Question: There are two types of consumers 1 and 2 with demands: P 1 (Q) = a b 1 Q P 2 (Q) = a

There are two types of consumers 1 and 2 with demands:

P1(Q) = a – b1Q

P2(Q) = a – b2Q


The monopolist has a marginal cost function given by 

MC(Q)

a. Shows that if there is no price discrimination, then the profit maximizing price and quantity, (P*, Q*), satisfy

bib2 2(5+ b3) MC(Q') = a – 2 Q* bị + b2 a + MC(Q*) 2 P*:


b. Under third degree price discrimination, let (P1, Q1) and (P2, Q2) be the profit maximizing prices and quantities for consumers 1 and 2, respectively. Show that:

bib2 2(5+ b3) MC(Q') = a 2 Q* b + b2 a


That is, under this particular kind of demand system a monopolist that can practice third degree price discrimination will not benefit from doing so. It will choose prices that are the same for both customers and equal to the price level under no price discrimination.

bib2 2(5+ b3) MC(Q') = a 2 Q* b + b2 a + MC(Q*) 2 P*:

Step by Step Solution

3.44 Rating (170 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

a Without PD P 1 P 2 P Total Q a Pb 1 aPb 2 P a b 1 b 2 b 1 b ... View full answer

blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Document Format (1 attachment)

Word file Icon

68-B-F-F-M (2256).docx

120 KBs Word File

Students Have Also Explored These Related Finance Questions!