- 1.7. In Section 1.2.B, we analyzed the Bertrand duopoly model with differentiated products. The case of homogeneous products yields a stark conclusion. Suppose that the quantity that con- sumers demand from firm i is a – p; when p¡ < Pj, 0 when p¡ > Pj, and (a − p;)/2 when p¡ = pj. Suppose also that there are no fixed costs and that marginal costs are constant at c, where c < a. Show that if the firms choose prices simultaneously, then the unique Nash equilibrium is that both firms charge the price c. -

Microeconomic Theory
12th Edition
ISBN:9781337517942
Author:NICHOLSON
Publisher:NICHOLSON
Chapter15: Imperfect Competition
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 15.3P
icon
Related questions
Question
1.7. In Section 1.2.B, we analyzed the Bertrand duopoly model
with differentiated products. The case of homogeneous products
yields a stark conclusion. Suppose that the quantity that con-
sumers demand from firm i is a – p¡ when pi < Pj, 0 when Pi > Pj,
Pi pi
and (a − p¡)/2 when p¡ = pj. Suppose also that there are no fixed
costs and that marginal costs are constant at c, where c < a. Show
that if the firms choose prices simultaneously, then the unique
Nash equilibrium is that both firms charge the price c.
Transcribed Image Text:1.7. In Section 1.2.B, we analyzed the Bertrand duopoly model with differentiated products. The case of homogeneous products yields a stark conclusion. Suppose that the quantity that con- sumers demand from firm i is a – p¡ when pi < Pj, 0 when Pi > Pj, Pi pi and (a − p¡)/2 when p¡ = pj. Suppose also that there are no fixed costs and that marginal costs are constant at c, where c < a. Show that if the firms choose prices simultaneously, then the unique Nash equilibrium is that both firms charge the price c.
We consider the case of differentiated products. (See Prob-
lem 1.7 for the case of homogeneous products.) If firms 1 and 2
choose prices p₁ and p2, respectively, the quantity that consumers
demand from firm i is
qi(Pi, Pj) = a − pi + bpj,
Pi
where b > 0 reflects the extent to which firm i's product is a sub-
stitute for firm j's product. (This is an unrealistic demand function
because demand for firm i's product is positive even when firm i
charges an arbitrarily high price, provided firm j also charges a
high enough price. As will become clear, the problem makes sense
only if b < 2.) As in our discussion of the Cournot model, we as-
sume that there are no fixed costs of production and that marginal
costs are constant at c, where c < a, and that the firms act (i.e.,
choose their prices) simultaneously.
Transcribed Image Text:We consider the case of differentiated products. (See Prob- lem 1.7 for the case of homogeneous products.) If firms 1 and 2 choose prices p₁ and p2, respectively, the quantity that consumers demand from firm i is qi(Pi, Pj) = a − pi + bpj, Pi where b > 0 reflects the extent to which firm i's product is a sub- stitute for firm j's product. (This is an unrealistic demand function because demand for firm i's product is positive even when firm i charges an arbitrarily high price, provided firm j also charges a high enough price. As will become clear, the problem makes sense only if b < 2.) As in our discussion of the Cournot model, we as- sume that there are no fixed costs of production and that marginal costs are constant at c, where c < a, and that the firms act (i.e., choose their prices) simultaneously.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Cartel
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
Microeconomic Theory
Microeconomic Theory
Economics
ISBN:
9781337517942
Author:
NICHOLSON
Publisher:
Cengage
Micro Economics For Today
Micro Economics For Today
Economics
ISBN:
9781337613064
Author:
Tucker, Irvin B.
Publisher:
Cengage,
Economics For Today
Economics For Today
Economics
ISBN:
9781337613040
Author:
Tucker
Publisher:
Cengage Learning