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.

ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
14th Edition
ISBN:9780190931919
Author:NEWNAN
Publisher:NEWNAN
Chapter1: Making Economics Decisions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1QTC
icon
Related questions
Question

Two firms produce complementary products. Suppose the demand for their products is given by q1(p) = a−2p1p2, and q2(p) = ap1−2p2. 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. 
  • 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?
Transcribed Image Text: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?
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 5 steps with 1 images

Blurred answer
Follow-up Questions
Read through expert solutions to related follow-up questions below.
Follow-up Question

How do you know that the equillibrium prices are lower, the quantities produced are higher and the profits produced are lower in the merged scenario

Solution
Bartleby Expert
SEE SOLUTION
Follow-up Question

Let a = 8 and k = 1. Compute the equilibrium prices, quantities and profits. .

Solution
Bartleby Expert
SEE SOLUTION
Follow-up Question

Suppose now the two firms decide to merge as one so that they want to maximize the joint profit ππ+π2. Write down the profit function and derive the first order conditions for maximizing the joint profit. 

and

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?

Solution
Bartleby Expert
SEE SOLUTION
Knowledge Booster
Best Response Function
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, economics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Economics
ISBN:
9780190931919
Author:
NEWNAN
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134078779
Author:
Karl E. Case, Ray C. Fair, Sharon E. Oster
Publisher:
PEARSON
Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134870069
Author:
William G. Sullivan, Elin M. Wicks, C. Patrick Koelling
Publisher:
PEARSON
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:
9781305585126
Author:
N. Gregory Mankiw
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Economics
ISBN:
9781337106665
Author:
Luke M. Froeb, Brian T. McCann, Michael R. Ward, Mike Shor
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Managerial Economics & Business Strategy (Mcgraw-…
Managerial Economics & Business Strategy (Mcgraw-…
Economics
ISBN:
9781259290619
Author:
Michael Baye, Jeff Prince
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education