48 ❖ Chapter 14/Firms in Competitive Markets
136. Susan quit her job as a teacher, which paid her $36,000 per year, in order to start her own catering business.
She spent $12,000 of her savings, which had been earning 10 percent interest per year, on equipment for her
business. She also borrowed $12,000 from her bank at 10 percent interest, which she also spent on equipment.
For the past several months she has spent $1,000 per month on ingredients and other variable costs. Also for
the past several months she has taken in $3,500 in monthly revenue.
In the short run, Susan should shut down her business, and in the long run she should exit the
industry.
In the short run, Susan should continue to operate her business, but in the long run she should exit
the industry.
In the short run, Susan should continue to operate her business, but in the long run she will
probably face competition from newly entering firms.
In the short run, Susan should continue to operate her business, and she is also in long-run
equilibrium.
137. A firm in a competitive market has the following cost structure:
If the market price is $4, this firm will
produce 2 units in the short run and exit in the long run.
produce 3 units in the short run and exit in the long run.
produce 4 units in the short run and exit in the long run.
shut down in the short run and exit in the long run.
138. Competitive firms that earn a loss in the short run should
All of the above are correct.
139. Mrs. Smith is operating a firm in a competitive market. The market price is $6.50. At her profit-maximizing
level of output, her average total cost of production is $7.00, and her average variable cost of production is
$6.00. Which of the following statements about Mrs. Smith’s firm is correct?
Mrs. Smith is earning a loss and should shut down in the short run.
Mrs. Smith is earning a loss but should continue to operate in the short run.
Mrs. Smith is earning a profit since the price is above the average variable cost.
Without knowing Mrs. Smith’s marginal cost, we cannot determine whether she should stay in
business or shut down.