IS THIS THE HARDEST IB ECON QUESTION EVER?! (Moscow World Cup ticket pricing)

Many students and teachers have told me they had no idea how to solve this problem! When I first looked at it, I admit, I was stumped. While it may at first glance be the hardest IB Econ problem ever, it actually has a really simple solution!
econclassroom.com

[@realdvgarg]

ahah loved the, "oh my gosh it's zero dollars" and then in a montonous tone you go like, "no it's not guys"

[@jiminprague]

Thanks, Jason. Still think the question should at least have made reference to this being profit maximising model. Otherwise we're getting into the territory of economics describing what the world should be like, not what is actually there to see with your own eyes.

[@rossmcglothlin]

I'll add on here: I'll be interested to see the MS and examiner's report about alternative responses. When I took the test the next day (after my students), I used TR/TC analysis to arrive at the same price and quantity. If TC is fixed, then Revenue Maximisation (MR=0) achieves the goal of Profit Maximisation. I would hope that approach would be awarded full marks. Thoughts?

[@harshamacharla2041]

Jason where would it be possible to find the 2018 papers for economics

[@JasonWelker]

I wish I knew! I had a teacher send me a scan of this one question. I haven't actually seen the rest of the exam.

[@gregtheflyingwhale]

Its just not a good prank by economics examiners. Don't make jokes like that, please.