profit of $10 million. This outcome
a.
is the result of cooperation between the two companies, and we know that a cooperative outcome is easy in a game such as this one.
b.
is the result of cooperation between the two companies, and we know that a cooperative outcome is difficult in a game such as this one.
c.
is the most likely outcome of the game, regardless of whether the two companies cooperate.
d.
is the result of each company pursuing its dominant strategy.
a.
is the result of cooperation between the two companies, and we know that a cooperative outcome is easy in a game such as this one.
b.
is the result of cooperation between the two companies, and we know that a cooperative outcome is difficult in a game such as this one.
c.
is the most likely outcome of the game, regardless of whether the two companies cooperate.
d.
is the result of each company pursuing its dominant strategy.
answer
b.
is the result of cooperation between the two companies, and we know that a cooperative outcome is difficult in a game such as this one.
is the result of cooperation between the two companies, and we know that a cooperative outcome is difficult in a game such as this one.
question
Refer to Table 17-23. Suppose that the two firms, A and B, make an agreement to withhold any advertising for one month to lower each firm's costs and raise each firm's profits. If the firms reach the Nash equilibrium,
a.
both firms will break the agreement and choose to advertise.
b.
firm B will choose not to advertise, but firm A will break the agreement and choose to advertise.
c.
both firms will choose not to advertise.
d.
firm A will choose not to advertise, but firm B will break the agreement and choose to advertise.
a.
both firms will break the agreement and choose to advertise.
b.
firm B will choose not to advertise, but firm A will break the agreement and choose to advertise.
c.
both firms will choose not to advertise.
d.
firm A will choose not to advertise, but firm B will break the agreement and choose to advertise.
answer
a.
both firms will break the agreement and choose to advertise.
both firms will break the agreement and choose to advertise.
question
Refer to Table 17-20. What is Nadia's dominant strategy?
a.
Nadia should always choose Don't Clean.
b.
Nadia has no dominant strategy.
c.
Nadia should always choose Clean.
d.
Nadia has two dominant strategies, Clean and Don't Clean, depending on the choice Maddie makes.
a.
Nadia should always choose Don't Clean.
b.
Nadia has no dominant strategy.
c.
Nadia should always choose Clean.
d.
Nadia has two dominant strategies, Clean and Don't Clean, depending on the choice Maddie makes.
answer
a.
Nadia should always choose Don't Clean.
Nadia should always choose Don't Clean.
question
able 17-28
Suppose that two firms determine that each could lower its costs and increase its profits if both reduced their advertising budgets. But in order for the plan to work, each firm must agree to refrain from advertising. Each firm believes that advertising works by increasing the demand for the firm's product, but each firm also believes that if neither firm advertises, the cost savings will outweigh the lost sales. The table below lists each firm's individual profits:
Firm A
Breaks agreement Maintains agreement
and advertises and does not advertise
Firm B Breaks agreement
and advertises Firm A's profit = $16,000
Firm B's profit = $6,000 Firm A's profit = $14,000
Firm B's profit = $10,000
Maintains agreement
and does not advertise Firm A's profit = $24,000
Firm B's profit = $5,000 Firm A's profit = $22,000
Firm B's profit = $9,000
Refer to Table 17-28. Does either Firm A or Firm B have a dominant strategy?
a.
Neither Firm A nor Firm B has a dominant strategy.
b.
Both Firm A and Firm B have a dominant strategy.
c.
Firm A does not have a dominant strategy, but Firm B does.
d.
Firm A has a dominant strategy, but Firm B does not.
Suppose that two firms determine that each could lower its costs and increase its profits if both reduced their advertising budgets. But in order for the plan to work, each firm must agree to refrain from advertising. Each firm believes that advertising works by increasing the demand for the firm's product, but each firm also believes that if neither firm advertises, the cost savings will outweigh the lost sales. The table below lists each firm's individual profits:
Firm A
Breaks agreement Maintains agreement
and advertises and does not advertise
Firm B Breaks agreement
and advertises Firm A's profit = $16,000
Firm B's profit = $6,000 Firm A's profit = $14,000
Firm B's profit = $10,000
Maintains agreement
and does not advertise Firm A's profit = $24,000
Firm B's profit = $5,000 Firm A's profit = $22,000
Firm B's profit = $9,000
Refer to Table 17-28. Does either Firm A or Firm B have a dominant strategy?
a.
Neither Firm A nor Firm B has a dominant strategy.
b.
Both Firm A and Firm B have a dominant strategy.
c.
Firm A does not have a dominant strategy, but Firm B does.
d.
Firm A has a dominant strategy, but Firm B does not.
answer
b.
Both Firm A and Firm B have a dominant strategy.
Both Firm A and Firm B have a dominant strategy.
question
The practice of tying is used to
a.
control the retail price of a collection of related products.
b.
package products to sell at a combined price closer to a buyer's total willingness to pay.
c.
encourage the enforcement of collusive agreements.
d.
enhance the enforcement of antitrust laws.
a.
control the retail price of a collection of related products.
b.
package products to sell at a combined price closer to a buyer's total willingness to pay.
c.
encourage the enforcement of collusive agreements.
d.
enhance the enforcement of antitrust laws.
answer
b.
package products to sell at a combined price closer to a buyer's total willingness to pay.
package products to sell at a combined price closer to a buyer's total willingness to pay.
question
The Clayton Act of 1914 allows those harmed by illegal arrangements to restrain trade to
a.
sue for up to three times the damages they incurred.
b.
sue for up to two times the damages they incurred.
c.
sue for damages, but only for the actual amount of damages they incurred.
d.
sue for up to four times the damages they incurred.
a.
sue for up to three times the damages they incurred.
b.
sue for up to two times the damages they incurred.
c.
sue for damages, but only for the actual amount of damages they incurred.
d.
sue for up to four times the damages they incurred.
answer
a.
sue for up to three times the damages they incurred.
sue for up to three times the damages they incurred.
question
Consider a market served by a monopolist, Firm A. A new firm, Firm B, enters the market and, as a result, Firm A lowers its price to try to drive Firm B out of the market. This practice is known as
a.
tying.
b.
resale price maintenance.
c.
predatory tying.
d.
predatory pricing.
a.
tying.
b.
resale price maintenance.
c.
predatory tying.
d.
predatory pricing.
answer
d.
predatory pricing.
predatory pricing.
question
The story of the prisoners' dilemma shows why
a.
oligopolies can fail to cooperate, even when cooperation is in their best interest.
b.
oligopolies can fail to act independently, even when independent decision-making is in their best interest.
c.
predatory pricing is clearly not in society's best interest.
d.
economists are unanimous in condemning resale price maintenance, since it inevitably reduces competition.
a.
oligopolies can fail to cooperate, even when cooperation is in their best interest.
b.
oligopolies can fail to act independently, even when independent decision-making is in their best interest.
c.
predatory pricing is clearly not in society's best interest.
d.
economists are unanimous in condemning resale price maintenance, since it inevitably reduces competition.
answer
a.
oligopolies can fail to cooperate, even when cooperation is in their best interest.
oligopolies can fail to cooperate, even when cooperation is in their best interest.
question
In which of the following markets are strategic interactions among firms most likely to occur?
a.
the market for tennis balls
b.
the market for piano lessons
c.
markets to which patent and copyright laws apply
d.
the market for corn
a.
the market for tennis balls
b.
the market for piano lessons
c.
markets to which patent and copyright laws apply
d.
the market for corn
answer
a.
the market for tennis balls
the market for tennis balls
question
We must be knowledgeable of how people behave in strategic situations if we are to understand
a.
perfectly competitive markets.
b.
monopolistically competitive markets.
c.
oligopolistic markets.
d.
All of the above are correct.
a.
perfectly competitive markets.
b.
monopolistically competitive markets.
c.
oligopolistic markets.
d.
All of the above are correct.
answer
c.
oligopolistic markets.
oligopolistic markets.
question
Refer to Table 17-1. If the market for water were perfectly competitive instead of monopolistic, how many gallons of water would be produced and sold?
a.
0 gallons
b.
900 gallons
c.
1,200 gallons
d.
600 gallons
a.
0 gallons
b.
900 gallons
c.
1,200 gallons
d.
600 gallons
answer
c.
1,200 gallons
1,200 gallons
question
Refer to Table 17-1. If Rochelle and Alec operate as a profit-maximizing monopoly in the market for water, what price will they charge?
a.
$35
b.
$30
c.
$25
d.
$40
a.
$35
b.
$30
c.
$25
d.
$40
answer
b.
$30
$30
question
As a group, oligopolists earn the highest profit when they
a.
charge a price that falls short of the Nash-equilibrium price.
b.
produce a total quantity of output that falls short of the Nash-equilibrium total quantity.
c.
produce a total quantity of output that exceeds the Nash-equilibrium total quantity.
d.
achieve a Nash equilibrium
a.
charge a price that falls short of the Nash-equilibrium price.
b.
produce a total quantity of output that falls short of the Nash-equilibrium total quantity.
c.
produce a total quantity of output that exceeds the Nash-equilibrium total quantity.
d.
achieve a Nash equilibrium
answer
b.
produce a total quantity of output that falls short of the Nash-equilibrium total quantity.
produce a total quantity of output that falls short of the Nash-equilibrium total quantity.
question
Scenario 17-1.
Assume that the countries of Irun and Urun are the only two producers of crude oil. Further assume that both countries have entered into an agreement to maintain certain production levels in order to maximize profits. In the world market for oil, the demand curve is downward sloping.
Refer to Scenario 17-1. As long as the combined level of output is less than the Nash equilibrium level, both Irun and Urun have the individual incentive to
a.
increase price.
b.
hold production constant.
c.
increase production.
d.
decrease production.
Assume that the countries of Irun and Urun are the only two producers of crude oil. Further assume that both countries have entered into an agreement to maintain certain production levels in order to maximize profits. In the world market for oil, the demand curve is downward sloping.
Refer to Scenario 17-1. As long as the combined level of output is less than the Nash equilibrium level, both Irun and Urun have the individual incentive to
a.
increase price.
b.
hold production constant.
c.
increase production.
d.
decrease production.
answer
c.
increase production.
increase production.
question
What happens when the prisoners' dilemma game is repeated numerous times in an oligopoly market?
(i)
The firms may well reach the monopoly outcome.
(ii)
The firms may well reach the competitive outcome.
(iii)
Buyers of the oligopolists' product will likely be worse off as a result.\
a.
(i), (ii), and (iii)
b.
(ii) and (iii)
c.
(i) and (iii)
d.
(i) and (ii)
(i)
The firms may well reach the monopoly outcome.
(ii)
The firms may well reach the competitive outcome.
(iii)
Buyers of the oligopolists' product will likely be worse off as a result.\
a.
(i), (ii), and (iii)
b.
(ii) and (iii)
c.
(i) and (iii)
d.
(i) and (ii)
answer
c.
(i) and (iii)
(i) and (iii)
question
When firms are faced with making strategic choices to maximize profit, economists typically use
a.
the theory of monopoly to model their behavior.
b.
cartel theory to model their behavior.
c.
the theory of aggressive competition to model their behavior.
d.
game theory to model their behavior.
a.
the theory of monopoly to model their behavior.
b.
cartel theory to model their behavior.
c.
the theory of aggressive competition to model their behavior.
d.
game theory to model their behavior.
answer
d.
game theory to model their behavior.
game theory to model their behavior.
question
Refer to Table 17-29. Which of the following statements does not correctly characterize the outcome of this game?
a.
Only one firm has a dominant strategy.
b.
Both firms collectively would earn the highest joint profits by maintaining the agreement not to advertise.
c.
There is a Nash equilibrium.
d.
The game is an example of the Prisoners' Dilemma.
a.
Only one firm has a dominant strategy.
b.
Both firms collectively would earn the highest joint profits by maintaining the agreement not to advertise.
c.
There is a Nash equilibrium.
d.
The game is an example of the Prisoners' Dilemma.
answer
a.
Only one firm has a dominant strategy.
Only one firm has a dominant strategy.
question
Scenario 17-2.
Imagine that two oil companies, BQ and Exxoff, own adjacent oil fields. Under the fields is a common pool of oil worth $144 million. Drilling a well to recover oil costs $5 million per well. If each company drills one well, each will get half of the oil and earn a $67 million profit ($72 million in revenue - $5 million in costs). Assume that having X percent of the total wells means that a company will collect X percent of the total revenue.
Refer to Scenario 17-2. If BQ and Exxoff are able to successfully collude to maximize their joint profits, BQ will earn
a.
$67 million and Exxoff will earn $67 million.
b.
$86 million and Exxoff will earn $43 million.
c.
$62 million and Exxoff will earn $62 million.
d.
$43 million and Exxoff will earn $86 million.
Imagine that two oil companies, BQ and Exxoff, own adjacent oil fields. Under the fields is a common pool of oil worth $144 million. Drilling a well to recover oil costs $5 million per well. If each company drills one well, each will get half of the oil and earn a $67 million profit ($72 million in revenue - $5 million in costs). Assume that having X percent of the total wells means that a company will collect X percent of the total revenue.
Refer to Scenario 17-2. If BQ and Exxoff are able to successfully collude to maximize their joint profits, BQ will earn
a.
$67 million and Exxoff will earn $67 million.
b.
$86 million and Exxoff will earn $43 million.
c.
$62 million and Exxoff will earn $62 million.
d.
$43 million and Exxoff will earn $86 million.
answer
a.
$67 million and Exxoff will earn $67 million.
$67 million and Exxoff will earn $67 million.
question
Refer to Table 17-28. Which of the following statement(s) correctly characterizes the outcome of this game?
a.
Both Firm A and Firm B have a dominant strategy to advertise.
b.
There is a Nash equilibrium when both firms advertise.
c.
Although both firms collectively would earn higher profits by maintaining the agreement not to advertise, self-interest will cause each firm to break the agreement.
d.
All of the above are correct.
a.
Both Firm A and Firm B have a dominant strategy to advertise.
b.
There is a Nash equilibrium when both firms advertise.
c.
Although both firms collectively would earn higher profits by maintaining the agreement not to advertise, self-interest will cause each firm to break the agreement.
d.
All of the above are correct.
answer
d.
All of the above are correct.
All of the above are correct.
question
The Clayton Act
a.
was specifically designed to reduce the ability of cartels to organize.
b.
replaced the Sherman Act.
c.
strengthened the Sherman Act.
d.
preceded the Sherman Act.
a.
was specifically designed to reduce the ability of cartels to organize.
b.
replaced the Sherman Act.
c.
strengthened the Sherman Act.
d.
preceded the Sherman Act.
answer
c.
strengthened the Sherman Act.
strengthened the Sherman Act.
question
Resale price maintenance involves a firm
a.
selling two individual products together for a single price rather than selling each product individually at separate prices.
b.
colluding with another firm to restrict output and raise prices.
c.
temporarily cutting the price of its product to drive a competitor out of the market.
d.
requiring that the firm reselling its product do so at a specified price.
a.
selling two individual products together for a single price rather than selling each product individually at separate prices.
b.
colluding with another firm to restrict output and raise prices.
c.
temporarily cutting the price of its product to drive a competitor out of the market.
d.
requiring that the firm reselling its product do so at a specified price.
answer
d.
requiring that the firm reselling its product do so at a specified price.
requiring that the firm reselling its product do so at a specified price.
question
According to the Clayton Act,
a.
private lawsuits are discouraged.
b.
individuals can sue to recover damages from illegal cooperative agreements.
c.
the government was able to incarcerate the CEO of a firm for illegal pricing arrangements.
d.
lawyers are given an incentive to reduce the number of cases involving cooperative arrangements.
a.
private lawsuits are discouraged.
b.
individuals can sue to recover damages from illegal cooperative agreements.
c.
the government was able to incarcerate the CEO of a firm for illegal pricing arrangements.
d.
lawyers are given an incentive to reduce the number of cases involving cooperative arrangements.
answer
b.
individuals can sue to recover damages from illegal cooperative agreements.
individuals can sue to recover damages from illegal cooperative agreements.
question
The story of the prisoners' dilemma shows why
a.
oligopolies can fail to act independently, even when independent decision-making is in their best interest.
b.
oligopolies can fail to cooperate, even when cooperation is in their best interest.
c.
predatory pricing is clearly not in society's best interest.
d.
economists are unanimous in condemning resale price maintenance, since it inevitably reduces competition.
a.
oligopolies can fail to act independently, even when independent decision-making is in their best interest.
b.
oligopolies can fail to cooperate, even when cooperation is in their best interest.
c.
predatory pricing is clearly not in society's best interest.
d.
economists are unanimous in condemning resale price maintenance, since it inevitably reduces competition.
answer
b.
oligopolies can fail to cooperate, even when cooperation is in their best interest.
oligopolies can fail to cooperate, even when cooperation is in their best interest.
question
If sellers expect higher basket prices in the near future, the current
answer
supply of baskets will decrease.
question
An early frost in the vineyards of Napa Valley would cause a(n)
answer
decrease in the supply of wine, increasing price.
question
If consumers view cappuccinos and lattés as substitutes, what would happen to the equilibrium price and quantity of lattés if the price of cappuccinos falls?
answer
Both the equilibrium price and quantity would decrease.
question
Figure 4-19
The diagram below pertains to the demand for turkey in the United States.
Refer to Figure 4-19. All else equal, an increase in the income of buyers who consider turkey to be an inferior good would cause a move from
The diagram below pertains to the demand for turkey in the United States.
Refer to Figure 4-19. All else equal, an increase in the income of buyers who consider turkey to be an inferior good would cause a move from
answer
Da to Db.
question
If consumers view cappuccinos and lattés as substitutes, what would happen to the equilibrium price and quantity of lattés if the price of cappuccinos rises?
answer
Both the equilibrium price and quantity would increase.
question
Refer to Figure 4-22. Panel (d) shows which of the following?
answer
a decrease in quantity demanded and a decrease in supply
question
Refer to Figure 4-15. At a price of $15, there would be a
answer
shortage of 400 units.
question
When the price of bubble gum is $0.50, the quantity demanded is 400 packs per day. When the price falls to $0.40, the quantity demanded increases to 600. Given this information and using the midpoint method, we know that the demand for bubble gum is
answer
elastic
question
If the price of walnuts rises, many people would switch from consuming walnuts to consuming pecans. But if the price of salt rises, people would have difficulty purchasing something to use in its place. These examples illustrate the importance of
answer
the availability of close substitutes in determining the price elasticity of demand.
question
Total revenue
answer
remains unchanged as price increases when demand is unit elastic.
question
Suppose that Juan Carlos is filling out a survey that he received in the mail. The survey asks him what he would do if the price of his favorite toothpaste increased. Juan Carlos reports that he would switch to a different brand. The survey asks what he would do if the price of all toothpastes increased. Juan Carlos reports that he must use toothpaste, so he would have to adjust his spending elsewhere. These examples illustrate the importance of
answer
the definition of a market in determining the price elasticity of demand.
question
A key determinant of the price elasticity of supply is the time period under consideration. Which of the following statements best explains this fact?
answer
The number of firms in a market tends to be more variable over long periods of time than over short periods of time.
question
Table 5-5
The following table shows a portion of the demand schedule for a particular good at various levels of income.
Refer to Table 5-5. Using the midpoint method, at a price of $8, what is the income elasticity of demand when income rises from $7,500 to $10,000?
The following table shows a portion of the demand schedule for a particular good at various levels of income.
Refer to Table 5-5. Using the midpoint method, at a price of $8, what is the income elasticity of demand when income rises from $7,500 to $10,000?
answer
1.00
question
If the price elasticity of supply is 0.2, and a price increase led to a 3% increase in quantity supplied, then the price increase is about
answer
15%
question
A binding price ceiling
(i) causes a surplus.
(ii) causes a shortage.
(iii) is set at a price above the equilibrium price.
(iv) is set at a price below the equilibrium price.
(i) causes a surplus.
(ii) causes a shortage.
(iii) is set at a price above the equilibrium price.
(iv) is set at a price below the equilibrium price.
answer
(ii) and (iv) only
question
A binding price floor
(i) causes a surplus.
(ii) causes a shortage.
(iii) is set at a price above the equilibrium price.
(iv) is set at a price below the equilibrium price.
(i) causes a surplus.
(ii) causes a shortage.
(iii) is set at a price above the equilibrium price.
(iv) is set at a price below the equilibrium price.
answer
(i) and (iii) only
question
When OPEC raised the price of crude oil in the 1970s, it caused the United States'
answer
nonbinding price ceiling on gasoline to become binding.
question
Suppose the government wants to encourage Americans to exercise more, so it imposes a binding price ceiling on the market for in-home treadmills. As a result,
answer
a shortage of treadmills will develop.
question
Refer to Figure 6-15. Suppose a tax of $2 per unit is imposed on this market. How much will sellers receive per unit after the tax is imposed?
answer
between $3 and $5
question
Refer to Figure 6-24. Suppose D1 represents the demand curve for paperback novels, D2 represents the demand curve for gasoline, and S1 represents the supply curve for paperback novels and gasoline. After the imposition of the $2 on paperback novels and on gasoline, the
answer
buyers of gasoline bear a higher burden of the $2 tax than buyers of paperback novels.
question
Refer to Table 13-4. Charles's math tutoring company experiences diminishing marginal productivity with the addition of the
answer
third worker.
question
Refer to Table 13-4. What is the marginal product of the third worker?
answer
15 students
question
Total revenue equals
answer
price x quantity.
question
The average-fixed-cost curve
answer
is always decreasing.
question
If Farmer Brown plants no seeds on his farm, he gets no harvest. If he plants 1 bag of seeds, he gets 5 bushels of wheat. If he plants 2 bags, he gets 9 bushels. If he plants 3 bags, he gets 12 bushels. A bag of seeds costs $120, and seeds are his only cost.
Refer to Scenario 13-12. Farmer Brown's total-cost curve is
Refer to Scenario 13-12. Farmer Brown's total-cost curve is
answer
increasing at an increasing rate.
question
Which of the following is not a characteristic of a perfectly competitive market?
answer
Many firms have market power.
question
Mrs. Smith operates a business in a competitive market. The current market price is $7.50. At her profit-maximizing level of production, the average variable cost is $8.00, and the average total cost is $8.25. Mrs. Smith should
answer
shut down in the short run and exit in the long run.
question
Refer to Figure 14-14. When the market is in long-run equilibrium at point A in panel (b), the firm represented in panel (a) will
answer
have a zero economic profit.
question
A firm in a competitive market currently produces and sells 500 doorknobs for a price of $10 per doorknob. Which of the following events would decrease the firms average revenue?
answer
The market price of doorknobs falls below $10.
question
Who is a price taker in a competitive market?
answer
both buyers and sellers
question
Which of the following statements best reflects the production decision of a profit-maximizing firm in a competitive market when price falls below the minimum of average variable cost?
answer
The firm will immediately stop production to minimize its losses.
question
Refer to Table 14-1. The price and quantity relationship in the table is most likely a demand curve faced by a firm in a
answer
competitive market.
question
Table 15-6
A monopolist faces the following demand curve:
Refer to Table 15-6. What is the marginal revenue from the sale of the 2nd unit?
A monopolist faces the following demand curve:
Refer to Table 15-6. What is the marginal revenue from the sale of the 2nd unit?
answer
$9
question
Tommy's Tie Company, a monopolist, has the following cost and revenue information. Assume that Tommy's is able to engage in perfect price discrimination.
Refer to Table 15-18. If the monopolist can engage in perfect price discrimination, what is the total revenue when 3 ties are sold?
Refer to Table 15-18. If the monopolist can engage in perfect price discrimination, what is the total revenue when 3 ties are sold?
answer
$450
question
Which of the following statements is correct?
answer
If the monopolists marginal revenue is greater than its marginal cost, the monopolist can increase profit by selling more units at a lower price per unit.
question
When a monopolist is able to sell its product at different prices, it is engaging in
answer
price discrimination.
question
Refer to Figure 15-14. To maximize its profit, a monopolist would choose which of the following outcomes?
answer
Q = 30 and P = 60
question
Round-trip airline tickets are usually cheaper if you stay over a Saturday night before you fly back. What is the reason for this price discrepancy?
answer
All of the above are correct.
(Airlines are practicing imperfect price discrimination to raise their profits; airlines charge a different rate based on the different nature of peoples travel needs; airlines are attempting to charge people based on their willingness to pay.)
(Airlines are practicing imperfect price discrimination to raise their profits; airlines charge a different rate based on the different nature of peoples travel needs; airlines are attempting to charge people based on their willingness to pay.)
question
Refer to Figure 16-3. At the profit-maximizing, or loss-minimizing, output level, how many units of output will the firm in this figure produce?
answer
15
question
If firms in a monopolistically competitive market are incurring economic losses, which of the following scenarios would best describe the change remaining firms would face as the market adjusts to the long-run equilibrium?
answer
an increase in demand for each firm
question
Each firm in a monopolistically competitive market
answer
faces a downward-sloping demand curve.
question
When a profit-maximizing firm in a monopolistically competitive market is in long-run equilibrium,
answer
price exceeds marginal cost.
question
Monopolistic competition is characterized by which of the following attributes?
(i) free entry
(ii) product differentiation
(iii) many sellers
(i) free entry
(ii) product differentiation
(iii) many sellers
answer
(i), (ii), and (iii)
question
Critics of advertising argue that advertising
answer
creates demand for products that people otherwise do not want or need.
question
If a market is a duopoly and additional firms enter and do not cooperate, then
answer
price falls and quantity rises.
question
As the number of firms in an oligopoly increases, the price approaches
answer
marginal cost.
question
Cartels are difficult to maintain because
answer
there is always tension between cooperation and self-interest in a cartel.
question
Antitrust laws in general are used to
answer
prevent oligopolists from acting in ways that make markets less competitive.
question
Scenario 17-4. Consider two cigarette companies, PM Inc. and Brown Inc. If neither company advertises, the two companies split the market and earn $50 million each. If they both advertise, they again split the market, but profits are lower by $10 million since each company must bear the cost of advertising. Yet if one company advertises while the other does not, the one that advertises attracts customers from the other. In this case, the company that advertises earns $60 million while the company that does not advertise earns only $30 million.
Refer to Scenario 17-4. What will these two companies do if they behave as individual profit maximizers?
Refer to Scenario 17-4. What will these two companies do if they behave as individual profit maximizers?
answer
Both companies will advertise.
question
Scenario 17-3. Consider two countries, Muria and Zenya, that are engaged in an arms race. Each country must decide whether to build new weapons or to disarm existing weapons. Each country prefers to have more arms than the other because a large arsenal gives it more influence in world affairs. But each country also prefers to live in a world safe from the other countrys weapons. The following table shows the possible outcomes for each decision combination. The numbers in each cell represent the country's ranking of the outcome (4 = best outcome, 1 = worst outcome).
Refer to Scenario 17-3. If Zenya chooses to build new weapons, then Muria will
Refer to Scenario 17-3. If Zenya chooses to build new weapons, then Muria will
answer
build new weapons in order to prevent the loss of influence in world affairs.
question
Since almost all forms of transportation produce some type of pollution
a. the government should ban all transportation.
b. society has to weigh the cost and benefits and decide how much pollution to allow.
c. corporations should voluntarily reduce pollution levels with new car models.
d. the government should tax the types of transportation that pollute most to eliminate it altogether.
a. the government should ban all transportation.
b. society has to weigh the cost and benefits and decide how much pollution to allow.
c. corporations should voluntarily reduce pollution levels with new car models.
d. the government should tax the types of transportation that pollute most to eliminate it altogether.
answer
b. society has to weigh the cost and benefits and decide how much pollution to allow.
question
When externalities cause markets to be inefficient
answer
private solutions can be developed to solve the problem
question
efer to Figure 13-1(quiz 1). Which of the following could explain why the total product curve would shift from TP2 to TP1?
a.
The firm is now receiving a higher price for its product.
b.
Labor skills have become rusty and outdated in the firm.
c.
The firm has developed improved production technology.
d.
There is additional capital equipment available to the firm.
a.
The firm is now receiving a higher price for its product.
b.
Labor skills have become rusty and outdated in the firm.
c.
The firm has developed improved production technology.
d.
There is additional capital equipment available to the firm.
answer
b.
Labor skills have become rusty and outdated in the firm.
Labor skills have become rusty and outdated in the firm.
question
Monopolies use their market power to
answer
charge a price that is higher than marginal cost.
question
Which of the following statements is true?
answer
If the monopolist's marginal revenue is greater than its marginal cost, the monopolist can increase profit by selling more units at a lower price per unit.
question
A monopolist can sell 300 units of output for $45 per unit. Alternatively, it can sell 301 units for $44.60 per unit. The marginal revenue of the 301st unit of output is
answer
300(45) = 13,500
301(44.60) = 13,424.60
13,500 - 13,424.60 = -$75.40
301(44.60) = 13,424.60
13,500 - 13,424.60 = -$75.40
question
Which of the following statements regarding monopolistic competition firm is correct?
answer
a.In the long-run equilibrium, price equals average total cost.
b. In the long-run equilibrium, firms earn zero economic profit.
c. In the long-run equilibrium, firms charge a price above marginal cost
b. In the long-run equilibrium, firms earn zero economic profit.
c. In the long-run equilibrium, firms charge a price above marginal cost
question
For a profit-maximizing monopolist,
answer
P > MR > MC.
question
A market structure with only a few sellers, offering similar or identical products, is known as
answer
oligopoly.
question
The main argument for splitting up monopolies through antitrust action is based on the notion that
answer
consumers prefer dealing with small firms.
question
If a competitive firm sees that its marginal cost exceeds its marginal revenue, then
answer
the firm is definitely earning a positive profit.
question
When a firm in a competitive market decides to triple the amount of output it sells, as a result
answer
the price in the market falls.
question
Which of the following events will definitely cause equilibrium quantity to fall?
answer
demand and supply both increase
question
During the last few decades, sunscreen sales have increased while the price of sunscreen has risen and the
variety of sunscreen products offered has increased. What's the most likely explanation?
variety of sunscreen products offered has increased. What's the most likely explanation?
answer
Sunscreen producers increased production out of concern for the public's health.
question
When a country allows trade and becomes an exporter of a good,
answer
the gains of the winners exceed the losses of the losers.
question
What will happen to the equilibrium price and quantity of legal music downloads if iPods become cheaper, it
becomes more difficult to download or share music illegally, and payments to musicians by recording
companies fall?
becomes more difficult to download or share music illegally, and payments to musicians by recording
companies fall?
answer
Quantity will fall and the effect on price is ambiguous
question
The lowest points of the average variable cost and average total cost curves occur where
answer
a. the average variable cost and average total cost curves intersect.
question
The defining characteristic of a natural monopoly is
a. diseconomies of scale over the relevant range of output.
b. constant marginal cost over the relevant range of output.
c. constant returns to scale over the relevant range of output.
d. economies of scale over the relevant range of output.
a. diseconomies of scale over the relevant range of output.
b. constant marginal cost over the relevant range of output.
c. constant returns to scale over the relevant range of output.
d. economies of scale over the relevant range of output.
answer
d. economies of scale over the relevant range of output.
question
A competitive firm's short-run supply curve is part of which of the following curves?
a. Average total cost
b. Average variable cost
c. Marginal revenue
d. Marginal cost
a. Average total cost
b. Average variable cost
c. Marginal revenue
d. Marginal cost
answer
a. Average total cost
question
When an oligopoly market reaches a Nash equilibrium,
a. each firm will not have tried to maximize its profit.
b. firms will not be concerned about the strategies of competing firms.
c. each firm will have chosen its own best strategy, g
a. each firm will not have tried to maximize its profit.
b. firms will not be concerned about the strategies of competing firms.
c. each firm will have chosen its own best strategy, g
answer
b. firms will not be concerned about the strategies of competing firms.
question
The Social Security tax is a tax on
a. labor.
b. earnings during retirement.
c. capital.
d. consumption expenditures.
a. labor.
b. earnings during retirement.
c. capital.
d. consumption expenditures.
answer
a. labor.
question
Tommy's Tires operates in a perfectly competitive market. If tires sell for $50 each and average total cost per
tire is $40 at the profit-maximizing output level, then in the long run
a. some firms will exit from the market, and the price will rise.
b. more firms will enter the market, and the price will fall.
c. more firms will enter the market, and the price will rise.
d. more firms will exit from the market, and the price will fall.
tire is $40 at the profit-maximizing output level, then in the long run
a. some firms will exit from the market, and the price will rise.
b. more firms will enter the market, and the price will fall.
c. more firms will enter the market, and the price will rise.
d. more firms will exit from the market, and the price will fall.
answer
a. some firms will exit from the market, and the price will rise.
question
The negative relationship between price and quantity demanded
a. is represented by a downward-sloping demand curve.
b. applies to most goods in the economy.
c. is referred to as the law of demand.
d. All of the above are correct.
a. is represented by a downward-sloping demand curve.
b. applies to most goods in the economy.
c. is referred to as the law of demand.
d. All of the above are correct.
answer
d. All of the above are correct.
question
In a competitive market the price is $7, and typical firms in the market has ATC = $7.50 and AVC = $7.15.
a. In the long run the market will cease to exist.
b. In the short run firms will shut down, and in the long run firms will leave the market.
c. New firms will likely enter this market to capture any remaining economic profits.
d. In the short run firms will produce, but in the long run firms will leave the market.
a. In the long run the market will cease to exist.
b. In the short run firms will shut down, and in the long run firms will leave the market.
c. New firms will likely enter this market to capture any remaining economic profits.
d. In the short run firms will produce, but in the long run firms will leave the market.
answer
d. In the short run firms will produce, but in the long run firms will leave the market.
question
Because there is diminishing marginal product of labor, as the number of workers increases
a. the additional output added by one additional worker rises.
b. the additional cost of hiring an additional worker rises.
c. the additional output added by one additional worker declines.
d. the additional cost of an additional unit of output falls
a. the additional output added by one additional worker rises.
b. the additional cost of hiring an additional worker rises.
c. the additional output added by one additional worker declines.
d. the additional cost of an additional unit of output falls
answer
a. the additional output added by one additional worker rises.
question
A monopolist can make large positive economic profits in the long run only if the monopolist
a. produces the amount of output where average variable cost is at a minimum.
b. is protected by barriers to entry.
c. produces the amount of output where average total cost is at a minimum.
d. operates as a price taker rather than a price maker.
a. produces the amount of output where average variable cost is at a minimum.
b. is protected by barriers to entry.
c. produces the amount of output where average total cost is at a minimum.
d. operates as a price taker rather than a price maker.
answer
b. is protected by barriers to entry.
question
Travis can mow a lawn in two hours or he can trim a tree in one hour. Ricardo can mow a lawn in three hours
or he can trim a tree in two hours.
a. Travis has a comparative advantage over Ricardo in mowing lawns.
b. Travis has an absolute advantage over Ricardo in mowing lawns.
c. Ricardo has a comparative advantage over Travis in trimming trees.
d. All of the above are correct.
or he can trim a tree in two hours.
a. Travis has a comparative advantage over Ricardo in mowing lawns.
b. Travis has an absolute advantage over Ricardo in mowing lawns.
c. Ricardo has a comparative advantage over Travis in trimming trees.
d. All of the above are correct.
answer
d. All of the above are correct.
question
When firms have agreements among themselves on the quantity to produce and the price at which to sell
output, we refer to their form of organization as a
a. monopolistically competitive oligopoly.
b. cartel.
c. Nash arrangement.
d. perfectly competitive oligopoly.
output, we refer to their form of organization as a
a. monopolistically competitive oligopoly.
b. cartel.
c. Nash arrangement.
d. perfectly competitive oligopoly.
answer
b. cartel.
question
The inner and outer loops in the circular-flow diagram represent
a. (i) the flows of inputs and outputs and (ii) the flow of dollars.
b. (i) the flow of dollars and (ii) other financial flows.
c. (i) the flow of goods and (ii) the flow of services.
d. (i) inputs into production processes and (ii) outputs from production processes.
a. (i) the flows of inputs and outputs and (ii) the flow of dollars.
b. (i) the flow of dollars and (ii) other financial flows.
c. (i) the flow of goods and (ii) the flow of services.
d. (i) inputs into production processes and (ii) outputs from production processes.
answer
a. (i) the flows of inputs and outputs and (ii) the flow of dollars.
question
As a group, oligopolists would always earn the highest profit if they would
a. produce the perfectly competitive quantity of output.
b. charge the same price that a monopolist would charge if the market were a monopoly.
c. produce more than the perfectly competitive quantity of output.
d. operate according to their own individual self-interests.
a. produce the perfectly competitive quantity of output.
b. charge the same price that a monopolist would charge if the market were a monopoly.
c. produce more than the perfectly competitive quantity of output.
d. operate according to their own individual self-interests.
answer
c. produce more than the perfectly competitive quantity of output.
question
When determining whether to shutdown in the short run, a competitive firm should
a. ignore fixed costs.
b. ignore variable costs.
c. ignore sunk costs.
d. Both a and c are correct
a. ignore fixed costs.
b. ignore variable costs.
c. ignore sunk costs.
d. Both a and c are correct
answer
c. ignore sunk costs.
question
When a country allows trade and becomes an importer of a good,
a. domestic producers become worse off, and domestic consumers become better off.
b. both domestic producers and domestic consumers become worse off.
c. both domestic producers and domestic consumers become better off.
d. domestic producers become better off, and domestic consumers become worse off
a. domestic producers become worse off, and domestic consumers become better off.
b. both domestic producers and domestic consumers become worse off.
c. both domestic producers and domestic consumers become better off.
d. domestic producers become better off, and domestic consumers become worse off
answer
c. both domestic producers and domestic consumers become better off.
question
The firm will make the most profits if it produces the quantity of output at which
a. marginal revenue equals total revenue.
b. profit per unit is greatest.
c. marginal cost equals average cost.
d. marginal revenue equals marginal cost.
a. marginal revenue equals total revenue.
b. profit per unit is greatest.
c. marginal cost equals average cost.
d. marginal revenue equals marginal cost.
answer
d. marginal revenue equals marginal cost.
question
Suppose a nation is currently producing at a point inside its production possibilities frontier. We know that
a. the nation is producing an efficient combination of goods.
b. there will be a large opportunity cost if the nation tries to increase production.
c. the nation is producing beyond its capacity, and inflation will occur.
d. the nation is not using all available resources or is using inferior technology or both
a. the nation is producing an efficient combination of goods.
b. there will be a large opportunity cost if the nation tries to increase production.
c. the nation is producing beyond its capacity, and inflation will occur.
d. the nation is not using all available resources or is using inferior technology or both
answer
b. there will be a large opportunity cost if the nation tries to increase production.
question
If a surplus currently exists in a market we know that the current price is
a. above equilibrium price and quantity supplied is greater than quantity demanded.
b. below equilibrium price and quantity demanded is greater than quantity supplied.
c. below equilibrium price and quantity supplied is greater than quantity demanded.
d. above equilibrium price and quantity demanded is greater than quantity supplied
a. above equilibrium price and quantity supplied is greater than quantity demanded.
b. below equilibrium price and quantity demanded is greater than quantity supplied.
c. below equilibrium price and quantity supplied is greater than quantity demanded.
d. above equilibrium price and quantity demanded is greater than quantity supplied
answer
d. above equilibrium price and quantity demanded is greater than quantity supplied
question
Suppose a tax of $1 per unit is imposed on french fries. The more elastic the supply of french fries,
a. the larger is the deadweight loss of the tax.
b. the larger is the tax burden on french fry sellers relative to the tax burden on buyers.
c. the smaller is the response of the quantity supplied of french fries to the tax.
d. All of the above are correct.
a. the larger is the deadweight loss of the tax.
b. the larger is the tax burden on french fry sellers relative to the tax burden on buyers.
c. the smaller is the response of the quantity supplied of french fries to the tax.
d. All of the above are correct.
answer
a. the larger is the deadweight loss of the tax.
question
Which of the following events would cause both the equilibrium price and equilibrium quantity of Dodge
Neons (an inferior good) to increase?
a. a decrease in consumer income
b. an increase in consumer income
c. gas mileage of SUVs and mid-size sedans increases.
d. wages of auto workers fall.
Neons (an inferior good) to increase?
a. a decrease in consumer income
b. an increase in consumer income
c. gas mileage of SUVs and mid-size sedans increases.
d. wages of auto workers fall.
answer
d. wages of auto workers fall.
question
The U.S. market for locomotives is divided between two producers: General Electric has 70 percent of the
market and General Motors has 30 percent. This market is an example of
a. an oligopoly, or duopoly.
b. monopolistic competition.
c. a collusive monopoly.
d. a cartel.
market and General Motors has 30 percent. This market is an example of
a. an oligopoly, or duopoly.
b. monopolistic competition.
c. a collusive monopoly.
d. a cartel.
answer
b. monopolistic competition.
question
If the price of oak lumber increases, what happens to consumer surplus in the market for oak cabinets?
a. It will not change consumer surplus; only producer surplus changes.
b. It may either increase or decrease.
c. It increases.
d. It decreases
a. It will not change consumer surplus; only producer surplus changes.
b. It may either increase or decrease.
c. It increases.
d. It decreases
answer
c. It increases.
question
A good reason why the local gas distribution company is subject to price regulation rather than being broken
up through antitrust, is because the gas company is a
a. profit-maximizing monopoly.
b. producer of externalities.
c. revenue-maximizing monopoly.
d. natural monopoly.
up through antitrust, is because the gas company is a
a. profit-maximizing monopoly.
b. producer of externalities.
c. revenue-maximizing monopoly.
d. natural monopoly.
answer
c. revenue-maximizing monopoly.
question
Which of the following changes would not shift the demand curve for Monty Python videos?
a. a change in consumer income
b. a change in the price of Monty Python videos
c. a change in expectations about the future price of Monty Python videos
d. a change in the price of Mr. Bean videos, a substitute good
a. a change in consumer income
b. a change in the price of Monty Python videos
c. a change in expectations about the future price of Monty Python videos
d. a change in the price of Mr. Bean videos, a substitute good
answer
d. a change in the price of Mr. Bean videos, a substitute good
question
Wal-Mart has low costs in part because it is very large. Local retailers often go out of business because their
prices are higher than Wal-Mart's. This demonstrates that
a. the greed of large sellers like Wal-Mart hurts consumers, especially low-income
consumers.
b. consumers are angry at local retailers because of their high prices.
c. there are economies of scale in retail sales.
d. there are diseconomies of scale in retail sales.
prices are higher than Wal-Mart's. This demonstrates that
a. the greed of large sellers like Wal-Mart hurts consumers, especially low-income
consumers.
b. consumers are angry at local retailers because of their high prices.
c. there are economies of scale in retail sales.
d. there are diseconomies of scale in retail sales.
answer
b. consumers are angry at local retailers because of their high prices.
question
Susan could work as a telemarketer, earning $25,000 per year. Instead, she has her own catering business. The
$25,000 possible telemarketing income is part of her catering business's
a. total revenue.
b. explicit costs.
c. marginal costs.
d. implicit costs.
$25,000 possible telemarketing income is part of her catering business's
a. total revenue.
b. explicit costs.
c. marginal costs.
d. implicit costs.
answer
b. explicit costs.
question
Kelly and David are both able to repair cars and cook meals. Which of the following is not possible?
a. Kelly has an absolute advantage in both repairing cars and in cooking meals.
b. Kelly has comparative advantage in car repair and David has comparative advantage in
cooking.
c. Kelly has absolute advantage in car repair and David has absolute advantage in cooking.
d. Kelly has a comparative advantage in both repairing cars and in cooking meals.
a. Kelly has an absolute advantage in both repairing cars and in cooking meals.
b. Kelly has comparative advantage in car repair and David has comparative advantage in
cooking.
c. Kelly has absolute advantage in car repair and David has absolute advantage in cooking.
d. Kelly has a comparative advantage in both repairing cars and in cooking meals.
answer
d. Kelly has a comparative advantage in both repairing cars and in cooking meals.
question
A concentration ratio
answer
b. reflects the level of competition in an industry.
question
For economists, the word "utility" means
answer
pleasure or satisfaction
question
According to Emerson: "Want is a growing giant whom the coat of Have was never large enough to
cover." According to economists, "Want" exceeds "Have" because:
cover." According to economists, "Want" exceeds "Have" because:
answer
productive resources are limited
question
According to economists, economic self-interest:
answer
is a reality that underlies economic behavior.
question
The higher the concentration ratio, the
answer
a) more control an individual firm has to set prices.
(c) less competitive the industry.
(c) less competitive the industry.
question
one theory of advertising suggests that
answer
the content of advertising may be irrelevant to product success in the market
question
the socially effective efficient level of water supplied to the market would be
answer
300
Q = 300; P = 0, weelly total revenue = 0)
Q = 300; P = 0, weelly total revenue = 0)
question
which of the following statements correctly characterizes the output of this game?
answer
a. there is a Nash Equilibrium when both firms advertise
b. both firm A&B have a DOMNENT STRATEGY to advertise
c. although both firms collectively would earn higher profits by maintaining the agreement not to advertise, seft-interest will cause each firm to break the agreement.
--> D. all of the above are correct.
b. both firm A&B have a DOMNENT STRATEGY to advertise
c. although both firms collectively would earn higher profits by maintaining the agreement not to advertise, seft-interest will cause each firm to break the agreement.
--> D. all of the above are correct.
question
Frank owns a dog-grooming business. Which of the following costs would be implicit costs?
(i)dog shampoo
(ii)rent on the storefront
(iii)wages Frank could earn as a substitute elementary-school teacher
(iv)interest that Frank's money was earning before he spent his savings to set up the dog
(i)dog shampoo
(ii)rent on the storefront
(iii)wages Frank could earn as a substitute elementary-school teacher
(iv)interest that Frank's money was earning before he spent his savings to set up the dog
answer
(iii) and (iv)
question
Under perfect competition, the firm hires workers
answer
until the MRP equals the wage rate