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CMA Part 1A Mircoeconomics
CMA Part 1A Mircoeconomics
B. Continue to operate as long as price exceeds B. Household purchases of goods and services.
average variable costs.
C. The ownership of factors of production.
C. Raise the price of its product.
D. Government taxes.
D. Reduce the size of its plant to lower fixed costs.
B. A surplus of rental housing units will result. C. That is subject to economies of scale.
1
D. That always produces economic profits. [15] Source: CMA 1288 1-25
If the average household income increases and there is
relatively little change in the price of a normal good, then
[11] Source: CMA 1287 1-12 the
Natural monopoly conditions, which often lead to
economic regulation, refer to A. Supply curve will shift to the left.
A. Rising marginal costs. B. Quantity demanded will move farther down the
demand curve.
B. Elastic consumer demand for the product.
C. Demand will shift to the left.
C. Declining average costs.
D. Demand curve will shift to the right.
D. Consumer demand for the product that is strongly
influenced by the business cycle.
[16] Source: CMA 1288 1-29
All of the following are characteristics of monopolistic
[Fact Pattern #1] competition except that
The theory of price elasticity of consumer demand is
helpful when a firm is determining price changes for a A. The firms sell a homogeneous product.
consumer
good or service. The formula for the coefficient of B. The firms tend not to recognize the reaction of
elasticity, competitors when determining prices.
E, is
C. Individual firms have some control over the price
(relative change in quantity demanded) of the product.
E = --------------------------------------
(relative change in price) D. The consumer demand curve is highly elastic.
[14] Source: CMA 1288 1-27 [19] Source: CMA 0689 1-21
All of the following are true about perfect competition The measurement of using resources now in lieu of
except that alternative uses of the resources is
2
The principle of substitution states that An industry that is oligopolistic would be best
characterized by
A. The costs of two factors of production are equal.
A. One firm selling a product with no close
B. Profit maximization is maintained while choosing substitutes.
either factor of production.
B. The absence of the profit-maximizing goal.
C. The firm chooses more of the less expensive
factor of production. C. Significant barriers to entry.
D. The firm chooses more of the more expensive D. Horizontal or flat demand curves for the output of
factor of production. individual firms.
[21] Source: CMA 0689 1-24 [26] Source: CMA 0690 1-19
When making a decision to increase the robotic If a normal good competes with three similar goods, and
automation equipment in an existing facility, a firm takes all four goods give the consumer equal utils of
all of the following into consideration except satisfaction, the demand for the normal good
[22] Source: CMA 0689 1-26 [27] Source: CMA 0690 1-20
A decrease in the price of a complementary good will If oil producers and retailers were to increase the price of
gasoline for cars during the summer season by $.05 per
A. Shift the demand curve of the joint commodity to gallon, these suppliers anticipate that the demand for
the left. gasoline
[23] Source: CMA 0689 1-29 [28] Source: CMA 0690 1-21
If a product is part of the consumers' basket of goods, The Waymand family typically ate hamburger as a staple
and the Consumer Price Index increased 7% for the year in their diet. In the last few years, the family's income
while the price of this normal good increased 3%, then has
doubled, and they have now replaced hamburger with
A. The supply curve will shift to the left. steak as a staple in their diet. This is an example in
which
B. Neither the demand curve nor the supply curve the demand for hamburger
will be affected.
A. Is relatively elastic.
C. The demand curve will shift to the right.
B. Is perfectly elastic.
D. The demand curve will shift to the left.
C. Is relatively inelastic.
3
in
D. Is perfectly inelastic.
A. Pure monopoly.
D. Downward sloping because of the income and A. A shift to the right in the supply curve and a
substitution effects of price changes. lowering of the price of the output.
D. The price of cars decreases. A. Have no influence on the number of firms in the
industry.
[32] Source: CMA 0690 1-26 B. Lead to a decline in the number of firms in the
Which one of the following examples best depicts the industry.
law
of diminishing returns? C. Lead to an increase in product supply.
A. Small electric generating plants are less efficient D. Lead to a decline in market prices for substitutes.
than large plants.
B. A manufacturing company purchases its supplier [37] Source: CMA 1290 1-2
of materials. Tennis rackets and tennis balls are
D. Complementary goods.
[33] Source: CMA 0690 1-27
A corporation's net income as presented on its income
statement is usually [38] Source: CMA 1290 1-3
Which one of the following is a characteristic of pure
A. More than its economic profits because competition?
opportunity costs are not considered in calculating net
income. A. Mutual interdependence.
B. More than its economic profits because B. Significant research and development programs.
economists do not consider interest payments to be
costs. C. Product differentiation.
[34] Source: CMA 0690 1-29 A. If supply increases and demand remains constant,
The marginal cost curve is the supply curve for the firm equilibrium price will rise.
4
B. If demand increases and supply decreases,
equilibrium price will fall. [45] Source: CMA 1290 1-9
Which one of the following is not a factor contributing to
C. If demand increases and supply increases, economies of scale?
equilibrium quantity will fall.
A. Labor specialization.
D. If demand increases and supply decreases,
equilibrium price will increase. B. Use of by-products.
A. Lead to surpluses.
[46] Source: CMA 1290 1-11
B. Lead to shortages. A natural monopoly is
C. Improve the rationing function of prices. A. Identified with a one-firm industry with significant
economies of scale and in which unit costs are
D. Encourage firms to leave the industry. minimized.
A. Is horizontal and parallel to the demand curve. C. Price and quantity demanded.
5
B. The change in total revenue associated with C. Do not exist in adequate quantities to satisfy all
increasing prices. demands for them.
B. Demand for apples is inelastic. C. Greater tax revenues for the federal government.
C. Elasticity of demand for apples is 1.0. D. Higher prices for the product.
D. Rise only in the case of an inelastic demand [60] Source: CMA 0692 1-30
function. When long-run average cost is declining over a range of
increasing output, the firm is experiencing
6
shows a positive relationship between price and quantity
[61] Source: CMA 1292 1-1 supplied because
In any competitive market, an equal increase in both
demand and supply can be expected to always A. Consumers will only buy more of a product at a
higher price.
A. Increase both price and market-clearing quantity.
B. Of the law of diminishing returns.
B. Decrease both price and market-clearing quantity.
C. As the size of a business firm increases, price must
C. Increase market-clearing quantity. rise.
D. Can exist only in the long run. B. As more labor is added to a factory, increases in
output will diminish in the short run.
[63] Source: CMA 1292 1-3 C. Increasing the size of a factory will result in lower
Government price regulations in competitive markets average costs.
that
set maximum or ceiling prices below the equilibrium price D. Increasing the size of a factory will result in lower
will in the short run total costs.
A. A fair price all consumers can afford. D. Charge a higher price and produce a lower rate of
output.
B. Set equal to the total costs of production.
C. Set equal to the total fixed costs of production. [69] Source: CMA 1292 1-9
Economic markets that are characterized by
D. Set equal to the marginal costs of production. monopolistic
competition have all of the following characteristics
except
[65] Source: CMA 1292 1-5
In the theory of demand, the marginal utility per dollar of A. One seller of the product.
a
product B. Economies or diseconomies of scale.
[66] Source: CMA 1292 1-6 B. Have goods and services produced at the lowest
In the short run, the supply curve in a competitive market cost in the long run.
7
long run on the supply side is that
C. Do not receive any consumer surplus unless
producers choose to overproduce. A. Only supply factors determine price and output.
D. Must search for the lowest price for the products B. Only demand factors determine price and output.
they buy.
C. Firms are not allowed to enter or exit the industry.
C. Increase costs so price must rise. B. Has a supply curve that is horizontal.
D. Require cartel members to restrict output. C. Has a demand curve that is horizontal.
C. The difference between all implicit and explicit B. Minimum price below the equilibrium price.
costs of the business firm.
C. Maximum price below the equilibrium price.
D. The sum of all explicit and implicit costs of the
business firm. D. Minimum price above the equilibrium price.
[73] Source: CMA 1292 1-13 [78] Source: CMA 1293 1-3
In a competitive market for labor in which demand is A natural monopoly exists because
stable, if workers try to increase their wage,
A. The firm owns natural resources.
A. Employment must fall.
B. The firm holds patents.
B. Government must set a maximum wage below the
equilibrium wage. C. Economic and technical conditions permit only
one efficient supplier.
C. Firms in the industry must become smaller.
D. The government is the only supplier.
D. Product supply must decrease.
8
If a firm currently producing 500 units of output incurs
A. Price equals marginal cost. total
fixed costs of $10,000 and total variable costs of
B. Average costs are minimized. $15,000,
the average total cost per unit is
C. Price equals average cost.
A. $20.
D. Marginal cost equals marginal revenue.
B. $30.
A. Increase the equilibrium price and the equilibrium C. The long-run total cost decreases.
quantity exchanged.
D. The slope of the demand curve increases.
B. Decrease the equilibrium price and the equilibrium
quantity exchanged.
[88] Source: CMA 0694 1-2
C. Increase the equilibrium price and decrease the An indifference curve represents
equilibrium quantity exchanged.
A. All possible combinations of two different product
D. Decrease the equilibrium price and increase the quantities that a producer would be willing to sell.
equilibrium quantity exchanged.
B. All possible combinations of two different product
quantities that will yield the same level of satisfaction
[84] Source: CMA 1288 1-28 to the consumer.
A characteristic of a monopoly is that
C. Combinations of two different product quantities
A. A monopoly will produce when marginal revenue that are possible, given a consumer's income and the
is equal to marginal cost. prices of the two products.
B. There is a unique relationship between the market D. A consumer's indifference between varying levels
price and the quantity supplied. of income and price changes.
9
-------------- -------- C. An oligopolist can sell its product at any price, but
100 $50 after the "saturation point," another oligopolist will
150 45 lower its price and, therefore, shift the demand curve
200 40 to the left.
225 35
230 30 D. Consumers have no effect on the demand curve,
232 25 and an oligopolist can shape the curve to optimize its
The price elasticity of demand for this product when the own efficiency.
price decreases from $50 to $45 is
A. Perfectly elastic.
[90] Source: CMA 0694 1-6
If a product's demand is elastic and there is a decrease B. Perfectly inelastic.
in
price, the effect will be C. Elastic.
[93] Source: CMA 1294 1-6 A. The product is considered a luxury item.
An oligopolist faces a "kinked" demand curve. This
terminology indicates that B. Few good complements for the product are
available.
A. When an oligopolist lowers its price, the other
firms in the oligopoly will match the price reduction, C. The population in the market area is large.
but if the oligopolist raises its price, the other firms
will ignore the price change. D. Few good substitutes are available for the
product.
B. An oligopolist faces a non-linear demand for its
product, and price changes will have little effect on
demand for that product. [98] Source: CMA 0695 1-16
Which one of the following statements is not true of
10
indifference curves? [Fact Pattern #2]
C. The level of a firm's output is small relative to the [104] Source: CMA 1295 1-18
industry's total output. (Refers to Fact Pattern #2)
The marginal revenue per unit when one worker is added
D. Each firm can price its product above the industry to a team of 11 workers is
price.
A. $35.00
A. A monopoly. D. $47.50
B. Monopolistic competition.
[105] Source: CMA 1295 1-19
C. An oligopoly. (Refers to Fact Pattern #2)
The marginal revenue product when one worker is added
D. Pure competition. to a team of 11 workers is
A. $42.00
[101] Source: CMA 0695 1-19
Which one of the following would cause the demand B. $225.00
curve
for a normal good to shift to the left? C. $105.00
11
monopolies is correct? homogeneous product.
A. Marginal utility will decline as a consumer acquires [113] Source: CMA 1296 1-2
additional units of a specific product. Compared with firms in a perfectly competitive market, a
monopolist tends to
B. Total utility will decline as a consumer acquires
additional units of a specific product. A. Produce substantially less but charge a higher
price.
C. Declining utils cause the demand curve to slope
upward. B. Produce substantially more and charge a higher
price.
D. Consumers' wants diminish with the passage of
time. C. Produce the same output and charge a higher
price.
[109] Source: CMA 0696 1-5 D. Produce substantially less and charge a lower
If a product has a price elasticity of demand of 2.0, the price.
demand is considered to be
D. A relatively large group of sellers who produce a A. Consumer demand for a product is perfectly
12
elastic. movie theater raised its prices from $6.50 to $7.00. This
is
B. Marginal costs are rising. an example of
B. A manufacturing company and its supplier. Total Units Average Average Average
of Product Fixed Cost Variable Cost Total Cost
C. Two or more firms in different industries. ----------- ---------- ------------- -----------
6 $15.00 $25.00 $40.00
D. Two or more firms in different stages of the 7 12.86 24.00 36.86
production process. 8 11.25 23.50 34.75
9 10.00 23.75 33.75
Average Average
[119] Source: CMA 0697 1-2 Games Games
(Refers to Fact Pattern #3) Played Played
The market structure Karen Parker is attempting to enter Previous New at Previous at New
is Rate Rate Rate Rate
best described as -------- ---- ----------- --------
Regular
A. A natural monopoly. weekday $10 $11 80 70
Senior citizen 6 8 150 82
B. A cartel. Weekend 15 20 221 223
Which one of the following is correct?
C. An oligopoly.
A. The regular weekday and weekend demand is
D. Monopolistic competition. inelastic.
13
demand is inelastic.
B. Use relatively more labor and relatively less
D. The regular weekday demand is inelastic, and equipment in its production.
weekend demand is elastic.
C. Use less of both labor and equipment in its
production, but in the same proportions as before.
[124] Source: CMA 0697 1-17
Patents are granted in order to encourage firms to invest D. Lower its average equipment-output ratio and
in raise its average labor-output ratio.
the research and development of new products. Patents
are
an example of [128] Source: Publisher
If the price elasticity of demand for a normal good is
A. Vertical integration. estimated to be 2.5, a 5% reduction in its price causes
A. $100 A. Company A.
B. $110 B. Company B.
C. $150 C. Company C.
14
[131] Source: Publisher C. 0.37
Below are the grocers' demand schedules for Palm
Valley D. 0.33
Grapes. Assuming that John, Towny, and Dorothea are
the
only three customers of Palm Valley Grapes, which of [135] Source: Publisher
the Demand price is inelastic in which range of the following
following sets of prices and output levels will be on the demand schedule?
market demand curve?
Price Quantity Demanded
Price John Towny Dorothea ----- -----------------
of Grapes Q Q Q $22 100
dx dx dx 18 200
--------- ---- ----- -------- 14 400
$6 0 1 0 10 600
5 1 2 0 6 800
4 2 4 0 A. $22 - $18
3 3 6 1
2 4 8 2 B. $18 - $14
1 5 9 3
A. ($6, 2); ($1, 17) C. $14 - $10
A. 1.67 C. $10,000
B. 1.06 D. $10,500
C. 0.16
[Fact Pattern #6]
D. 0.60 Gator Company is selling in a purely competitive market
and has the following cost data.
15
45 235 395
[138] Source: Publisher
(Refers to Fact Pattern #6) [142] Source: Publisher
If the market price for Gator's product is $290, this firm (Refers to Fact Pattern #7)
should produce The market has an equilibrium price for horseshoes of
A. A surplus of 20 units.
[144] Source: Publisher
B. A surplus of 10 units. (Refers to Fact Pattern #7)
Assume the supply stays as shown in the previous table,
C. A shortage of 20 units. and the quantity of horseshoes demanded at each price
increase by 160 units. What will be the new equilibrium
D. A shortage of 10 units. quantity?
A. 510
[141] Source: Publisher
While walking around a yard sale, Jimbo happened upon B. 480
a
bicycle that he personally valued at $55. Jimbo was able C. 445
to
purchase the bicycle for $30, even though it was only 2 D. 395
years old and originally sold for $100. What is Jimbo's
consumer surplus?
[145] Source: Publisher
A. $70 When a 5% fall in the price of velcro shoes causes the
quantity demanded to increase by 10%, the demand for
B. $15 velcro shoes is said to be
D. $25 B. Elastic.
C. Unit elastic.
[Fact Pattern #7]
Holly, a horseshoe maker, has collected the following D. Inelastic.
data
regarding the local market for full sets of horseshoes.
[146] Source: Publisher
Horseshoe Sets Horseshoe Sets Suppose that a stairway manufacturer's price elasticity
Price Demanded Supplied of
----- -------------- -------------- demand was inelastic. If this manufacturer decided to
$30 400 180 increase the price of its stairways, what should have
33 375 250 been
36 350 290 the result?
39 320 320
42 285 345 A. Total revenues decreased.
16
consumption of product X.
B. Total revenues increased.
B. Increase consumption of product Y and increase
C. Total revenues remain unchanged. consumption of product X.
D. Total revenues were perfectly inelastic. C. Increase consumption of product X and decrease
consumption of product Y.
17
point?
C. 2M and 5N.
A. 47
D. 4M and 4N.
B. 51
B. The consumer should buy more of A and less of A. 4 tapes and 2 CDs.
B.
B. 2 tapes and 4 CDs.
C. The consumer should buy less of A and more of
B. C. 3 tapes and 3 CDs.
D. The consumer should buy less of both A and B. D. 4 tapes and 4 CDs.
18
[162] Source: Publisher B. $250
Microhard Technologies has always used 100 units of
labor and 100 units of capital to produce 10 keyboards. C. $400
Recently, Microhard has decided to double both inputs.
This increase in production has resulted in increasing the D. $600
outputs from 10 units to 18 units. Microhard is
experiencing
[166] Source: Publisher
A. Increasing returns. (Refers to Fact Pattern #11)
Civic's marginal cost of the seventh unit of output is
B. Decreasing returns.
A. $100
C. Economies of scale.
B. $300
D. Constant returns.
C. $400
19
average A. Average revenue for producing 11 units is $17.
total cost is $22, and marginal cost is $20. In order to
maximize profits, Mr. Bojangles will recommend that the B. Average revenue for producing 11 units is $77.
firm should
C. Marginal revenue for producing the eleventh unit is
A. Not change output. This firm is at its $17.
profit-maximizing position.
D. Marginal revenue for producing the eleventh unit is
B. Decrease production. $77.
C. Increase production.
[175] Source: Publisher
D. Shut down. At its current production, Abba Co., a monopolist, has a
marginal cost of $18, and marginal revenue of $21. Abba
will maximize profits by
[171] Source: Publisher
Mrs. Robinson is hired as a consultant to a firm that is A. Increasing price while keeping production
currently competing perfectly. At the current output level constant.
the price is $10, the average variable cost is $6, the
average total cost is $10, and marginal cost is $8. To B. Decreasing price and increasing production.
maximize profits, Mrs. Robinson will recommend that the
firm should C. Decreasing both price and production.
B. Increase production.
[Fact Pattern #12]
C. Shut down. Demand and cost data for Billingsworth, a pure
monopolist, is shown below.
D. Not change production.
Output Price per Unit Total Cost
------ -------------- ----------
[172] Source: Publisher 1 $1,000 $ 500
As of December 31 of the current year, a monopolist 2 600 520
was 3 500 580
producing at a level that experienced price = $18, 4 400 700
average 5 300 1,000
total cost = $15, average variable cost = $12, marginal 6 200 1,500
revenue = $13, and marginal cost = $14. To maximize
profits in the new year, the monopolist should [176] Source: Publisher
(Refers to Fact Pattern #12)
A. Not change the output level, because the Billingsworth, a profit-maximizing monopolist, will
monopolist is currently at the profit-maximizing output produce
level. how many units?
B. Shut down. A. 1
C. Increase production. B. 2
D. Decrease production. C. 3
D. 4
[173] Source: Publisher
The individual purely competitive firm faces a demand
schedule that is [177] Source: Publisher
(Refers to Fact Pattern #12)
A. Perfectly inelastic. As a profit-maximizing monopolist, Billingsworth will sell
its
B. Inelastic but not perfectly inelastic. product at a price of
C. $500
[174] Source: Publisher
Spruce Goose Inc. is a chief competitor in the highly D. $400
competitive field of small jet production. Its total revenue
for producing 10 small jets is $60. Meanwhile, its total
revenue for producing 11 small jets is $77. Therefore, [178] Source: Publisher
the (Refers to Fact Pattern #12)
Billingsworth has decided to put 4 units on the market. If
20
Billingsworth is able to sell each unit at the maximum B. 7 units.
price
that the buyer is willing to purchase it for, how much C. 8 units.
would
total revenue be? D. 9 units.
A. $1,600
[182] Source: Publisher
B. $2,500 (Refers to Fact Pattern #13)
Assume Dry Toes is a nondiscriminating monopolist and
C. $2,800 Soggy Shoes is a discriminating monopolist. How much
greater of a total economic profit will Soggy Shoes
D. $4,000 obtain
than Dry Toes, based upon the data given for Soggy
Shoes?
[Fact Pattern #13]
Soggy Shoes, a pure monopolist, has accumulated the A. $990
following cost data.
B. $1,400
Quantity
Demanded Price per Unit Total Cost C. $1,560
-------- -------------- ----------
1 650 410 D. $2,550
2 600 450
3 550 510
4 500 590 [183] Source: Publisher
5 450 700 Suppose the price of a factor of production is $10, and
6 400 840 the
7 350 1,020 product's price (evaluated in a competitive market) is $8.
8 300 1,250 If
9 250 1,540 the last unit of a factor of production employed has a
marginal physical product of 12, then this factor's
[179] Source: Publisher marginal
(Refers to Fact Pattern #13) revenue product is
The profit-maximizing output and price for Soggy Shoes
is A. $96
21
$5. Therefore, the fourth unit of the resource will have a
C. Above $46,296. marginal revenue product of
D. Above $50,000. A. $3
B. $5
[Fact Pattern #14]
C. $10
Number of Total Product
Workers Production Price ($) D. $15
--------- ---------- ---------
1 16 4
2 26 4 [190] Source: Publisher
3 34 4 (Refers to Fact Pattern #15)
4 40 4 Assume that the firm's product still has a price of $5 and
5 44 4 that the price of the resource is valued at $20. It can be
concluded that the firm will employ _____ units of the
[186] Source: Publisher resource.
(Refers to Fact Pattern #14)
If the wage rate is $15, the firm will employ A. 1
A. Two workers. B. 3
B. Three workers. C. 4
C. Four workers. D. 5
D. Five workers.
[191] Source: Publisher
At current conditions, the firm can sell 15 units of the
[187] Source: Publisher output at a price equal to $1 per unit or 18 units of the
(Refers to Fact Pattern #14) output at a price equal to $0.80 per unit. Therefore, the
If the wage rate is $35, the firm will employ marginal revenue product is
22
A. Hire more of resource X and less of resource Y.
23
PART 1 A diseconomies of scale do not affect the demand
curve.
MICROECONOMICS Answer (B) is incorrect because economies or
(ANSWERS) diseconomies of scale do not affect the demand
curve.
[1] Source: CMA 1285 1-15
Answer (C) is correct. Economies and diseconomies
Answer (A) is incorrect because assuming price of scale affect a company's costs. When it
exceeds average variable costs, a shutdown would experiences economies of scale, a company's
result in the loss of the contribution margin. Since long-run average costs will decrease. Diseconomies
fixed costs are not avoided by shutting down, the firm of scale occur when the long-run average costs
should continue to produce in the short run as long as increase. Economies or diseconomies of scale do not
it covers its variable costs. apply in the short run because many costs are fixed.
In the long run, all costs are variable.
Answer (B) is correct. In the short run, a firm should
continue operating as long as selling price exceeds Answer (D) is incorrect because the law of
average variable cost (a contribution margin is diminishing returns describes the short-run
earned). If selling price drops below average variable phenomenon in which, beyond some point, increasing
cost, variable costs as well as fixed costs are no amounts of a variable input will contribute less and
longer being met, and the firm should shut down. less to the total product.
Answer (D) is incorrect because this could only be Answer (A) is correct. If the market rate is less than
accomplished in the long run. the maximum allowed, a rent control law will have no
effect whatsoever.
[2] Source: CMA 1285 1-16 Answer (B) is incorrect because if the higher price
were required to be charged, consumers would
Answer (A) is incorrect because no specific time demand less housing and a surplus would occur.
frame is contemplated by the definition.
Answer (C) is incorrect because if price increases,
Answer (B) is incorrect because no specific time supply will increase.
frame is contemplated by the definition.
Answer (D) is incorrect because demand will fall
Answer (C) is incorrect because top management is when price increases.
but one of many inputs. The long run is the period
within which all inputs can be varied.
[6] Source: CMA 0687 1-1
Answer (D) is correct. In the long run, no resource
costs are fixed. A firm can therefore vary the amount Answer (A) is incorrect because transfer payments
of any of its inputs. In the short run, one or more provide only a small portion of income.
inputs are fixed.
Answer (B) is incorrect because household
purchases are a result, not a determinant, of income
[3] Source: CMA 1285 1-17 distribution.
Answer (A) is incorrect because in this context, the Answer (C) is correct. Distribution of income is
term marginal means incremental change and does determined in large part by ownership of the factors
not refer to a minimum or maximum. of production: land, labor, capital, and management.
For example, a union that monopolizes the labor
Answer (B) is incorrect because in this context, the supply in an industry may be able to increase the
term marginal means incremental change and does incomes of its members. However, other factors may
not refer to a minimum or maximum. also play roles. These include inherent ability, access
to education or training, political influence, and even
Answer (C) is incorrect because marginal utility is the sheer luck or the lack thereof.
change in total utility from consumption of an
additional unit of the good. Answer (D) is incorrect because studies have shown
that pretax and after-tax incomes are similarly
Answer (D) is correct. Utility is a measure of the distributed. Thus, taxation in practice does not
usefulness, or satisfaction, that results from achieve significant income redistribution.
consumption. Marginal utility is the amount of
increase in utility when one additional unit is
consumed. Marginal utility diminishes with additional [7] Source: CMA 0687 1-12
consumption.
Answer (A) is incorrect because supply curves are
normally assumed to be upward sloping for most
[4] Source: CMA 1286 1-4 products. The supply curve of a monopolist may be
essentially flat or even downward sloping.
Answer (A) is incorrect because economies or
24
Answer (B) is incorrect because demand curves are enough that all inputs, including plant capacity, can be
normally downward sloping for all products. varied. The firm will thus use both fixed and variable
inputs in the short run.
Answer (C) is incorrect because average costs fall
for any product whose production involves fixed Answer (C) is incorrect because economies of scale
costs, such as natural monopolies. are associated with the long run.
Answer (D) is correct. Economies of scale exist Answer (D) is incorrect because economic profits
when a larger output is associated with a lower may be earned, either in the long or short run, when a
average cost. Since only large firms can efficiently firm earns more than the profits needed for it to
operate in such circumstances, the natural barriers to remain in operation.
entry are substantial. Natural monopolies are those in
which significant economies of scale are present.
Electric utilities are examples of such companies. [11] Source: CMA 1287 1-12
Answer (A) is incorrect because the increase in price Answer (B) is incorrect because regulation is
would decrease the quantity demanded. necessary when demand for the natural monopoly's
product is inelastic. Without regulation, the
Answer (B) is incorrect because the price increase monopolist could exploit consumers because they
would not affect the position of the demand curve. would have to buy the product regardless of price.
Answer (C) is incorrect because the price increase Answer (C) is correct. A natural monopoly is an
would not affect the position of the demand curve. industry, such as a utility, in which consumers are
benefited by the existence of a monopoly. These
Answer (D) is correct. Given a relatively elastic monopolies are regulated by the government to
demand curve, an increase in the price, such as from control prices and prevent abuses. The reason for a
a tax increase, would lead to a decrease in natural monopoly is that economies of scale are so
expenditures. Price elasticity of demand equals the great that the lowest average cost is reached when
percentage change in quantity demanded divided by only one firm is in the industry. Fixed costs are so
the percentage change in price. If the result is greater high that relatively low prices are possible only at high
than one, demand is elastic, and total revenue will levels of sales. If competition existed, each firm's
increase with a decrease in price or decline with an share of the market would be insufficient to drive
increase. down unit costs enough to permit charging a low
price.
[9] Source: CMA 1287 1-5 Answer (D) is incorrect because consumer demand
would be inelastic and not influenced by business
Answer (A) is incorrect because in pure (perfect) cycles.
competition, a particular firm will produce for a
market in which the selling price is given; only costs
(input prices) can influence the level of production. [12] Source: CMA 1288 1-22
Answer (B) is incorrect because in pure (perfect) Answer (A) is incorrect because perfect inelasticity
competition, a particular firm will produce for a exists when the quantity demanded is constant for all
market in which the selling price is given; only costs prices (the coefficient of elasticity is zero).
(input prices) can influence the level of production.
Answer (B) is correct. The coefficient of elasticity
Answer (C) is correct. A competitive firm will measures the responsiveness of the percentage
produce at a level at which marginal cost equals change in quantity demanded (the numerator) to a
marginal revenue (selling price). Thus, a change in given percentage change in the price of a product (the
input prices affects marginal cost and the quantity of denominator). Consumer demand is said to be elastic
output supplied. when the coefficient of elasticity is greater than one.
Answer (D) is incorrect because in pure (perfect) Answer (C) is incorrect because inelastic demand is
competition, a particular firm will produce for a characterized by a coefficient of less than one.
market in which the selling price is given; only costs
(input prices) can influence the level of production. Answer (D) is incorrect because unitary elasticity
exists when the coefficient is exactly one.
25
Answer (C) is incorrect because demand is inelastic Answer (A) is correct. Monopolistic competition
when the coefficient is less than one but greater than assumes a large number of firms with differentiated
zero. (heterogeneous) products, and relatively easy entry
into the market. Sellers have some price control
Answer (D) is incorrect because unitary elasticity because of product differentiation. Monopolistic
exists when the coefficient is exactly one. competition is characterized by nonprice competition,
such as advertising, service after the sale, and
emphasis on trademark quality. In the short run, firms
[14] Source: CMA 1288 1-27 equate marginal revenue and marginal cost. In the
long run, firms tend to earn normal (not economic)
Answer (A) is incorrect because it is an attribute of profits, and price exceeds marginal cost, resulting in
perfect competition. an underallocation of resources. Firms produce less
than the ideal output, and the industry is populated by
Answer (B) is incorrect because it is an attribute of too many firms that are too small in size. Price is
perfect competition. higher and output less than in pure competition.
Answer (C) is correct. Perfect competition assumes a Answer (B) is incorrect because responses to
large number of buyers and sellers that act competitors' actions are unnecessary if products are
independently, a homogeneous or standardized sufficiently differentiated to make price competition
product, free entry into and exit from the market, meaningless.
perfect information, no nonprice competition, no
control over prices (sellers are price takers rather Answer (C) is incorrect because product
than price setters), and an equilibrium price equal to differentiation permits some price control.
the average total cost. Given free entry into the
market and perfect information, an increase in profits Answer (D) is incorrect because the availability of
in the industry will result in an increase in the number close substitutes makes the product demand curve
of firms in the market. This increase will have the elastic.
long-run effect of reducing the price to the level at
which no economic profits are earned.
[17] Source: CMA 1288 1-30
Answer (D) is incorrect because it is an attribute of
perfect competition. Answer (A) is incorrect because an oligopoly can
have either differentiated (automobiles) or
undifferentiated (steel) products.
[15] Source: CMA 1288 1-25
Answer (B) is correct. An oligopoly consists of only
Answer (A) is incorrect because the increase in a few firms. Each firm reacts to decisions of other
income shifts the demand, not the supply, curve. firms in the industry. Prices in a noncollusive market
tend to be rigid, or sticky, because of the
Answer (B) is incorrect because moving down an interdependence among firms. Entry is difficult thanks
existing demand curve is the effect of a lower price. to barriers that can be either natural, such as an
The change in income shifts the economy to a new absolute cost advantage, or artificial, such as massive
demand curve. advertising by existing firms. The price rigidity
normally found in oligopolistic markets can be
Answer (C) is incorrect because a shift to the left explained in part by the kinked demand curve theory.
means that consumers will buy fewer products at Because competitors respond to price changes by
each price. This leftward shift in response to one of the firms in an oligopolistic industry, the
increased income is characteristic of an inferior good, demand curve for an oligopolist's products tends to
not a normal good. The demand for inferior goods is be kinked. Price decreases are usually matched, with
inversely related to income. Hamburger is an inferior no increase in market share. Price increases are often
good, and steak is a normal good. not followed, with a loss of market share by the first
to raise prices. An oligopoly must often confront
Answer (D) is correct. The demand schedule is a cyclical or seasonal fluctuations in the quantity
relationship between the prices of a product and the demanded. Price rigidity makes it difficult for
quantity demanded at each price, holding other oligopolists to maintain sales levels by reducing price
determinants of the quantity demanded constant. A when the demand curve shifts to the left or by
movement along an existing demand curve occurs increasing sales and output when demand increases.
when the price is changed. A shift in the curve itself
occurs when any of the determinants changes. Such Answer (C) is incorrect because the kinked demand
shifts can be caused by a change in the tastes and curve explains price rigidity in an oligopoly.
preferences of consumers toward a product, for
example, as a result of a successful advertising Answer (D) is incorrect because an oligopoly can
campaign, an increase in consumer income (if a have either differentiated (automobiles) or
product is a normal good), or changes in the prices of undifferentiated (steel) products.
substitute or complementary products. An increase in
consumer income would shift the demand curve to
the right and result in greater consumption of the [18] Source: CMA 0689 1-20
product at each price.
Answer (A) is incorrect because economic efficiency
is measured in dollar terms.
[16] Source: CMA 1288 1-29
26
Answer (B) is incorrect because opportunity cost is [22] Source: CMA 0689 1-26
defined as the return possible from the next best
alternative other than the one selected. Answer (A) is incorrect because a shift to the left (a
decrease in demand) would occur if the price of a
Answer (C) is correct. Technological efficiency is complementary product increased.
defined as the relationship between the physical
output of a given technology and the maximum output Answer (B) is incorrect because demand for a
that is possible. substitute would decrease, thereby lowering its
equilibrium price.
Answer (D) is incorrect because comparative
advantage compares the costs of producing products Answer (C) is incorrect because the demand curve
within a single country. will shift to the right, but the supply curve will not
change.
[19] Source: CMA 0689 1-21 Answer (D) is correct. A decrease in the price of a
complementary good (e.g., gasoline) will cause the
Answer (A) is incorrect because economic efficiency demand curve of the joint commodity (e.g.,
is a comparison measured in dollar terms. automobiles) to shift to the right (increase). The lower
price results in greater demand by consumers at each
Answer (B) is correct. Opportunity cost is the benefit price level. A movement along an existing demand
forgone by using scarce resources in a given way. curve occurs when the price for the product is
Thus, it is the benefit that could have been obtained changed but demand is constant.
from the best alternative use of the resources.
Answer (C) is incorrect because comparative [23] Source: CMA 0689 1-29
advantage compares the costs of producing products
within a single country. Answer (A) is incorrect because the supply curve will
be unaffected, but the demand curve will shift to the
Answer (D) is incorrect because absolute advantage right.
compares input costs among countries.
Answer (B) is incorrect because the supply curve will
be unaffected, but the demand curve will shift to the
[20] Source: CMA 0689 1-22 right.
Answer (A) is incorrect because an equality of costs Answer (C) is correct. The relative price of the
would provide no incentive or disincentive to normal good is improved relative to other goods as a
substitute. consequence of inflation. Thus, consumers will
demand more of the normal good. This increase in
Answer (B) is incorrect because profits will be demand is caused not by a price change but by a
greater if a lower-cost substitute can be used. favorable change in the preferences of consumers. As
a result, the demand curve for the product will shift to
Answer (C) is correct. The principle of substitution the right.
states that, when given a choice, the firm will choose
the factor of production that is less expensive. In Answer (D) is incorrect because the supply curve will
other words, the cheaper input will be used as a be unaffected, but the demand curve will shift to the
substitute for the higher-priced input. right.
27
Answer (A) is incorrect because an industry with a [28] Source: CMA 0690 1-21
single firm is monopolistic.
Answer (A) is incorrect because no information is
Answer (B) is incorrect because oligopolists have the given about the effects of changes in the price.
same profit-maximizing goal as other firms.
Answer (B) is incorrect because no information is
Answer (C) is correct. An oligopolistic industry is given about the effects of changes in the price.
characterized by only a few firms. Usually there are
significant barriers to entry, such as high capital Answer (C) is incorrect because no information is
requirements, which prevent new firms from entering given about the effects of changes in the price.
the industry. The automobile industry is an example.
Answer (D) is correct. Consumers purchase more
Answer (D) is incorrect because the demand curve (less) of a normal good (such as steak) at every price
for a firm in perfect competition is horizontal. An when income levels increase (decrease). The
oligopolist's demand curve is relatively flat but may be opposite is true of inferior goods (such as
kinked if competitors follow its price decreases but hamburger). These effects result because normal
not the price increases. goods have a positive income elasticity of demand
and inferior goods have a negative income elasticity.
Income elasticity of demand equals the percentage
[26] Source: CMA 0690 1-19 change in quantity demanded divided by the
percentage change in income.
Answer (A) is correct. A normal good that competes
with several similar items will have an elasticity
greater than one (its demand is relatively elastic) [29] Source: CMA 0690 1-22
because a given percentage change in price will result
in a greater percentage change in sales as consumers Answer (A) is incorrect because utility products are
shift to or from the close substitutes. Price elasticity of price inelastic.
demand is promoted by the availability of substitute
goods. Answer (B) is incorrect because utility products are
price inelastic.
Answer (B) is incorrect because demand has perfect
price elasticity if a small change in price causes Answer (C) is correct. Utility products are typically
buyers to reduce their purchases to zero (an increase price inelastic because they are regarded as
in price) or to purchase all of the available supply (a necessities for which few substitutes are available.
decrease in price). That is why utilities are regulated by state agencies.
The existence of monopolies and price inelastic
Answer (C) is incorrect because consumers purchase products would permit an unregulated utility to take
more (less) of a normal good (such as steak) at every unfair advantage of consumers.
price when income levels increase (decrease). The
opposite is true of inferior goods (such as Answer (D) is incorrect because utility products are
hamburger). These effects result because normal not perfectly price inelastic. Some consumers would
goods have a positive income elasticity of demand reduce their consumption as prices rise. Given perfect
and inferior goods have a negative income elasticity. price inelasticity of demand, the amount demanded
The availability of close substitutes affects the price will be the same at all prices.
elasticity of demand but not income elasticity.
Answer (D) is incorrect because inelasticity is more [30] Source: CMA 0690 1-23
apt to occur when few substitutes are available.
Answer (A) is incorrect because the demand curve is
downward sloping.
[27] Source: CMA 0690 1-20
Answer (B) is incorrect because the demand curve is
Answer (A) is incorrect because if demand is price downward sloping.
elastic, the quantity demanded will decline by a
greater percentage than the percentage price Answer (C) is incorrect because a vertical demand
increase. curve signifies that the quantity demanded does not
change with price.
Answer (B) is correct. An increase in gasoline prices
during the summer implies that demand for gasoline is Answer (D) is correct. The demand curve for a
relatively price inelastic in the short run. That is, the consumer good (normal or inferior) is downward
price increase will result in little or no decline in the sloping to the right. At high prices, the amount
amount demanded, and total revenues will increase. demanded is relatively low. As prices decrease, the
amount demanded increases. The substitution effect is
Answer (C) is incorrect because the distinction the change in the cost of a good relative to others that
between inferior and normal goods is based on the will cause a cheaper good to be substituted for more
effects on quantity demanded of a change in income. expensive ones. The income effect is the change in
purchasing power experienced by consumers as a
Answer (D) is incorrect because perfect inelasticity result of a price change (real income increases or
means there would be no decline in demand because decreases). Both of these effects cause the price of a
of a price increase. product and the quantity demanded to be inversely
related.
28
Answer (D) is incorrect because economic profits
[31] Source: CMA 0690 1-24 will be less than net income.
Answer (C) is incorrect because economic profits Answer (D) is incorrect because the effect on wages
will be less than net income. cannot be determined from the information given.
29
[36] Source: CMA 1290 1-1 Answer (B) is incorrect because an increase in
demand and a decline in supply both result in higher
Answer (A) is correct. Economic or pure profit is prices.
what remains after all explicit and implicit costs have
been deducted from total revenue. These costs Answer (C) is incorrect because an increase in both
include the opportunity costs of the use of resources demand and supply results in a higher equilibrium
as well as the payments made to others. Economic quantity.
profit is normal in a monopoly because a monopolist
can bar the entry of competitors and influence the Answer (D) is correct. An increase in demand
market price. signifies a rightward shift in the demand curve, that is,
an increase in the quantity demanded at each price. A
Answer (B) is incorrect because, by definition, a pure decrease in supply involves a leftward shift in the
monopoly consists of only one firm. Thus, no decline supply curve, that is, a reduction in the quantity
in the number of firms can occur unless the supplied at each price. Each event increases the
monopolist goes out of business. equilibrium price if other factors are constant. Thus, if
both events occur, the price will increase.
Answer (C) is incorrect because an increase in
supply could lower prices, a result that would not
benefit the monopolist. [40] Source: CMA 1290 1-5
Answer (D) is incorrect because the demand for and Answer (A) is correct. A government price support
prices of substitutes might increase if the monopolist program will cause producers to supply more goods
charges a price sufficient to earn an economic profit. than can be absorbed by the market if the support
price is higher than the equilibrium price. The effect
will be surpluses because the amount supplied will
[37] Source: CMA 1290 1-2 exceed the amount demanded.
Answer (A) is incorrect because rackets and balls Answer (B) is incorrect because no shortages will
are not substitutes for each other; both are needed to occur. Suppliers will be induced by the higher than
play tennis. equilibrium price to produce more than the amount
demanded.
Answer (B) is incorrect because rackets and balls are
not independent goods; they are used together. Answer (C) is incorrect because no rationing would
occur. Consumers will be able to buy all they desire
Answer (C) is incorrect because an inferior good is because supply will exceed demand.
one that experiences increased (decreased) demand
as consumers' incomes decline (rise). Tennis Answer (D) is incorrect because firms will be
equipment is a leisure item, not an inferior good. encouraged to enter the industry by the availability of
greater revenue than that provided by consumer
Answer (D) is correct. As sales of tennis rackets demand. In fact, price support programs are often
increase, a corresponding increase should occur in designed with the intention of keeping marginal firms
the demand for tennis balls because balls are needed from leaving the industry.
to use the rackets. Thus, the two items are
complementary goods.
[41] Source: CMA 1290 1-6
[38] Source: CMA 1290 1-3 Answer (A) is incorrect because price ceilings are
essentially the opposite of price supports. If price is
Answer (A) is incorrect because sellers in pure subject to a ceiling, suppliers may receive less than at
competition act independently. the equilibrium level. But the supplier may receive
more at the equilibrium rate if the price is supported.
Answer (B) is incorrect because the need for large
research and development programs would make it Answer (B) is incorrect because prices may be lower
difficult for new participants to enter the market. than at the equilibrium level.
Answer (C) is incorrect because competition is Answer (C) is correct. Government imposed price
characterized by product similarity; differentiation ceilings may cause prices to be set at rates below
reduces competition. equilibrium. Because prices are set artificially low,
demand will tend to exceed the supply and shortages
Answer (D) is correct. Pure competition is will occur.
characterized by numerous buyers and sellers who
act independently, a standardized product, ease of Answer (D) is incorrect because price ceilings cause
entry into or exit from the market, perfect shortages if consumers demand more than sellers are
information, the inability of each firm to influence willing to supply.
prices, and the absence of nonprice competition.
30
Answer (B) is incorrect because difficult entry is Answer (C) is incorrect because the fixed costs
typical of oligopoly. related to the use of capital equipment can be spread
over more products when such equipment is more
Answer (C) is incorrect because, given the large efficiently used.
number of firms, most are likely to be small, with
correspondingly low economies of scale and capital Answer (D) is correct. Economies of scale result in a
needs. decline in the average cost of production. These
economies result from specialization of labor and
Answer (D) is correct. Monopolistic competition is management, the ability to use by-products and
characterized by the existence of a large number of scrap, and more efficient use of capital equipment.
firms, differentiated products, relative ease of entry, The law of diminishing returns states that, as
some control of price by the firms, and significant additional units of a variable input are combined with
nonprice competition (e.g., by advertising). Entry into a fixed input, marginal product will begin to fall when
monopolistic competition is more difficult than entry the theoretical limit of efficiency is exceeded. Hence,
into pure competition, but it is relatively easy this principle is not applicable to the discussion of
compared with entry into a monopoly. economies of scale, which explains diminishing
average cost. Moreover, the latter concept assumes
that all costs are variable in the long run, whereas the
[43] Source: CMA 1290 1-8 law of diminishing returns assumes a fixed component
of input.
Answer (A) is incorrect because the curve is not
horizontal. It varies with changes in production scale.
[46] Source: CMA 1290 1-11
Answer (B) is incorrect because, although returns to
incremental input may be diminishing and marginal Answer (A) is correct. A natural monopoly occurs
cost rising, average total cost may continue to when economies of scale are very great. In a natural
decline. monopoly, the unit cost of meeting the entire demand
for a product is minimized when there is only one firm
Answer (C) is incorrect because the average total in the industry. Thus, the presence of two or more
cost curve is a U-shaped curve that is intersected at firms would prevent the realization of the economies
its minimum point by the rising portion of the marginal of scale necessary to minimize cost. Public utilities are
cost curve. common examples of natural monopolies.
Answer (D) is correct. The long-run average total Answer (B) is incorrect because monopolistic
cost curve is normally U-shaped because the average competition is a market structure in which many firms
cost per unit declines as the firm experiences operate.
economies of scale. However, beyond the point of
intersection with the marginal cost curve, it will begin Answer (C) is incorrect because natural monopolies
rising because the amount added (marginal cost) to exist when economies of scale are very great.
total cost is greater than the average total cost.
Answer (D) is incorrect because natural monopolies
exist when economies of scale are very great.
[44] Source: CMA 1290 1-10
Answer (A) is incorrect because economic (pure) [47] Source: CMA 1290 1-12
profit is the residual return in excess of normal profit.
Economic profit equals total revenue minus Answer (A) is correct. The concentration ratio is the
opportunity costs. These are the sum of explicit and percentage of total industry sales attributable to a
implicit costs, including normal profit. specified number of the largest firms. A high
concentration ratio indicates that few firms are
Answer (B) is incorrect because accounting profit is operating in an industry. Thus, a high ratio indicates
the excess of total revenue over explicit costs monopoly power.
(out-of-pocket payments to outsiders).
Answer (B) is incorrect because a highly competitive
Answer (C) is incorrect because a normal profit is an industry would have a low concentration ratio.
implicit cost.
Answer (C) is incorrect because the concentration
Answer (D) is correct. Normal profit is the level of ratio has no relationship to the law of demand.
profit necessary to induce entrepreneurs to enter and
remain in the market. Economists view this profit as Answer (D) is incorrect because a high concentration
an implicit cost of economic activity. ratio is more indicative of a monopoly than of
monopolistic competition, which is characterized by
the existence of many firms.
[45] Source: CMA 1290 1-9
Answer (A) is incorrect because labor specialization [48] Source: CMA 1290 1-13
means more efficient use of labor and lower costs.
Answer (A) is correct. A supply curve illustrates the
Answer (B) is incorrect because the ability to use relationship between price and the quantity of a good
by-products results in lower costs and thus that sellers are willing to supply. As price increases,
economies of scale. the supply will increase.
31
Answer (B) is incorrect because consumer tastes are Answer (D) is correct. The kinked demand curve is
reflected by the demand curve, not the supply curve. characteristic of an oligopoly. This phenomenon
occurs because decreases but not increases tend to
Answer (C) is incorrect because the demand curve be matched by the other firms in the industry. Thus,
shows the relationship between price and quantity the slope of the demand curve is likely to change
demanded. significantly above and below the current price. An
oligopolist that raises its price is likely to lose
Answer (D) is incorrect because the supply curve substantially more of its market share than it would
shows only the supply, not the demand. gain by a price cut. In other words, the curve is
relatively elastic with respect to price increases and
less elastic for price cuts.
[49] Source: CMA 1290 1-14
Answer (A) is incorrect because agriculture is closer [52] Source: CMA 1290 1-17
to pure competition. Many producers sell an
undifferentiated product. Answer (A) is correct. A decline in price
accompanied by an increase in total revenue indicates
Answer (B) is correct. Monopolistic competition is that quantity demanded has increased by a greater
best represented by the fast food industry. Many percentage than the percentage price decrease.
firms are in competition, but the products are Hence, the price elasticity of demand is greater than
differentiated. 1.0. Demand is elastic when it is greater than 1.0.
Answer (C) is incorrect because the steel industry Answer (B) is incorrect because the increase in
has few firms and is best characterized as an revenue resulting from the price decrease indicates
oligopoly. Moreover, its products tend to be elasticity.
standardized.
Answer (C) is incorrect because elasticity must be
Answer (D) is incorrect because the auto industry is greater than 1.0 if the total revenue increases as the
oligopolistic. Few producers exist because of the result of a price decrease.
difficulty of entering the market.
Answer (D) is incorrect because the elasticity is
greater than 1.0.
[50] Source: CMA 1290 1-15
Answer (A) is incorrect because marginal revenue [53] Source: CMA 1290 1-18
equals price in pure competition. In monopolistic
competition, no firm can affect the price. Hence, the Answer (A) is incorrect because the short-run supply
price is the same at all levels of output. curve is derived from the marginal cost curve, not the
average total cost curve.
Answer (B) is incorrect because marginal revenue is
the change in revenue from selling one additional unit Answer (B) is incorrect because the short-run supply
of product, not from a change in prices. Moreover, in curve is derived from the marginal cost curve, not the
market structures other than pure competition, fixed cost curve.
marginal revenue declines as sales increase because
prices eventually must be lowered to stimulate Answer (C) is correct. In the short run, certain costs
demand. are fixed regardless of output. Given that fixed costs
are incurred even if the firm shuts down, the firm
Answer (C) is incorrect because marginal revenue gains in the short run by continuing to operate if
cannot be greater than price. revenues exceed variable costs. Accordingly, the
firm's short-run supply curve is derived from the
Answer (D) is correct. Marginal revenue is the marginal cost curve. The firm benefits by producing
change in total revenue resulting from producing and until marginal cost equals marginal revenue. As long
selling one additional unit of product. Marginal as the marginal cost is lower than the marginal
revenue is constant in pure competition but declines revenue, the firm will recover some of its fixed costs
as output rises in other market structures. Equating as well as its variable costs. However, only the
marginal revenue and marginal cost is the segment of the marginal cost curve that lies above
profit-maximizing position for all firms. average variable cost will constitute the short-run
supply curve. At a price below the average variable
cost, the firm's losses equal its fixed costs plus some
[51] Source: CMA 1290 1-16 of its variable costs. In this case, the firm would close
down and not supply anything.
Answer (A) is incorrect because an agricultural
market approximates pure competition and exhibits a Answer (D) is incorrect because the short-run supply
normal demand curve. curve is derived from the marginal cost curve, not the
total cost curve.
Answer (B) is incorrect because monopolistic
competition is characterized by a normal demand
curve. [54] Source: CMA 0691 1-13
Answer (C) is incorrect because pure competition is Answer (A) is incorrect because the degree of
characterized by a normal demand curve. elasticity is not a sufficient predictor of the nature of
the change in market price.
32
Answer (B) is incorrect because the degree of Answer (B) is incorrect because the costs of
elasticity is not a sufficient predictor of the nature of compliance will lead to higher prices.
the change in market price.
Answer (C) is incorrect because tax revenues are
Answer (C) is correct. If demand is constant, an more likely to decline as price rises and the quantity
increase in supply will lower the price of a good. If demanded falls.
supply is constant, an increase in demand will raise
the price. When both events occur, the effect Answer (D) is correct. When government imposes
depends on the magnitude of the changes. Thus, the health and safety regulations, production cost is likely
market price is not predictable from the facts given. to increase as a result of the manufacturer's efforts to
comply. The increased costs are then passed on to
Answer (D) is incorrect because the degree of consumers in the form of higher prices. Moreover,
elasticity is not a sufficient predictor of the nature of the amount the manufacturer is willing to supply will
the change in market price. decrease.
[55] Source: CMA 0691 1-14 [58] Source: CMA 0692 1-28
Answer (A) is incorrect because economic goods Answer (A) is incorrect because the use of fixed
can be increased in quantity if suppliers want to costs implies a short-run analysis.
supply more goods.
Answer (B) is incorrect because average product is a
Answer (B) is incorrect because the issue is not nonsense answer.
whether actual production is adequate but whether
potential production would be adequate to meet Answer (C) is incorrect because the combination of
zero-price demand. two average costs produces an average cost, not a
total cost.
Answer (C) is correct. Economic goods are
demanded by consumers but exist in insufficient Answer (D) is correct. The sum of the average fixed
supply to satisfy all demands for them. Thus, costs and the average variable costs for a given
economic goods are scarce because, at a zero price, output is the average total cost. Recognition of fixed
demand would exceed the potential supply that can costs implies a short-run analysis because long-run
be produced given the finite resources (inputs) analysis assumes a period long enough for all costs to
available on this planet. The problem facing society is be variable. Thus, the economist's short-run analysis
how to allocate a fixed supply of resources. of cost is similar to the accounting concept of cost in
which the sum of variable and fixed costs is total cost.
Answer (D) is incorrect because an economic good
does not have to be man-made.
[59] Source: CMA 0692 1-29
[56] Source: CMA 0691 1-15 Answer (A) is incorrect because the point of
diminishing average productivity is the point at which
Answer (A) is incorrect because an elastic supply average productivity begins to decline as additional
function would not be fixed in total. Economic rent is units of input are used.
paid when the supply is perfectly inelastic.
Answer (B) is correct. Marginal product is the output
Answer (B) is correct. Economic rent is the total obtained by adding one extra unit of a variable input
price paid for land and other natural resources that factor. If the cost of the input factor is constant, a
have a completely fixed supply. Given this perfect rising marginal product will result in a declining
inelasticity, the sole factor determining rent for land marginal cost of output. If marginal product is falling,
and other resources with a completely fixed total marginal cost is rising. Hence, marginal cost is at a
supply is demand. A higher price will not increase minimum when marginal product is at a maximum.
supply and thereby the productive potential of the
economy. Thus, no part of the rent paid for such Answer (C) is incorrect because marginal cost is the
resources provides an incentive to increase supply, addition to total cost as a result of increasing
and the entire rent is deemed to be a surplus production by one unit.
(economic rent) by economists.
Answer (D) is incorrect because the point of
Answer (C) is incorrect because a fixed supply diminishing marginal productivity is that point at which
schedule is typical of resources that receive economic marginal productivity begins to decline as additional
rent. inputs are added to production.
33
given technology and the maximum output that is
possible. An increase in technological efficiency is
only one of the ways that economies of scale can [63] Source: CMA 1292 1-3
occur.
Answer (A) is incorrect because the amount
Answer (C) is incorrect because a decline in average demanded will increase as a result of the artificially
cost means the firm is experiencing increasing returns, low price.
not decreasing returns.
Answer (B) is incorrect because the amount supplied
Answer (D) is correct. When long-run average cost will decline as a result of the artificially low price.
declines as output increases, the firm is experiencing
economies of scale. Average cost falls when marginal Answer (C) is correct. A price ceiling lower than the
cost is below it and rises when marginal cost is above equilibrium price causes shortages to develop. The
it. Average cost reaches its minimum when it equals artificially low price results in an amount supplied less
marginal cost. Some of the reasons for this than that at the equilibrium price. It also causes
phenomenon are increased specialization and division consumers to demand more of the commodity than at
of labor, better use and specialization of management, the equilibrium price.
and use of more efficient machinery and equipment.
Answer (D) is incorrect because shortages will occur.
34
marginal utility is a measure associated with demand, monopolist.
not with supply.
Answer (D) is correct. Competitive markets are
Answer (D) is incorrect because marginal utility is not preferable to other types of markets, such as
associated with inputs to the production process; it is monopolies, because price is lower and output
a measure associated with demand. greater. All firms should equate marginal revenue
(MR) and marginal cost (MC). For a competitive
firm, MR equals price at all output levels because the
[66] Source: CMA 1292 1-6 firm is a price taker. However, a monopolist must
reduce price to raise sales, so its MR curve will
Answer (A) is incorrect because consumers will buy decline with output. Assuming no difference between
less of a product if prices are higher. the MC curves of the purely competitive firm and the
monopolist, the latter's downward-sloping MR curve
Answer (B) is correct. The law of diminishing returns will intersect the MC curve at a lower output level
states that if increasing amounts of a variable input are than that for a competitive firm. This lower output
applied to a fixed input, there is some point beyond level corresponds to a higher point (a higher price) on
which additional units of the variable input will the demand curve.
contribute less and less to the total product. Thus, an
input is used up to the point at which the marginal
increase in revenue from that input is equal to its [69] Source: CMA 1292 1-9
marginal cost. This means that adding variable inputs
to a firm's fixed inputs will result in lower product Answer (A) is correct. The characteristics of
costs, but only up to a point. Accordingly, a firm will monopolistic competition are a large number of firms,
increase short-run supply as long as marginal revenue differentiated products, relatively easy entry into the
(the price in a purely competitive market) exceeds market, some price control by individual firms, and
marginal cost, whether because of a lower marginal large amounts of nonprice competition. In such cases,
cost or a higher price. price exceeds marginal cost and resources are
under-allocated. The industry is typically populated
Answer (C) is incorrect because costs decline up to a by too many firms that are too small. These
point as economies of scale are achieved. conditions are often referred to as the waste of
monopolistic competition. Prices are higher and
Answer (D) is incorrect because the supply curve is output is less than with pure competition.
independent of the demand curve, which is based on
consumer preferences. Answer (B) is incorrect because economies and
diseconomies of scale do exist with monopolistic
competition.
[67] Source: CMA 1292 1-7
Answer (C) is incorrect because advertising is an
Answer (A) is incorrect because economies of scale important element in an economy characterized by
refer to the savings in costs as production increases; monopolistic competition.
less efficient labor would lead to higher costs.
Answer (D) is incorrect because monopolistic
Answer (B) is incorrect because output should competition is characterized by heterogeneous
increase, although average productivity may or may products.
not change.
Answer (C) is correct. As most firms expand output, [70] Source: CMA 1292 1-10
average costs of production initially tend to decline.
The reasons for this include increased specialization Answer (A) is incorrect because diminishing returns
and division of labor, better use and specialization of can exist in any market structure.
management, and use of more efficient machinery and
equipment. Consequently, increasing the size of a Answer (B) is correct. Pure competition is
factory often results in lower average costs. characterized by a large number of buyers and sellers
acting independently, homogeneous or standardized
Answer (D) is incorrect because increasing factory products, free entry into and exit of firms from the
size will normally increase total costs, but result in market, perfect information, no control over prices,
lower average costs. and no nonprice competition. Because price equals
marginal cost, allocation of resources is optimal.
Firms produce the ideal output, the output at which
[68] Source: CMA 1292 1-8 average cost is lowest. Price is lower and output
greater than in any other market structure.
Answer (A) is incorrect because only goodwill
advertising is likely to be used. The monopolist will Answer (C) is incorrect because, in pure competition,
already be maximizing its profits because it has no the optimal output is produced. Because resource
competitors. allocation is ideal, no over- or underproduction
occurs, and consumer surplus (the difference
Answer (B) is incorrect because monopolists between what consumers are willing to pay and what
produce a lower rate of output than in a competitive they actually pay) is nonexistent.
market.
Answer (D) is incorrect because all suppliers will
Answer (C) is incorrect because the blend of capital charge the market price, given perfect information in
and labor is not a consideration exclusive to the the economy.
35
[71] Source: CMA 1292 1-11 [74] Source: CMA 1292 1-14
Answer (A) is incorrect because oligopolists do not Answer (A) is incorrect because oligopolies contain
attempt to decrease demand for the product. several firms; a single seller is characteristic of a
monopoly.
Answer (B) is incorrect because prices are
maintained by restricting output. Answer (B) is incorrect because oligopolies contain
several firms; a single seller is characteristic of a
Answer (C) is incorrect because increased costs do monopoly.
not necessarily result in higher prices.
Answer (C) is incorrect because oligopolies are
Answer (D) is correct. In an oligopolistic industry, a typified by barriers to entry; that is the reason the
cartel can be formed to add structure to a market industry has only a few firms.
with a few firms. A cartel arises when a group of
oligopolistic firms join together for price-fixing Answer (D) is correct. The oligopoly model is much
purposes. This practice is illegal except in less specific than the other market structures, but
international markets. Prices are fixed at an amount there are typically few firms in the industry. Thus, the
greater than would occur under pure competition. decisions of rival firms do not go unnoticed. Products
Members of the cartel maintain higher prices by can be either differentiated or standardized. Prices
voluntarily restricting output. tend to be rigid (sticky) because of the
interdependence among firms. Entry is difficult
because of either natural or created barriers. Price
[72] Source: CMA 1292 1-12 leadership is typical in oligopolistic industries. Under
price leadership, price changes are announced first by
Answer (A) is incorrect because economic cost a major firm. Once the industry leader has spoken,
includes not only explicit costs (dollars paid), but other firms in the industry match the price charged by
implicit costs as well; implicit costs include the leader. The mutual interdependence of the firms
opportunity costs. influences both pricing and output decisions.
Answer (C) is incorrect because all explicit and Answer (A) is incorrect because both demand and
implicit costs should be added, not subtracted. supply factors determine price and output.
Answer (D) is correct. Economic cost is defined as Answer (B) is incorrect because both supply and
the sum of all costs, both implicit and explicit, of a demand factors determine price and output.
firm. Explicit costs include direct expenditures made
to those outside the firm, for example, the costs of Answer (C) is incorrect because, in the long run,
labor, materials, and equipment. Implicit costs are the firms can enter or exit an industry.
payments that would have been received if
self-owned resources had been used outside the Answer (D) is correct. The distinction in
firm's business. Thus, the lease payments forgone by microeconomics between the short run and the long
not renting the firm's building to others is an implicit run is that the long run is a time period long enough
cost. The return necessary to keep resources that all inputs, including plant capacity, can be varied.
employed in a given enterprise (normal profit) is also The short run is a time period so brief that a firm has
an implicit cost. insufficient time to vary the amount of all inputs. Thus,
in the short run, the quantity of one or more inputs is
fixed.
[73] Source: CMA 1292 1-13
Answer (A) is correct. In a competitive market for [76] Source: CMA 1292 1-17
labor in which demand is stable, total wages cannot
increase. If some workers do increase their wages, Answer (A) is correct. A firm that can control the
the increases can occur only if some workers are laid price of its product is a monopolist. In a pure
off. Given a stable demand curve for labor, a higher monopoly, the industry demand curve is also the
price for this resource will result in a decrease in the monopolist's demand curve. Because this curve is not
amount of labor demanded (a movement up the perfectly elastic, the monopolist's demand curve is
demand curve). downward sloping, not horizontal like the pure
competitor's.
Answer (B) is incorrect because a maximum wage
that is lower than the equilibrium wage will not allow Answer (B) is incorrect because a horizontal supply
workers to increase their wages. curve implies that the company will produce any
quantity of output at the constant price. The ability to
Answer (C) is incorrect because firms may choose to control one's price implies a changing price level.
become more capital intensive rather than smaller.
Answer (C) is incorrect because a horizontal demand
Answer (D) is incorrect because supply will not curve implies an unchanging price.
decrease if the workers are more productive after
gaining an increase in wages. Answer (D) is incorrect because the supplier could
36
not sell all of its output if the established price was the left). This decrease in demand should lead to a
higher than what consumers were willing to pay. lower price for the product assuming that supply is
Also, a monopolist has no incentive to sell the constant (the supply curve does not shift).
maximum that can be produced.
Answer (C) is incorrect because supply remains
unchanged in the short run.
[77] Source: CMA 1292 1-18
Answer (D) is incorrect because, if demand is
Answer (A) is incorrect because a maximum price in inelastic, customers will continue buying the product
excess of the equilibrium price creates neither a regardless of the price; a boycott, however, means
surplus nor a shortage. that consumers will stop buying the product.
Answer (D) is incorrect because the government is [82] Source: CMA 1293 1-30
typically not the supplier when a natural monopoly
exists. Answer (A) is correct. Elasticity is the percentage
change in quantity demanded divided by the
percentage change in price. It is a measure of how
[79] Source: CMA 1293 1-10 total revenues will be affected given a specified
change in price. A factor affecting the price elasticity
Answer (A) is incorrect because reduced demand of demand is the availability of substitutes. As price
will drive the price downward. increases, buyers are more likely to seek substitutes.
The more substitutes, the greater the elasticity.
Answer (B) is correct. A group boycott will decrease
the demand for a product (shift the demand curve to Answer (B) is incorrect because the level of
37
consumer income may change a demand curve, but by the number of units produced. Thus, $25,000
not elasticity. divided by 500 units produces a unit cost of $50.
Answer (C) is incorrect because the elasticity of Answer (D) is incorrect because $25 is the average
supply is different from the elasticity of product of fixed costs per unit and variable costs per unit.
demand.
Answer (D) is incorrect because the level of input [86] Source: CMA 1289 1-8
costs affects the elasticity of supply, not demand.
Answer (A) is incorrect because there would be no
profit when selling price and total costs are the same.
[83] Source: CMA 1288 1-26
Answer (B) is incorrect because equating selling price
Answer (A) is incorrect because an increase in to total variable costs leaves nothing to cover fixed
supply will decrease the equilibrium price and costs.
increase the equilibrium quantity exchanged.
Answer (C) is incorrect because using only average
Answer (B) is incorrect because an increase in supply fixed costs ignores variable costs, which increase in
will decrease the equilibrium price and increase the total with every unit produced.
equilibrium quantity exchanged.
Answer (D) is correct. A firm should produce until
Answer (C) is incorrect because an increase in the marginal cost equals marginal revenue. In the
supply will decrease the equilibrium price and short run, a firm in perfect competition will continue
increase the equilibrium quantity exchanged. production until marginal cost equals selling price,
which is also its marginal revenue. The result is the
Answer (D) is correct. An increase in supply is a short-run maximization of profits. As long as selling
rightward shift in the upward-sloping supply curve. It price exceeds marginal cost, a firm should continue
causes a decrease in the equilibrium price and thus an producing. In the short run in perfect competition, the
increase in the quantity exchanged, assuming the market price equals marginal revenue because no firm
downward-sloping demand curve does not shift. If can affect price by its production decisions.
more goods are available at each price but demand is
unchanged, the price at which demand equals supply
will decline. [87] Source: CMA 1289 1-9
Answer (C) is correct. The average total cost per unit Answer (D) is incorrect because varying levels of
is calculated by dividing total costs (fixed + variable) income and price changes are not incorporated into
38
the indifference curve; these are assumed to be Answer (C) is correct. The demand curve represents
constant. the relationship between the prices of a commodity
and the quantity demanded at those prices, holding
other determinants of the quantity demanded
[89] Source: CMA 0694 1-3 constant. Movement along a demand curve reflects a
change (increase or decrease) in the quantity
Answer (A) is incorrect because 0.20 equals the demanded.
10% decline in price divided by the 50% change in
quantity demanded. Answer (D) is incorrect because a change in demand
(increase or decrease) causes the demand curve to
Answer (B) is incorrect because 10.00 assumes a shift. Changes in demand can occur as a result of
5% change in price; the correct decline in price is changes in consumer income, in the price of substitute
10%. It also does not calculate the change over the or complementary products, in the number of
average. consumers, or in the tastes and preferences of
consumers.
Answer (C) is incorrect because 0.10 is the
percentage change in price.
[92] Source: CMA 0694 1-14
Answer (D) is correct. A product's price elasticity of
demand is measured as the percentage change in Answer (A) is correct. Goods or services are
quantity demanded divided by the percentage change complements if the price change of one has an inverse
in price. If elasticity is determined by calculating relationship to the demand for the other. For
percentage changes over the average, the price example, when the price of one good increases, the
elasticity is demand for a complementary good decreases.
Margarine and butter, however, are substitutes and
(150 - 100) ÷ [(150 + 100) ÷ 2] their relationship is direct. When the price of one
3.8 = ----------------------------- good increases, demand for a substitute good also
($50 - $45) ÷ [($50 + $45) ÷ 2] increases.
Answer (C) is incorrect because the demand curve Answer (D) is incorrect because razors and razor
will not shift when price decreases; instead, the blades are examples of complementary products. A
equilibrium point will move to a new position on the decrease in the price of razors will result in increased
same curve. A price decrease on a product with demand for razor blades.
elastic demand (elasticity > 1.0) results in an increase
in total revenue.
[93] Source: CMA 1294 1-6
Answer (D) is correct. The concept of price elasticity
is of great practical concern to management Answer (A) is correct. An oligopoly consists of a few
accountants because a knowledge of elasticity tells firms. Thus, the decisions of rivals do not go
the accountant whether a price change will increase unnoticed. Prices tend to be rigid (sticky) because of
or decrease total revenue. If the demand elasticity is the interdependence among firms. Because
greater than one (i.e., the product is elastic), a price competitors respond only to certain price changes by
decrease will cause an increase in total revenue one of the firms in an oligopolistic industry, the
because the demand increases by a greater demand curve for an oligopolist tends to be kinked.
percentage than the price decreases. Price decreases are usually matched by price
decreases, but price increases are often not followed.
If other firms do not match a lower price, a price
[91] Source: CMA 0694 1-13 decrease by an oligopolist would capture more of the
market. If other firms match the price decrease, less
Answer (A) is incorrect because a change in demand of the market will be captured.
(increase or decrease) causes the demand curve to
shift. Changes in demand can occur as a result of Answer (B) is incorrect because price changes will
changes in consumer income, in the price of substitute have an effect on demand for an oligopolist's product.
or complementary products, in the number of
consumers, or in the tastes and preferences of Answer (C) is incorrect because an oligopolist must
consumers. essentially match the price of other firms in the
industry.
Answer (B) is incorrect because a shift in the demand
curve represents changes attributable to something Answer (D) is incorrect because an oligopolist cannot
other than price. shape its demand curve.
39
be inelastic if the elasticity coefficient were less than
[94] Source: CMA 1294 1-7 one.
Answer (B) is correct. The price elasticity of demand Answer (B) is incorrect because the lack of
is the percentage change in quantity demanded complements can lead to greater elasticity.
divided by the percentage change in price. If the
elasticity coefficient is greater than one, demand is Answer (C) is incorrect because the population in the
elastic, whereas a coefficient of less than one means market area has nothing to do with price elasticity.
that demand is inelastic. If the quantity demanded
does not change at all when the price increases, Answer (D) is correct. Price elasticity of demand
demand is said to be perfectly inelastic. equals the percentage change in quantity demanded
divided by the percentage change in price. If the
Answer (C) is incorrect because elasticity means that elasticity coefficient is greater than one, demand is
a change in price will cause a greater percentage elastic. If less than one, it is inelastic. Thus, if an
change in demand. increase in price is accompanied by little change in
quantity demand, demand is price inelastic. The lack
Answer (D) is incorrect because the demand for of good substitutes is a reason for price inelasticity.
insulin is perfectly inelastic, not merely inelastic.
Answer (D) is incorrect because monopolistic Answer (A) is incorrect because a homogeneous
competition is characterized by a large number of product is a key assumption of perfect competition.
sellers who produce differentiated products.
Answer (B) is incorrect because customer
indifference regarding choice of seller is a key
[96] Source: CMA 1294 1-19 assumption of perfect competition.
Answer (A) is incorrect because demand is perfectly Answer (C) is incorrect because small firm output
elastic when buyers are willing to purchase however relative to the industry is a key assumption of perfect
much of a commodity is supplied at a constant price. competition.
Answer (B) is incorrect because if the quantity Answer (D) is correct. Perfect competition is
demanded does not change at all when the price characterized by a market structure with many buyers
increases, demand is said to be perfectly inelastic. and sellers acting independently, a homogeneous or
standardized product, free entry into and exit from
Answer (C) is correct. The price elasticity of demand the market, perfect information, no control over the
is the percentage change in quantity demanded industry price, and the absence of nonprice
divided by the percentage change in price. If the competition. Moreover, customers are indifferent
elasticity coefficient is greater than one, demand is about which firm they buy from because price is the
elastic. Hence, an elasticity of 2.0 is elastic. only difference between one seller and the next.
40
[100] Source: CMA 0695 1-18 increase in the quantity demanded.
Answer (B) is correct. Like perfect competition, Answer (A) is incorrect because the 11th worker will
monopolistic competition is characterized by a large cause total production to increase to 25 units, an
number of firms and relative ease of market entry. increment of five.
However, monopolistic competition is also
characterized by differentiated products, some Answer (B) is incorrect because eight units is the
control over price, and considerable nonprice marginal product of adding two workers to a team of
competition, e.g., through advertising and emphasis ten workers.
on brand awareness.
Answer (C) is correct. According to the table, 11
Answer (C) is incorrect because an oligopoly workers can produce 25 units, which is an increase
consists of a few firms. Products may be of five over the 20 units that 10 workers can
differentiated or standardized, and entry is typically produce. This additional five units is known as the
difficult. marginal physical product generated by the 11th
worker.
Answer (D) is incorrect because products are
standardized in pure competition. Answer (D) is incorrect because 25 units will be the
total production by all 11 workers, not the marginal
product added by the 11th.
[101] Source: CMA 0695 1-19
Answer (A) is incorrect because a rise in the price of [104] Source: CMA 1295 1-18
a substitute causes the demand curve to shift to the
right. Answer (A) is correct. The total revenue produced
by 11 workers would be $1,225 (25 units x $49).
Answer (B) is incorrect because a rise in income With 12 workers producing a total of 28 units at
causes the demand curve to shift to the right. $47.50 each, the total revenue would be $1,330. The
$1,330 of revenue represents an increment of $105
Answer (C) is correct. The demand curve is the over the revenue generated by 11 workers. Dividing
relationship between the prices of a commodity the $105 increment by the three incremental units (28
(vertical axis) and the quantity demanded at the - 25) produces marginal revenue of $35 per unit.
various prices (horizontal axis), holding other
determinants of demand constant. A movement along Answer (B) is incorrect because $225 is the total
an existing demand curve occurs when the price is increment when the number of workers increases
changed. A shift in a demand curve may occur when from 10 to 11.
one of the determinants changes. A shift to the left
represents a decline in demand. A leftward shift may Answer (C) is incorrect because $105 is the total
be caused by an unfavorable change in the tastes and increase in revenue for three additional units, not the
preferences of consumers, a decline in consumer marginal revenue per unit.
income (if the commodity is a normal good), a
decrease in the price of a substitute good, an increase Answer (D) is incorrect because $47.50 is the new
in the price of a complementary product, or the price per unit, not the marginal revenue.
expectation of future price decreases.
Answer (D) is incorrect because a favorable change [105] Source: CMA 1295 1-19
in consumers' tastes cause the demand curve to shift
to the right. Answer (A) is incorrect because $42 is the sales
price variance produced by multiplying the 28 units
times the $1.50 decline in price; it ignores the revenue
[102] Source: CMA 0695 1-20 produced by the extra units.
Answer (A) is incorrect because the increased supply Answer (B) is incorrect because $225 is the total
will lead to a lower price. increment when the number of workers increases
from 10 to 11.
Answer (B) is incorrect because an increase in supply
increases quantity demanded, not overall demand. Answer (C) is correct. The marginal revenue product
represents the increase in total revenue resulting from
Answer (C) is incorrect because pork is a substitute the additional production of an additional worker.
for beef. Hence, the lower price of beef will shift The total revenue produced by 11 workers would be
demand for pork to the left, resulting in a lower $1,225 (25 units x $49). With 12 workers producing
equilibrium price. a total of 28 units at $47.50 each, the total revenue
would be $1,330. The $1,330 of revenue represents
Answer (D) is correct. If demand is constant, an an increment of $105 over the revenue generated by
increase in supply should result in a lower equilibrium 11 workers.
price. The supply curve shifts to the right; that is,
more is supplied at each price. Thus, the new Answer (D) is incorrect because $47.50 is the new
intersection of the supply and demand curves is at a price per unit, not the marginal revenue.
lower point on the demand curve. The result is an
41
Answer (B) is incorrect because total utility will
[106] Source: CMA 1285 1-18 increase with additional units of product, but the
increases are at a declining rate; the principle applies
Answer (A) is correct. As prices are increased, total to marginal utility, not total utility.
revenue may increase or decrease depending on the
price elasticity of demand (percentage change in Answer (C) is incorrect because diminishing marginal
quantity demanded ÷ percentage change in price). If utility results in a downward-sloping demand curve.
demand is elastic (elasticity > 1.0), a price increase
will tend to reduce total revenues. If demand is Answer (D) is incorrect because the utility principle
inelastic, a price increase will tend to raise total applies not to time but to additional units of product.
revenues. Thus, concern about the effect the price
increase will have on revenues relates to the price
elasticity of demand. [109] Source: CMA 0696 1-5
Answer (B) is incorrect because the substitution Answer (A) is incorrect because an elasticity of 2.0 is
effect is implicit in the concept of elasticity. The fewer relatively elastic, not perfectly elastic.
substitutes, the less elastic will be the demand for a
good. Answer (B) is incorrect because an elasticity
coefficient greater than 1.0 is elastic.
Answer (C) is incorrect because, in
cost-volume-profit analysis, the nature of the supply Answer (C) is correct. The price elasticity of demand
curve is not considered. measures the responsiveness of a change in quantity
demanded to a change in the price of a product. It
Answer (D) is incorrect because utility theory is also equals the percentage change in quantity demanded
implicit in the concept of elasticity. If demand is divided by the percentage change in price. If the
elastic, consumers derive less utility from paying a demand coefficient is greater than 1.0, demand is
higher price. Thus, elasticity is Joe's dominant elastic. If the coefficient is less than 1.0, demand is
concern. inelastic. If the elasticity coefficient is exactly 1.0,
demand has unitary elasticity.
[107] Source: CMA 0696 1-3 Answer (D) is incorrect because an elasticity
coefficient greater than 1.0 is elastic.
Answer (A) is incorrect because the demand curve in
pure competition is perfectly elastic.
[110] Source: CMA 0696 1-6
Answer (B) is incorrect because a monopolist's profit
is maximized when price exceeds marginal revenue Answer (A) is incorrect because demand is elastic
and marginal cost. when the coefficient exceeds 1.0.
Answer (C) is correct. In a pure monopoly, the Answer (B) is correct. Price increases can most
marginal revenue curve is negatively (downwardly) easily be passed along to consumers when demand is
sloped. The reason is that the demand curve faced by inelastic. If the demand coefficient is less than 1.0, the
the monopolist is also negatively sloped; that is, price percentage change in quantity demanded is less than
must decrease to increase sales. However, a price the percentage change in price. If demand does not
cut to increase sales applies not only to the change at all (i.e., an elasticity of zero), as may be
incremental units but also to all other units. Each true of insulin, the demand for the product is perfectly
additional unit adds its price minus the sum of the inelastic.
reductions on preceding units to total revenue. Thus,
marginal revenue (change in total revenue) declines as Answer (C) is incorrect because demand is relatively
output rises, and the marginal revenue curve will lie inelastic when the coefficient is greater than 0.0 but
below the demand curve. If marginal revenue equaled less than 1.0.
the price change, the marginal revenue and demand
curves would be the same. Answer (D) is incorrect because the appropriate
technical term is perfectly inelastic.
Answer (D) is incorrect because a monopolist has no
supply curve. Because a monopolist equates marginal
revenue and marginal cost, but marginal revenue is [111] Source: CMA 0696 1-7
not price, different demand curves may result in
different prices at the same output level. Thus, price Answer (A) is correct. Monopolistic competition is
and quantity supplied do not have a unique characterized by a large number of firms offering
relationship. differentiated products. Entry into the market is
relatively easy, firms have some price control, and
substantial nonprice competition exists, such as
[108] Source: CMA 0696 1-4 advertising.
Answer (A) is correct. The principle of diminishing Answer (B) is incorrect because monopolistic
marginal utility states that equal increments of competition is characterized by a relatively large
additional consumption of a product result in smaller group of sellers.
additions of utility to the consumer. For example, a
glass of water on a hot day tastes great, the second Answer (C) is incorrect because the market is not
glass less so, and the third even less. monopolistic. There are many sellers.
42
Answer (D) is incorrect because products are not demand curve is the pure monopolist's demand
homogeneous in monopolistic competition; although curve. Accordingly, the pure monopolist must reduce
products may appear to be similar, they have price to increase sales, and the marginal revenue
differences in service, quality, or other attributes. curve will also be negatively sloped. Moreover,
marginal revenue will be less than price (average
revenue) because the price reductions necessary to
[112] Source: CMA 1296 1-1 increase sales apply to all units that might otherwise
have been sold at a higher price. This relationship
Answer (A) is incorrect because a surplus arises explains why the marginal revenue curve lies below
when the price is set above the equilibrium point. the demand curve. The latter is a function of price
Supply will exceed demand. and quantity demanded.
Answer (B) is correct. Price fixing is the setting of Answer (D) is incorrect because the supply curve is
mandatory or artificial prices. It often interferes with unrelated to the market structure of the producer's
the free operation of the market. A price ceiling is a industry.
price below the equilibrium point. The result is a
shortage because consumer demand will exceed
supply. [115] Source: CMA 1296 1-4
Answer (C) is incorrect because a decrease in Answer (A) is incorrect because, under the law of
demand (a leftward shift in the demand curve) may diminishing returns, if increasing amounts of a variable
result when future prices are expected to decline. input are applied to a fixed input, there is some point
However, given a price set below equilibrium, beyond which additional units of the variable input
pressure on prices is upward. will contribute less and less to the total output.
Answer (D) is incorrect because the price ceiling will Answer (B) is incorrect because an opportunity cost
cause shortages. is the benefit forgone by not choosing the next best
use of a scarce resource.
[113] Source: CMA 1296 1-2 Answer (C) is incorrect because the principle of
comparative advantage states that world output is
Answer (A) is correct. Competitive markets are maximized when each output is produced by the
preferable to other types of markets, such as nation with the lower opportunity cost.
monopolies, because price is lower and output
greater. All firms should equate marginal revenue Answer (D) is correct. In a competitive market,
(MR) and marginal cost (MC). For a competitive equilibrium exists when demand is exactly equal to
firm, MR equals price at all output levels because the supply. If both demand and supply increase in equal
firm is a price taker. However, a monopolist must amounts, the market will still be in equilibrium, but the
reduce price to raise sales, so its MR curve will new price may be higher, lower, or unchanged
decline with output. Assuming no difference between depending upon the slopes of the demand and supply
the MC curves of the purely competitive firm and the curves. Whatever the new price, the quantity of
monopolist, the latter's downward-sloping MR curve products cleared by the market should increase.
will intersect the MC curve at a lower output level
than that for a competitive firm. This lower output
level corresponds to a higher point (a higher price) on [116] Source: CMA 1296 1-19
the demand curve.
Answer (A) is incorrect because elasticity of demand
Answer (B) is incorrect because a monopolist is unrelated to market structure.
produces less and charges a higher price than a pure
competitor. Answer (B) is incorrect because, if marginal costs are
rising, multiple smaller firms are preferable to a single
Answer (C) is incorrect because a monopolist producer.
produces less and charges a higher price than a pure
competitor. Answer (C) is incorrect because consumer demand is
unrelated to the market structure of the supplier.
Answer (D) is incorrect because a monopolist
produces less and charges a higher price than a pure Answer (D) is correct. A natural monopoly exists
competitor. because economic and technical conditions exist in
the industry or economy that permit only one efficient
supplier in a locale. A natural monopoly exists when
[114] Source: CMA 1296 1-3 economies of scale are very great, that is, when very
large-scale operations are required to achieve low
Answer (A) is incorrect because the demand curve of unit costs and prices. In a natural monopoly, the unit
a pure competitor is perfectly elastic. Such a firm is a cost (the long-term average cost) of meeting the
price taker that can sell all of its output at the market entire demand is minimized when the industry consists
price but none of its output at a higher price. of one firm. Thus, competition would be undesirable
because the presence of two or more firms would
Answer (B) is incorrect because profit is maximized prevent the realization of the necessary economies of
when marginal revenue equals marginal cost. scale.
43
because an oligopolistic industry usually has
Answer (A) is correct. A merger is a business substantial economies of scale. Hence, a new entrant
combination in which an acquiring firm absorbs a needs to begin as a large producer. Other barriers,
second firm, and the acquiring firm remains in such as existing firms' control of technology or raw
business as a combination of the two. A horizontal materials, the need for substantial advertising, or
merger is the union of two or more companies that costly licensing requirements, may make entry
engage in the same or similar activities; in other difficult.
words, two firms in the same industry.
Answer (D) is incorrect because monopolistic
Answer (B) is incorrect because a merger between a competition is characterized by a relatively large
manufacturer and its supplier or distributor is a number of firms in the industry, differentiated
vertical merger. products, relatively easy entry into the market, and
large amounts of nonprice competition.
Answer (C) is incorrect because a merger between
firms in different industries is a conglomerate merger.
[120] Source: CMA 0697 1-3
Answer (D) is incorrect because a merger between
firms in different stages of the production process is Answer (A) is correct. The increase in prices at the
vertical. movie theater caused consumers to demand fewer
movies at the theater and more movies at the video
store (where prices were unchanged). Thus,
[118] Source: CMA 0697 1-1 cross-elasticity of demand existed because the
percentage change in quantity demanded of videos
Answer (A) is correct. A large capital outlay was correlated with the percentage change in the
necessary to enter an industry is an entry barrier. price of movie theater tickets. The correlation was
Entry barriers are characteristic of monopolistic positive, so the goods are substitutes.
competition, oligopoly, and monopoly. In these
market structures, the barriers are successively more Answer (B) is incorrect because superior (normal)
difficult to overcome, with the strongest barriers goods are defined as those for which demand is
existing in a monopoly structure. positively correlated with income.
Answer (B) is incorrect because the minimum Answer (C) is incorrect because sales of a
efficient scale is the lowest output at which long-term complementary good are negatively correlated with
average unit cost is minimized. A natural monopoly changes in the price of its complement. For example,
occurs when only one firm can produce at the MES. sales of tennis balls decrease with an increase in
The reason is that economies of scale can continue to tennis racquet prices.
be obtained at output levels in excess of the total
market demand. Accordingly, the lowest unit costs Answer (D) is incorrect because public goods are
are achieved when one producer exists. characterized by the difficulty of excluding individuals
from their benefits. Examples are national defense
Answer (C) is incorrect because a barrier to entry and public parks.
may be created by the firms already operating in the
industry. An example is an ongoing advertising
campaign. [121] Source: CMA 0697 1-4
Answer (D) is incorrect because the production Answer (A) is incorrect because $90.02 is the total
possibility boundary is a macroeconomic concept. It fixed cost.
depicts the short-run maximum gross domestic
product obtainable given full production and full Answer (B) is incorrect because $168 is the total
employment of existing resources (land, labor, variable cost.
capital, and entrepreneurial ability).
Answer (C) is correct. If seven units can be
produced at an average cost of $36.86 each,
[119] Source: CMA 0697 1-2 multiplying that amount by seven produces the total
cost of $258.02.
Answer (A) is incorrect because a natural monopoly
exists when economic or technical conditions permit Answer (D) is incorrect because $280 is the total
only one efficient supplier. It arises when economies cost if average total cost for seven units were $40.00.
of scale are very great, that is, when very large
operations are needed to achieve low unit costs and
prices. Thus, the unit cost of meeting demand is [122] Source: CMA 0697 1-5
minimized when the industry has one firm.
Answer (A) is incorrect because $23.50 is the
Answer (B) is incorrect because a cartel is a group of variable cost of the eighth unit.
oligopolistic firms that have joined together for
price-fixing purposes. The practice is illegal except in Answer (B) is incorrect because $23.75 is the
international markets. variable cost of the ninth unit.
Answer (C) is correct. An oligopoly is characterized Answer (C) is correct. Marginal cost is the
by a few firms in the industry (but more than one). incremental cost of producing one additional unit.
Prices tend to be rigid because of the Thus, the marginal cost of the ninth unit is the
interdependence among firms. Entry is difficult increment over the total cost for eight units. The total
44
cost for eight units at $34.75 each is $278, and the [125] Source: CMA 0697 1-18
total cost for nine units at $33.75 each is $303.75, so
the total cost for nine units is $25.75 greater than the Answer (A) is incorrect because the purchase of a
total for eight units. This $25.75 is the marginal cost grocery store by another similar store, whether or not
of the ninth unit. in the same market, is a horizontal merger, a
combination of two companies that engage in the
Answer (D) is incorrect because $33.75 is the same or similar activities.
average cost per unit for nine units.
Answer (B) is incorrect because the purchase of a
grocery store by another similar store, whether or not
[123] Source: CMA 0697 1-6 in the same market, is a horizontal merger, a
combination of two companies that engage in the
Answer (A) is incorrect because weekday demand is same or similar activities.
elastic.
Answer (C) is incorrect because a hot dog
Answer (B) is incorrect because weekend demand is producer's purchase of a soft drink manufacturer is a
inelastic. conglomerate merger, a combination of companies in
unrelated industries.
Answer (C) is correct. The price elasticity of demand
is the percentage change in quantity demanded Answer (D) is correct. A vertical merger is a
divided by the percentage change in price. If the combination of two companies, one of which supplies
elasticity coefficient is greater than one, demand is inputs for the other. A brewer's purchase of a glass
elastic. If the coefficient is less than one, demand is company is an example. The glass company could
inelastic. If elasticity is calculated as the change over supply glass for the brewer's bottles.
the average, the coefficient for senior citizens
indicates that demand is elastic.
[126] Source: Publisher
(150 - 82) ÷ [(150 + 82) ÷ 2]
------------------------------ = 2.05 Answer (A) is incorrect because $100 is the fixed
(8 - 6) ÷ [(8 + 6) ÷ 2]} cost of production.
The coefficient for weekends indicates that demand is
inelastic. Answer (B) is correct. Marginal cost is the additional
cost of producing one more unit of output. Because
(223 - 221) ÷ [(223 + 221) ÷ 2] total cost increased from $250 to $360, the marginal
------------------------------- = .03 cost of the second unit is $110.
(20 - 15) ÷ [(20 + 15) ÷ 2]
Answer (C) is incorrect because $150 is the marginal
Answer (D) is incorrect because weekday demand is cost of the first unit of production.
elastic, and weekend demand is inelastic.
Answer (D) is incorrect because $180 is the average
cost of production for two units.
[124] Source: CMA 0697 1-17
45
Answer (B) is incorrect because revenue should rise Answer (D) is incorrect because demand would be 6
as the price falls when elasticity exceeds 1.0. when the price is $4 and 17 when the price is $1.
[129] Source: Publisher Answer (D) is correct. The price elasticity of demand
is calculated by dividing the percentage change in
Answer (A) is incorrect because Company A has a quantity demanded by the percentage change in
negative economic profit ($30,000 - $60,000 = price. The numerator and denominator are computed
-$30,000). as the change over the average, which results in the
same percentage regardless of whether there is an
Answer (B) is correct. Economic profit is the excess increase or a decrease. Thus, the change in quantity
of revenues over economic costs, including costs for of 3,000 units (51,500 - 48,500) divided by the
materials, labor, and the cost of capital. Thus, average of 50,000 [(51,500 + 48,500) ÷ 2] equals
imputed interest at 12% of shareholders' equity is 6%. Dividing the 6% quantity decline by the 10%
subtracted from the accounting profit. Imputed price increase produces an elasticity of 0.6.
interest is $60,000 for A, $36,000 for B, and
$108,000 for C. Accordingly, Company B has the
highest economic profit ($60,000 accounting income [133] Source: Publisher
- $36,000 interest on capital = $24,000).
Answer (A) is incorrect because 1/3 represents the
Answer (C) is incorrect because Company C's increase in quantity sold.
economic profit is $12,000 ($120,000 - $108,000).
Answer (B) is incorrect because 3/2 is the inverse of
Answer (D) is incorrect because Company B has the price elasticity.
highest economic profit.
Answer (C) is incorrect because 1 is based on the
original quantity and price rather than the average
[130] Source: Publisher quantity and price.
Answer (A) is incorrect because Company A's Answer (D) is correct. The price elasticity is
$30,000 income is less than that of Company C. calculated by dividing the percentage change in
quantity by the percentage change in price. The
Answer (B) is incorrect because Company B's numerator and denominator are computed as the
$60,000 income is less than that of Company C. change over the average. Thus, the change in quantity
of 1,000 units (3,500 - 2,500) divided by the
Answer (C) is correct. Accounting income was given average of 3,000 [(3,500 + 2,500) ÷ 2] produces a
for each company. Company C had the highest quantity increase of 1/3. The $.50 price decline
accounting income at $120,000. divided by the average price of $1 produces a price
decline of 50%. Dividing the quantity increase by the
Answer (D) is incorrect because the three companies price change (1/3 ÷ .5) equals a price elasticity of
all have different levels of accounting income. 2/3.
Answer (A) is incorrect because demand would be 1 Answer (A) is incorrect because 3.00 is the inverse
when the price is $6. of the price increase divided by the original, not the
average, price.
Answer (B) is correct. This type of problem is solved
by means of trial and error. Check each of the Answer (B) is incorrect because 2.71 is the inverse
answer alternatives to determine whether both points of the correct coefficient.
represent a level of demand for a given price. Answer
(B) is correct because total demand would be 3 at a Answer (C) is correct. The price elasticity is
price of $5, and total demand would be 17 (5 + 9 + calculated by dividing the percentage change in
3) at a price of $1. quantity demanded by the percentage change in
price. The numerator and denominator are both
Answer (C) is incorrect because demand would be computed as the change over the average, which
6, not 4, when the price is $4, and demand would be results in the same percentage regardless of whether
14, not 12, when the price is $2. there is an increase or a decrease. Thus, the change
in quantity demanded of 100 units divided by the
46
average quantity demanded of 950 produces a [138] Source: Publisher
quantity decrease of 10.526%. The price increase of
$1 divided by the average price of $3.50 results in a Answer (A) is incorrect because marginal costs are
price increase of 28.571%. Dividing 10.526% by less than marginal revenue; thus, a rational firm will
28.571% results in an elasticity coefficient of .3684, increase production.
or .37 rounded.
Answer (B) is incorrect because marginal costs are
Answer (D) is incorrect because 0.33 would be the less than marginal revenue; thus, a rational firm will
percentage change in price if the original, not the increase production.
average, price were used in the denominator.
Answer (C) is correct. The firm will produce 9 units
because at that level marginal cost equals marginal
[135] Source: Publisher revenue. At $290 per unit, revenue will be $2,610.
At $205 per unit, expenses will be $1,845, leaving
Answer (A) is incorrect because $22 - $18 has a $765 profit.
coefficient of 3.335 (.667 ÷ .2).
Answer (D) is incorrect because marginal costs are
Answer (B) is incorrect because $18 - $14 has a higher than marginal revenue; thus, profit would be
coefficient of 2.668 (.667 ÷ .25). less than with output of 9 units.
Answer (D) is correct. Inelasticity is a condition in Answer (A) is incorrect because $110 is lower than
which the elasticity coefficient is less than one. Thus, the average total cost at all levels of production.
the coefficient should be calculated for each of the
ranges. As the price drops from $10 to $6, demand Answer (B) is correct. The equilibrium price will be
increases from 600 to 800. The quantity increased by at the level where marginal cost equals marginal
28.57% (200 ÷ 700). The price decline was 50% revenue. Competitors are in long-run equilibrium
($4 ÷ $8). Dividing 28.57% by 50% produces an when price equals minimum average cost. All of this
elasticity coefficient of .571, which is less than one. occurs at a price of $190.
Answer (A) is correct. Opportunity cost is defined as Answer (D) is incorrect because $230 is higher than
the return available from the best alternative the minimum average total cost.
investment. Since the interest on the $10,000 would
be $500, that is the opportunity cost of the
investment in the saloon. [140] Source: Publisher
Answer (B) is incorrect because the dividend would Answer (A) is correct. At a price of $3, the quantity
be the return on the new investment, not the demanded will be 10, while the quantity supplied will
opportunity cost. be 30. Thus, there will be a surplus of 20 units.
Answer (C) is incorrect because the $10,000 is the Answer (B) is incorrect because, at a price floor of
cost of the investment, not the opportunity cost. $3, demand will exceed supply by 20 units, resulting
in a surplus.
Answer (D) is incorrect because only the $500 of
return given up is the opportunity cost. Answer (C) is incorrect because, at a price floor of
$3, demand will exceed supply by 20 units, resulting
in a surplus.
[137] Source: Publisher
Answer (D) is incorrect because, at a price floor of
Answer (A) is incorrect because the firm will break $3, demand will exceed supply by 20 units, resulting
even at 5 units. in a surplus.
47
Answer (D) is correct. The consumer surplus is the to one.
excess of price over the amount a consumer is willing
to pay. Subtracting the $30 price from the $55 Jimbo Answer (D) is incorrect because an inelastic
was willing to pay produces a consumer surplus of condition exists when the coefficient is less than one.
$25.
Answer (D) is correct. The equilibrium price is the Answer (C) is incorrect because an inelastic demand
price at which quantity supplied and quantity would lead to increased revenues as prices rise.
demanded are equal. At a price of $39, supply and
demand are equal at 320 units. Answer (D) is incorrect because demand, not
revenues, is inelastic.
Answer (A) is incorrect because quantity demanded Answer (C) is incorrect because .40 results from
exceeds quantity supplied at this level. failing to use average quantities and prices.
Answer (B) is incorrect because quantity demanded Answer (D) is incorrect because 2.50 results from
exceeds quantity supplied at this level. failing to use average quantities and prices.
Answer (D) is correct. The equilibrium quantity is the Answer (A) is incorrect because, at a price of $40,
amount at which quantity demanded and quantity demand is 2,000 and supply is 8,000.
supplied are equal. At a price of $45, the level
demanded will be 395, the same as the quantity Answer (B) is incorrect because, at $38, there is a
supplied. surplus of 1,500 units.
48
Answer (B) is incorrect because a surplus of 6,000 Answer (A) is correct. All of the answer
pounds will occur at a price of $44. combinations are within the income constraint. Thus,
the solutions approach is to determine which
Answer (C) is incorrect because there is a surplus, combination maximizes total utility. A combination of
not a shortage, since supply exceeds demand at a 6M and 3N produces a total utility of 57 (8 + 7 + 6
price of $42. + 5 + 4 + 3 + 10 + 8 + 6).
Answer (D) is correct. At a price of $42, demand Answer (B) is incorrect because it produces a total
will be 2,400 units, while supply will be 7,000 units. utility of only 54.
Thus, there will be a surplus of 4,500 units.
Answer (C) is incorrect because it produces a total
utility of only 46.
[150] Source: Publisher
Answer (D) is incorrect because it produces a total
Answer (A) is incorrect because more Y would utility of only 54.
increase costs more than would be saved by the
decline in X for a given level of utility.
[154] Source: Publisher
Answer (B) is incorrect because both products
cannot be increased without violating budget Answer (A) is incorrect because the consumer is not
constraints. in equilibrium when she is buying products whose
marginal utility are not the same per dollar of utility.
Answer (C) is correct. Utility is maximized when a
consumer's budget line is tangent to the highest Answer (B) is incorrect because product A is higher
possible indifference curve. A consumer should be priced per unit of utility.
indifferent between 2 units of Y (2 x 45 = 90) and 3
units of X (3 x 30 = 90). Since the 3 units of X cost Answer (C) is correct. A rational consumer's
less (3 x $10 = $30) than 2 units of Y (2 x $20 = objective is to maximize the total utility and the
$40), the consumer would want more units of X and marginal utility on the last dollar of income. Since
fewer units of Y. products A and B sell for different prices, they should
not have the same utility. B offers the same utility of 3
Answer (D) is incorrect because an increase in X will at a price of $4. Thus, it is logical for the consumer to
produce greater utility for a given budget. purchase more of B, which offers the same utility at a
lower price. It can be concluded that she should buy
less of A and more of B.
[151] Source: Publisher
Answer (D) is incorrect because a reduction in
Answer (A) is incorrect because it produces a total purchases will reduce total utility.
utility of only 45.
[152] Source: Publisher Answer (D) is incorrect because the price of X will
be half, not double, that of Y.
Answer (A) is incorrect because the maximum utility
is 48.
[156] Source: Publisher
Answer (B) is incorrect because the maximum utility
is 48. Answer (A) is incorrect because it violates the
income constraint.
Answer (C) is correct. Without violating the budget
constraint, utility can be maximized at 48. Maximum Answer (B) is incorrect because total utility is only
utility occurs when the quantity of M is 5 and N is 2. 43.
Answer (D) is incorrect because the maximum utility Answer (C) is correct. With an income of $54, a
is 48. consumer can purchase 3 CDs (a total of $36) and 2
tapes ($18), resulting in a total utility of 51 (15 + 36).
49
Answer (A) is incorrect because returns are
[157] Source: Publisher increasing.
Answer (A) is incorrect because 47 is less than the Answer (B) is incorrect because returns are
51 available under the correct option. increasing.
Answer (B) is correct. With an income of $54, a Answer (C) is correct. If output increases at a greater
consumer can purchase 3 CDs (a total of $36) and 2 rate than inputs, the firm is experiencing increasing
tapes ($18), resulting in total utility of 51 (15 for the 2 returns to scale, or economies of scale.
tapes and 36 for the 3 CDs).
Answer (D) is incorrect because the firm is
Answer (C) is incorrect because 55 is available only experiencing economies of scale.
if the income constraint is violated.
Answer (A) is incorrect because the total utility is Answer (B) is correct. When output increases at a
only 49 (21 + 28). smaller percentage than inputs, the firm is
experiencing decreasing returns to scale, or
Answer (B) is incorrect because it violates the diseconomies of scale.
income constraint.
Answer (C) is incorrect because the firm is
Answer (C) is correct. Of the combinations given, experiencing diseconomies of scale.
answers (B) and (D) violate the income constraint. A
combination of 3 tapes and 3 CDs will maximize Answer (D) is incorrect because returns are not
utility at 55 (19 + 36). constant when a doubling of inputs results in less than
a doubling of output.
Answer (D) is incorrect because it violates the
income constraint.
[163] Source: Publisher
Answer (C) is incorrect because a reduction in both Answer (B) is incorrect because $200 is the average
capital and labor would reduce output. when 5 units are produced.
Answer (D) is incorrect because it would be more Answer (C) is incorrect because $250 is based on a
advantageous to use more labor and less capital. cost of $1,000, which was for 5 units.
50
Answer (D) is correct. At a production level of 1,000
[165] Source: Publisher units, the average fixed cost is $4 ($4,000 ÷ 1,000
units). Adding the $4 of average fixed cost to the $3
Answer (A) is incorrect because $150 represents of average variable cost produces a total cost of $7.
only the variable costs.
Answer (D) is incorrect because $600 represents the Answer (C) is incorrect because the average fixed
total of variable costs rather than the average cost. cost is $40.
Answer (B) is incorrect because $300 is the average [170] Source: Publisher
variable cost of 6 units.
Answer (A) is correct. For profit maximization, a firm
Answer (C) is incorrect because $400 is the average operating under pure competition should equate price
variable cost for 7 units. to marginal cost. Since price and marginal cost are
both $20, the firm should not change output.
Answer (D) is correct. The marginal cost of the
seventh unit would be equal to the increment in total Answer (B) is incorrect because a firm should not
costs over what it costs to produce 6 units. Fixed decrease output when price is at least equal to
costs are not considered since they do not, by marginal cost.
definition, increase with changes in production. Total
variable costs increase from $1,800 to $2,800, an Answer (C) is incorrect because there is no incentive
increment of $1,000. The $1,000 is the marginal cost to increase production when marginal cost is equal to
of the seventh unit. selling price.
Answer (D) is correct. A firm's total costs consist of Answer (B) is correct. A firm should continue
both variable and fixed costs. If the average fixed increasing production as long as marginal cost is less
cost for 10,000 units is $3, the total fixed costs are than selling price. Profit is maximized when marginal
$30,000. Adding the $30,000 of fixed costs to the cost equals selling price.
$50,000 of variable costs produces total costs of
$80,000. Answer (C) is incorrect because a firm should not
shut down as long as selling price exceeds variable
cost.
[168] Source: Publisher
Answer (D) is incorrect because a firm in pure
Answer (A) is incorrect because the average variable competition should continue increasing production as
cost is added to, not subtracted from, the average long as the marginal cost is less than selling price.
fixed cost.
51
marginal costs are less than marginal revenues.
Answer (B) is incorrect because a firm should not
shut down as long as marginal revenue exceeds Answer (C) is correct. Profit on 1 unit would be
variable cost. $500 ($1,000 of revenue minus $500 cost). Profit for
2 units would be $680 ($1,200 - $520). For 3 units,
Answer (C) is incorrect because the firm should not profit would be $920 ($1,500 - $580). This is the
increase production when marginal cost is greater maximum profit since, at production levels of 4 or
than marginal revenue. more, marginal cost exceeds marginal revenue.
Answer (D) is correct. A monopolist should not Answer (D) is incorrect because profit is less than
continue producing at the current level when marginal when 3 units are produced.
revenue is less than marginal cost. Decreasing output
will result in increased profits.
[177] Source: Publisher
Answer (C) is correct. If the revenue for 11 units is Answer (C) is incorrect because $2,800 would be
$77, and the revenue for 10 units is $60, there is the revenue if five customers paid their maximum
marginal revenue of $17 on the eleventh unit. amount.
Answer (D) is incorrect because total revenue is $77; Answer (D) is incorrect because it is based on the
marginal revenue is $17. maximum amount that the first customer is willing to
pay for 4 units.
Answer (D) is incorrect because increasing price will Answer (C) is incorrect because, at these levels,
reduce demand. marginal revenues are less than marginal costs; thus,
profits are less than at 6 units.
52
revenue product for 1 unit, but 12 units were
Answer (A) is incorrect because the only cost that produced.
might be related to marginal revenue would be
marginal cost.
[184] Source: Publisher
Answer (B) is incorrect because the only cost that
might be related to marginal revenue would be Answer (A) is incorrect because less labor should be
marginal cost. used.
Answer (C) is incorrect because the only cost that Answer (B) is correct. When marginal cost ($20)
might be related to marginal revenue would be exceeds marginal revenue ($18), the firm should cut
marginal cost. back the factors of production. Thus, less labor
should be hired since the last hour produces a $2 loss
Answer (D) is correct. If a monopolist can practice ($20 - $18).
price discrimination, any marginal revenue will be
equal to the price charged to the next customer. Answer (C) is incorrect because the additional
revenues of $18 do not equate to profits since there
are additional costs.
[181] Source: Publisher
Answer (D) is incorrect because the additional
Answer (A) is incorrect because 6 units produce less revenues of $18 do not equate to profits since there
profit for the price-discriminating monopolist than are additional costs.
does the sale of 8 units.
Answer (B) is incorrect because 7 units produce less [185] Source: Publisher
profit for the price-discriminating monopolist than
does the sale of 8 units. Answer (A) is incorrect because a buyer would not
be willing to pay above $46,296 when the interest
Answer (C) is correct. Even a price-discriminating rate is 8%.
monopolist must evaluate the relationship between
marginal cost and marginal revenue. The $300 of Answer (B) is correct. The present value of $50,000
marginal revenue at 8 units is greater than the related one year in the future is $46,296 at 8% interest.
marginal cost of $230 ($1,250 - $1,020). The $250 Thus, a buyer should be willing to pay that amount or
marginal revenue on the ninth unit is less than the less.
$290 marginal cost ($1,540 - $1,250). Thus, profit is
maximized at 8 units. Answer (C) is incorrect because a buyer would not
be willing to pay above $46,296 when the interest
Answer (D) is incorrect because the marginal revenue rate is 8%.
is less than the marginal cost.
Answer (D) is incorrect because a buyer would not
be willing to pay above $46,296 when the interest
[182] Source: Publisher rate is 8%.
Answer (B) is incorrect because $1,400 is the Answer (B) is incorrect because three workers
difference in revenues, not profits. would result in lower profits than would hiring five
workers.
Answer (C) is incorrect because $1,560 is the profit
at 6 units. Answer (C) is incorrect because four workers would
result in lower profits than would hiring five workers.
Answer (D) is incorrect because $2,550 is the profit
at 8 units. Answer (D) is correct. With five workers (at total
wages of $75), production would be 44 units, and
revenues would be $176 ($4 x 44). Profit would be
[183] Source: Publisher $101 ($176 - $75). Any lesser number of workers
would produce lower profits. Note that the marginal
Answer (A) is correct. Marginal revenue product is revenue of the fifth worker ($16) is greater than the
marginal revenue ($8) times the marginal product (12 $15 marginal cost.
units), or $96.
Answer (B) is incorrect because the marginal revenue [187] Source: Publisher
product is the total for 12 units at $8 each.
Answer (A) is correct. At a wage rate of $35, the
Answer (C) is incorrect because $10 is the cost of marginal revenue of the second worker exceeds the
the additional production, not the output. marginal cost, but this is not true for the third worker.
Thus, only two workers would be hired.
Answer (D) is incorrect because $8 is the marginal
53
Answer (B) is incorrect because marginal costs
would exceed marginal revenues. Answer (C) is incorrect because the marginal revenue
product is negative, not positive.
Answer (C) is incorrect because marginal costs
would exceed marginal revenues. Answer (D) is correct. Revenue totals $15 at 15 units
but will decline to $14.40 if the price drops to $.80.
Answer (D) is incorrect because marginal costs Thus, the marginal revenue product is a negative $.60
would exceed marginal revenues. ($14.40 - $15.00).
Answer (A) is incorrect because two workers would Answer (A) is incorrect because labor is too costly
not be as profitable as four workers. relative to capital.
Answer (B) is incorrect because three workers Answer (B) is incorrect because a reduction in both
would not be as profitable as four workers. inputs would reduce profits.
Answer (C) is correct. At a wage rate of $35 and Answer (C) is correct. The firm should use less labor
with a price increase to $6, the marginal revenue of and more capital because capital offers a greater
the fourth worker exceeds the marginal cost, but this marginal product per dollar (45 ÷ $15 = 3 per dollar)
is not true for the fifth worker. Thus, four workers than does labor (10 ÷ $5 = 2 per dollar).
would be hired.
Answer (D) is incorrect because an increased use of
Answer (D) is incorrect because the marginal revenue capital would increase profits.
produced by the fifth worker would be less than the
marginal cost.
[193] Source: Publisher
[189] Source: Publisher Answer (A) is incorrect because the resources have
equal MRPs per dollar of input, so there is no
Answer (A) is incorrect because the marginal product advantage to expanding one resource at the expense
is 3 units, not $3. of the other.
Answer (B) is incorrect because marginal revenue is Answer (B) is incorrect because the resources have
for 3 units, not 1. equal MRPs per dollar of input, so there is no
advantage to expanding one resource at the expense
Answer (C) is incorrect because the marginal product of the other.
for the fourth unit of resource is 3 units of output, not
2. Answer (C) is incorrect because a reduction in both
resources would reduce profits.
Answer (D) is correct. Since the fourth unit of input
results in a marginal product of 3 units, the marginal Answer (D) is correct. Because both resources have
revenue product will be $15 (3 units x $5). equal MRPs, and they are positive, the firm should
use more of each resource.
54