One problem in relying on price elasticity and demand curves when setting prices is the way a product or service is marketed can have a profound impact on price elasticity. the underlying ideas of the demand curve and elasticity are less relevant in the modern economy. only economists can properly analyze demand curves and set prices using this tool. competitors can construct the same demand curves, so there is no advantage in using them. marketing split from economics over the ideas of demand and elasticity.

Suppose there are three types of consumers who attend concerts at your university’s performing arts center: students, staff, and faculty. each of these groups has a different willingness to pay for tickets; within each group, willingness to pay is identical. there is a fixed cost of $1,000 to put on a concert, but there are essentially no variable costs. for each concert: i. there are 140 students willing to pay $20. (ii) there are 200 staff members willing to pay $35. (iii) there are 100 faculty members willing to pay $50. a) if the performing arts center can charge only one price, what price should it charge? what are profits at this price? b) if the performing arts center can price discriminate and charge two prices, one for students and another for faculty/staff, what are its profits? c) if the performing arts center can perfectly price discriminate and charge students, staff, and faculty three separate prices, what are its profits?