17) Use the table below that shows the rate of return and R&D spending for a
hypothetical firm. Assume the interest-rate cost of funds is 8%.
(a)What is the optimal amount of R&D expenditures? At this amount, what will be the
marginal cost and what will be the marginal benefit of R&D spending?
(b)Now assume that the interest-rate cost of funds rises to 12%. What will be the
optimal amount of R&D spending? For this amount of R&D spending, what will be the
marginal cost and what will be the marginal benefit (expected rate of return)?
(c)Now assume that the interest-rate cost of funds falls to 6%. What will be the optimal
amount of R&D spending? For this amount of R&D spending, what will be the
marginal cost and what will be the marginal benefit (expected rate of return)?
18)
refer to the above diagram for a natural monopolist. if a regulatory commission were to
set a maximum price of p3, the monopolist would:
a.maximize profits.
b.increase output beyond the profit-maximizing level.
c.reduce output below the profit-maximizing level.
d.be unable to make a normal profit.
19) Price fixing:
A.is prohibited by Section 7 of the Clayton Act.
B.is a per se violation of the antitrust laws.
C.may be either legal or illegal depending on whether or not it produces above-normal
profits.
D.is illegal under terms of the Federal Trade Commission Act.