‘‘Monopolies perpetuate inflation. When wages rise, a monopoly simply passes on the increased cost in its price. Competitive firms would not be able to do that.’’ Do you agree? What are the differences between how a monopoly and a competitive firm respond to cost increases?

In 2007, americans smoked 19.2 billion packs of cigarettes. they paid an average retail price of $4.50 per pack. a. given that the elasticity of supply is 0.50.5 and the elasticity of demand is negative 0.4−0.4, derive linear demand and supply curves for cigarettes. the demand equation is qdequals=nothingplus+nothing times ×p and the supply equation is qsequals=nothingplus+nothing times ×p.

One investigating company tracked all credit card purchase during 2012 and measured two variables: (1) the type of credit card used (visa, mastercard, american express, or discover), and (2) the amount (in dollars) of each purchase. identify the level of each variable measured.

Long-distance providers are becoming increasingly concerned about certain activities within their industry. various companies come together voluntarily to implement new standards of social responsibility that members must abide by. what seems to be the primary motivation in this case for an increased interest in social responsibility? - because corporations are creations of society, they are responsible for giving back to the communities in which they operate.- these companies have realized it is in their best interest to increase their social responsibility before they are once again subject to stricter regulations.- these companies are using social responsibility as a means to increase their profitability, both short term and long term.- long-distance providers have started taking pride in their industry and its record for social responsibility.- they feel a responsibility to their stockholders, employees, the government, investors, and society as a whole.