In the natural gas industry, low average total costs are obtained only through large-scale production. In other words, the initial cost of setting up all the necessary pipes and hoses makes it risky and, most likely, unprofitable for competitors to enter the market.

A monopolist, unlike a competitive firm, has some market power. It can raise its price, within limits, without the quantity demanded falling to zero. The main source of a monopolist's market power is barriers to entry - that is, obstacles that make it difficult for competitors to enter the market. Which of the following best describes the source of the monopolist's market power in the preceding scenario?

a. Economies of scale
b. Innovation
c. Hard to duplicate resources

Richardson hired j.c. flood company, a plumbing contractor, to correct a stoppage in the sewer line of her house. the plumbing company's 'snake' device, used to clear the line leading to the main sewer, became caught in the underground line. to release it, the company excavated a portion of the sewer line in richardson's backyard. in the process, the company discovered numerous leaks in a rusty, defective water pipe that ran parallel with the sewer line. to meet public regulations, the water pipe, of a type no longer approved for such service, had to be replaced either then or later, when the yard would have to be excavated again. the plumbing company proceeded to repair the water pipe. though richardson inspected the company's work daily and did not express any objection to the extra work involved in replacing the water pipe, she refused to pay any part of the total bill after the company completed the entire operation. j.c. flood company then sued richardson for the costs of labor and material it had furnished. (c) for what, if anything, should richardson be liable? explain."

You are attending college in the fall and you need to purchase a computer. you must finance the purchase because your parents will not purchase it for you, and you do not have the cash on hand to purchase it. in blank #1 determine which type of credit would you use to finance your purchase (installment, non-installment, or revolving credit). (2 points) in blank #2 defend your credit choice by explaining why your financing option is the best option for you. (2 points) in blank #3 explain why you selected that credit option over the other two options available. (2 points)

The owner of firewood to go is considering buying a hydraulic wood splitter which sells for $50,000. he figures it will cost an additional $100 per cord to purchase and split wood with this machine, while he can sell each cord of split wood for $125. if, for this machine, design capacity is 50 cords per day, effective capacity is 40 cords per day, and actual output is expected to be 32 cords per day, what would be its efficiency?