"If the economy began experiencing a prolonged period of deflation in which the prices of most goods are falling, many firms would find that the LIFO method of inventory valuation would result in higher reported profits."

Martha is one producer in the perfectly competitive jelly industry. last year, martha and all of her competitors found themselves earning economic profits. if there is free entry and exit, what do you expect to happen to the number of suppliers in the industry and the price of jelly? the number of suppliers will increase, and the price of jelly will fall. the number of suppliers will decrease, and the price of jelly will increase. the number of suppliers will increase, and the price of jelly will increase. the number of suppliers will decrease, and the price of jelly will fall.