Complete Question
The complete question is shown on the first uploaded image
Answer:
the correct answer is (b) decrease from $16 to $14
Explanation:
In order for profit to be maximized by a monopolist quantity produce will be MR = MC
from above graph MR = MC when Quantity = 8. As they are all producing equal portion of market output Hence Each firm will produce Q = 8/4 = 2 units.
When Market quantity = 8 then price they are getting = 12 per unit (From demand curve)
As there is no fixed cost and MC is constant => Total variable cost = MC*Q = 4Q
=> Total cost(TC) = Total fixed cost + total Variable cost = 0 + 4Q = 4Q
Total revenue = Price * quantity = PQ = 12Q
Hence Profit = 12Q - 4Q = 8Q and as Q = quantity per firm = 2
=> Profit they are earning = 8*2 = 16.
Now Suppose one firm cheats and hence now total quantity produces and sold = 2*3 + 3 + 9.
When Market quantity = 9 then price they are getting = 11 per unit (From demand curve).
Now, Profit = TR - TC = 11Q - 4Q = 7Q and Q remains same for those firms who didn't cheat.
So, Now profit = 7Q = 7*2 = 14.
Thus, If one of the firms cheats on the cartel agreement and produces an additional unit of output, the profits of each of the non cheating firms will decrease from $16 to $14.
