Suppose the supply function for selling \(x\) units is given by the equation \(\displaystyle S(x)=250+5x\text{;}\) the demand function for \(x\) units is given by \(\displaystyle D(x)=1000-10x\text{.}\) Find the producer and consumer surplus and explain what they represent.
Solution: The first step is to find the equilibrium quantity, \(Q\text{.}\) To do this we set \(S(x)=D(x)\) and solve for \(x\text{:}\)
\begin{equation*}
250+5x=1000-10x \implies 15x=750 \implies x=50
\end{equation*}
That is the equilibrium quantity is \(Q=50\) units sold.
Next find the equilibrium price, \(P\) by plugging in \(x=50\) into either \(S(x)\) or \(D(x)\text{.}\)
\begin{equation*}
S(50)=250+5(50)=500
\end{equation*}
And
\begin{equation*}
D(50)=1000-10(50) = 500.
\end{equation*}
Thus the equilibrium price is \(P=\$500\text{.}\)
The consumer surplus is
\begin{equation*}
\int\limits_0^Q \left(D(x)-P\right)dx=\int\limits_0^{50} \left(1000-10x-500\right)dx=\int\limits_0^{50} \left(500-10x\right)dx
\end{equation*}
\begin{equation*}
=\left.\left(500x-\frac{10x^2}{2}\right)\right|_0^{50}=\left(500(50)-5(50)^2)\right)-0=\$12500
\end{equation*}
Thus the advantage to the consumer who buys at the equilibrium price is \(\$12,500\text{.}\)
The Producer Surplus is
\begin{equation*}
\int\limits_0^Q \left(P-S(x)\right)dx=\int\limits_0^{50} \left(500-(250+5x)\right)dx=\int\limits_0^{50}\left(250-5x\right)dx
\end{equation*}
\begin{equation*}
=\left.\left(250x-\frac{5x^2}{2}\right)\right|_0^{50}=\left(250(50)-\frac{5(50)^2}{2}\right)-0=\$6250
\end{equation*}
This means that the producer will have additional income of \(\$6,250\) if they sell their product at the equilibrium price.