.
Analysis of perfect competition.
w
Perfect competitor is a “price taker.”
n
Faces a perfectly horizontal demand curve.
$/q
q/t
P
1
AC
d
1
MC
q*
w
Chooses quantity q* so that MR = MC.
n
For perfect competitor, P = MR.
w
If P > AC at q*, firm makes a
profit
.
n
In the short run, when no new firms can enter.
n
An
economic
profit.
n
Marshall: quasi-rents.
Π
= (P
1
– AC)q*