Two firms produce complementary products. Suppose the demand for their products is given by q1(p) = a−2p1−p2, and q2(p) = a−p1−2p2. Both firms face a constant marginal costs k, and a fixed cost of 0 (so TCi(qi) = kqi). . For each firm, write profit as a function of prices. Derive the best response function of each firm. Thus, write p1 = R1(p2) as a function of p2, and similarly p2 = R2(p1) as a function of p1. For a = 8 and k = 1, sketch the best response functions on a graph. Are the prices strategic substitutes or complements? Let a = 8 and k = 1. Compute the equilibrium prices, quantities and profits.
Two firms produce complementary products. Suppose the
For each firm, write profit as a function of
- Derive the best response function of each firm. Thus, write p1 = R1(p2) as a function of p2, and similarly p2 = R2(p1) as a function of p1. For a = 8 and k = 1, sketch the best response functions on a graph. Are the prices strategic substitutes or complements?
- Let a = 8 and k = 1. Compute the
equilibrium prices, quantities and profits. - Suppose now the two firms decide to merge as one so that they want to maximize the joint profit πm = π1 +π2. Write down the profit function and derive the first order conditions for maximizing the joint profit.
- Compute the equilibrium prices, quantities, and profits. Compare the results with when the firms were independent and comment on if the firms are better off with the merger. Are the consumers better off?
![Problem 1. Two firms produce complementary products. Suppose the demand for their products is
given by q₁(p) = a-2p1-p2, and q2(p) = a-p₁-2p2. Both firms face a constant marginal costs k, and a
fixed cost of 0 (so TCi(qi) = kqi).
(1) For each firm, write profit as a function of prices.
(2) Derive the best response function of each firm. Thus, write p₁ = R₁(p2) as a function of p2, and
similarly p2 = R₂(p₁) as a function of p₁. For a = 8 and k = 1, sketch the best response functions
on a graph. Are the prices strategic substitutes or complements?
(3) Let a = 8 and k = 1. Compute the equilibrium prices, quantities and profits.
(4) Suppose now the two firms decide to merge as one so that they want to maximize the joint
profit π = π₁ +72. Write down the profit function and derive the first order conditions for
maximizing the joint profit.
(5) Compute the equilibrium prices, quantities, and profits. Compare the results with when the
firms were independent and comment on if the firms are better off with the merger. Are the
consumers better off?](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F4e210e3b-7b89-45ac-81ce-3e543ee87969%2F32432cf4-d70f-4562-a080-ea1ebbdbe974%2Fjvb6ivn_processed.png&w=3840&q=75)
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Let a = 8 and k = 1. Compute the
Suppose now the two firms decide to merge as one so that they want to maximize the joint profit πm = π1 +π2. Write down the profit function and derive the first order conditions for maximizing the joint profit.
and
Compute the
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