This Demonstration graphs a standard monopoly model. You can adjust the demand slope, demand intercept, fixed cost, and marginal cost. The monopoly price, cost per unit, optimal quantity, and total profit or loss are also displayed. Deadweight loss is displayed graphically.
This Demonstration illustrates the basic elements of a profit-maximizing monopoly, improving on a similar model by Fiona Maclachlan. Instead of choosing between three predetermined cost levels, users may vary the demand intercept , the demand slope , the fixed cost , and a cost parameter . The average total cost is and the marginal cost is , which is set equal to marginal benefit for optimal quantity, (displayed numerically). Demand is and marginal revenue is . Price and the cost per unit (based on average total cost) is displayed numerically along the axis.
Total profit or loss—price per unit minus cost per unit times quantity sold—appears as a green (profit) or a red (loss) rectangle. It is also displayed numerically on the right to enhance understanding.
You may set demand slope to zero to show the connection between the monopoly and competition models. You may also set the cost parameter to zero to illustrate a zero-marginal-cost monopoly (e.g. a media firm).