Answer:
$0.50
Explanation:
A profit-maximizing monopolist maximizes profit at the point where its marginal revenue (MR) is equal to its marginal cost (MC) (i.e. where MR = MC).
In economics, MR is equivalent to price per unit (P).
Since the profit-maximizing monopolist charged $0.50 per pound of meat, that means P = $0.50.
Since MR = P, it implies that MR = P = $0.50.
Also, since a profit-maximizing monopolist maximizes profit at MR = MC, it implies that MR = P = MC = $0.50.
Therefore, the monopolist's marginal cost must be $0.50.