Allocative efficiency in a perfectly competitive market.
Allocative efficiency:
A condition achieved when resources are allocated in a way that
allows the maximum possible NET BENEFIT from their use. When an
efficient allocation of the resources has been attained, it is
impossible to increase the well-being of anyone person without
harming another person.
Consumer surplus: Is the total net benefit that
all consumers purchasing the good enjoy. For consumers in the
aggregate, it is the area between the demand curve and the market
price.
Producer surplus: is the difference
between the market price the producer receives and the marginal
cost of producing this unit. It represents the profit on the unit,
plus any rents accruing to factors of production. For a market
as a whole, producer surplus is the area above the supply curve
up to the market price.
Illustration of consumer surplus.
Consumer A would pay $10 for
a good whose market price is $5. And therefore enjoys the benefit
of $5 ($10 - $5 = $5)
Consumer B enjoys a benefit
of $2 ($7 - $5).
No benefit for consumer C, who
values good at a market price.
Therefore Consumer surplus measures the total benefit to all consumers
is shaded area between the demand curve & the market price.