Over the long run, a pure competitor operates at the lowest point on its average total cost curve, but a monopolistic competitor does not. This is because:

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Monopolistic competitors engage in product differentiation, which means they offer products that are slightly different from those of their competitors. This differentiation can lead to inefficiencies and prevent firms from operating at the absolute lowest point on their average total cost curve, unlike pure competitors who sell homogeneous products and thus can achieve minimum average total cost in the long run.

Over the Long Run, a Pure Competitor Operates at the Lowest