Assume that there are two types of radios on the market: good radios and bad radios. Of the firms that manufacture radios, 50% produce good radios and 50% produce bad radios. A good radio does not break for five years, while a bad radio has a 50% chance of breaking when it is first used. If the bad radio does not break immediately, it works for five years, just like the good radio. A good radio is worth $100 to consumers, and a bad radio is worth nothing.

a) What is the maximum price any consumer would be willing to pay for a radio if both types of firms produce radios? (1 markah/mark)

b) If it costs $55 to manufacture each radio, will any firms want to produce radios? (1 markah/mark)

c) If it costs $50 to manufacture each radio, which firms will want to produce radios? (1 markah/mark)

d) Suppose that it costs $50 to manufacture each radio and $20 to repair a broken radio. Also suppose that the firms that produce good radios give a warranty in which they promise to repair any radio that breaks within five years of purchase. If the price of radios were to rise above $50, which type of firm would issue a warranty? If the price rose to $60, which type of firm would offer a warranty? Can warranties signal quality? What is the equilibrium price for radios in the market? (5 markah/marks)