The total revenue curve for a monopolist will:

• A. Continuously increase as output increases
• B. Decrease as output increases
• C. Remain constant regardless of the level of output
• D. Initially rise, reach a maximum, and then decline as output increases

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that total revenue (TR) is calculated as the price (P) multiplied by the quantity (Q) sold, so \(TR = P \times Q\).
2. Recognize that for a monopolist, the price typically decreases as output increases due to the downward-sloping demand curve, meaning the monopolist must lower the price to sell more units.
3. Analyze how total revenue changes as output increases: initially, the increase in quantity sold outweighs the decrease in price, causing total revenue to rise.
4. Identify the point where total revenue reaches its maximum, which occurs when the marginal revenue (MR) equals zero; beyond this point, further increases in output cause total revenue to decline.
5. Conclude that the total revenue curve for a monopolist first rises, reaches a peak, and then falls as output continues to increase.