p(q)=50-0.5q and cost curve=10q (the unit tax equilibrium Q=36)
What is the ad valorem tax which will generate the same quantity distortion?
p = 50 - 0.5q
MR = 50 - q
cost curve after ad valorem tax is
c = (1 + t)10q
where t is ad valorem rate
MC = 10(1 + t)
MR = MC (equilibrium condition or profit maximizing condition)
50 - q = 10(1 + t)
50 - q = 10 + 10t
50 - 10 - 10t = q
40 - 10t = q
Equilibrium quantity with per unit tax is Q = 36
equilibrium quantity with ad valorem tax is q = 40 - 10t
36 = 40 - 10t
10t = 40 - 36
10t = 4
t = 4/10
t = 40%
so required ad valorem tax rate is 40%
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