Characteristics of Monopoly

Sources of Monopoly

Monopoly Profit Maximization

Step-by-Step Graph Construction

Econ. Profit1234567891011121312345678910111213141516Quantity$/unitMR=MCPm=$9.50ATC=$6.80DMRMCATC

Monopoly: produce at MR=MC, charge Pm from demand curve, profit = (Pm − ATC) × Qm

Monopoly vs. Perfect Competition

Deadweight Loss from Monopoly

DWL1234567891011121312345678910111213141516Quantity$/unitPmMR=MCCompetitive Eq.DMRMC

DWL triangle: society loses surplus from units between Qm and Qpc that are not produced

Monopoly and the Long Run

Natural Monopoly Regulation

12345678910111212345678910111213141516171819202122Quantity$/unitFair-return (P=ATC)Socially optimal (P=MC)ATCMCD

Natural monopoly regulation: P=ATC (fair return) vs P=MC (socially optimal but firm loses money)

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