Question

Eric works at an electronics store in a mall. Eric doesn't like to work hard, and it costs him $100 to do so. Eric's employer cannot observe whether Eric works hard. If Eric works hard, there is a 90% probability that electronics goods profits will equal $400 a day and a 10% probability that electronics goods profits will equal $100 a day. If Eric shirks, there is a 90% probability that electronics goods profits will equal $100 a day and a 10% probability that electronics goods profits will equal $400 a day. Suppose Eric is paid $200 if electronics goods profits are $400 a day and $50 if electronics goods profits are $100 a day. Eric will _____ because the net gain of _____ from shirking is _____ than the net gain of _____ from working hard.

Answer 1

Answer: work hard; $65; less; $85

Explanation:

The following can be deduced from the question:

The Expected profit from working hard will be:

= (90% × $200) + (10% × $50)

= (0.9 × $200) + (0.1 × $50)

= $180 + $5

= $185

Then, the profit will be the difference between revenue and coat which will be:

= $185 - $100

= $85

Then, the expected profit from shirking will be:

= (90% × $50) + (10% × $200)

= (0.90 × $50) + (0.10 × $200)

= $45 + $20

= $65

Then, the profit will be:

= $65 - $0

= $65

Eric will (work hard) because the net gain of ($65) from shirking is (less) than the net gain of ($85) from working hard.