Economics · Commerce Accountancy
Microeconomics and Pricing
1,364 Questions
Microeconomics and pricing analyze market structures, consumer utility, marginal cost, and strategic pricing models like predatory pricing. These foundational economic concepts are regularly featured in civil services and state administrative examinations. Solve these practice questions to understand market equilibrium, demand elasticity, and competitive firm behavior.
Market equilibrium pricingIncome elasticity of demandMarginal cost conceptsUtility functions analysisPredatory pricing strategiesOligopoly market structures
Microeconomics and Pricing Questions
-
always matched
-
generally unmatched
-
always by 10%
-
none of these
B
Correct answer
Explanation
In oligopoly markets (especially under the kinked demand curve model), when one firm raises prices, competitors typically do not follow to gain market share. This makes price increases generally unmatched, unlike price cuts which are quickly matched.
-
monopolistic competition
-
monopoly
-
non-collusive Oligopoly
-
perfect competition
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Price leadership occurs when one dominant firm sets prices and other firms in the industry follow suit without any formal agreement. This makes it a form of non-collusive oligopoly - there's implicit coordination but no explicit collusion.
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Total revenue TR = p × q. From demand q = 200 - 100p, we get p = 2 - q/100. TR = (2 - q/100) × q = 2q - q²/100. Maximum occurs at d(TR)/dq = 2 - q/50 = 0, so q = 100. At this point, marginal revenue is zero.
-
Monopoly
-
Imperfect competition
-
Oligopoly
-
Perfect competition
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Since in monopoly market, there is no close substitute of product available, the monopolist may use his monopolistic power in any manner in order to realize maximum revenue. He may also adopt price discrimination. Hence, monopolist's degree of control over price is very large.
-
straight line
-
concave
-
backward bending
-
convex
D
Correct answer
Explanation
When marginal opportunity cost is falling, the production possibility frontier becomes convex to the origin (bowed inward). This indicates increasing returns - each additional unit produced requires giving up less of the other good.
-
perpendicular
-
tangent
-
parallel
-
diagonally opposite
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Consumer equilibrium occurs where the budget line (also called price line) is tangent to the highest attainable indifference curve. At this tangency point, the slope of the indifference curve (marginal rate of substitution) equals the slope of the budget line (price ratio), meaning the consumer maximizes satisfaction given the budget constraint.
-
penetrative price
-
premium price
-
niche price
-
average price
-
maximum retail price
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Penetration pricing is the practice of offering a low price for a new product or service during its initial offering in order to attract customers away from competitors. So, quantity of a product being made available at a lower price is an example of penetrative price.
-
Competitive parity method
-
Competition-oriented pricing
-
High/low pricing
-
Horizontal price fixing
-
None of these
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Yes, it is the right answer.
-
Rationality of the consumer
-
Constant marginal utility of money
-
Perfectly competitive market
-
Additivity of utility
-
None of these
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Perfect competition is not necessary for cardinal utility theory. Cardinal utility depends more on consumer preferences, satisfaction, etc.
-
a lower level of satisfaction
-
a lower level of production
-
a lower level of income
-
a lower level of savings
-
None of these
B
Correct answer
Explanation
It is correct because low production means low indifference curve.
-
People will still buy the company's products.
-
People may or may not buy the company's products.
-
The general commodity prices will increase.
-
The company will withdraw the increase in price after few months.
-
All of these can be the effects.
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The statement talks about one company that has increased its prices. Why will the prices of other commodities increase unless the product is monopolistic or of national importance?
-
Only (a)
-
Only (b)
-
Both (b) and (c)
-
All of these
D
Correct answer
Explanation
All these factors tend to make a monopolistic company lose efficiency and innovation. But this is a very harmful in the sense that some new entrants may overcome entry barriers and pose competition.
-
2, 5, 7, 8
-
1, 3, 4, 6
-
1, 2, 5, 6
-
3, 4, 5, 7
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Monopolistic markets are characterized by: (1) Price set above marginal cost, (3) Preservation of excess profits (barriers to entry), (4) Absolute product differentiation, and (6) No direct competitors (limited competition). This distinguishes monopolistic competition from perfect competition where price equals marginal cost and competitors are infinite.
-
Large number of buyers and sellers
-
Homogeneous product
-
Freedom of entry
-
Absence of transport cost
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Perfect competition requires: many buyers and sellers, homogeneous products, free entry and exit, perfect information, and perfect mobility of factors. Transportation costs are not essential - models can include or exclude them. In reality, transport costs exist but are small enough not to significantly affect competition. The other three listed conditions are fundamental requirements.