Acme is a monopolist who faces inverse market demand function P
(Q, y) = 100 - 2Q + y, where y is the quality level of Acme’s
product. Acme has cost function function C(Q) = 20Q.
Suppose quality is costly. Specifically, assume that Acme must
pay innovation cost I(y)= (1/4)(y^2). Thus, Acme’s total profits
are x(Q,y)=P(Q,y)Q - C(Q) - I(y). Assuming Acme is allowed to act
like a monopolist, we will work out Acme’s optimal quality choice,
y*.
1. Suppose,...