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of threat of fore G 3. B of a cartel Consider a town in which only two residents

ID: 1115759 • Letter: O

Question

of threat of fore G 3. B of a cartel Consider a town in which only two residents, Andrew and Beth, own wells that produce water safe for drinking. Andrew and Beth can pump and sell as much water as they want at no cost. For them, total revenue equals profit. The following table shows the town's demand schedule for water Quantity Demanded Total Revenue 3.60 3.30 3.00 $115.50 $210.00 283.50 $336.00 $367.50 $378.00 $367.50 $336.00 $283.50 $210.00 $115.50 2.40 2.10 1.80 140 175 210 280 315 0.90 0.60 0.30 420

Explanation / Answer

Cartel:

Profit maximizing price = $1.8

Total output = 210 litres

Andrew's profit = 105 x 1.8 = $189

Beth's profit = $189

Andrew increases production:

Total production = 245 litres

Price of water decreases to $1.5 per litre

Andrew's profit = 140 x 1.5 = $210

Beth's profit = 105 x 1.5 = $157.5

Beth increases production:

Total production = 280 litres

Price of water decreases to $1.2 per litre

Andrew's profit = 140 x 1.2 = $168

Beth's profit = 140 x 1.2 = $168

Total profit = $336

The statement is true (Total profit/revenue decreases on increasing quantity, Quantity effect < Price effect)

This behaviour is an example of tit-for-tat strategy.