Two firms located along a river generate pollution. The marginal benefit (MB) that each firm earns (in dollars) as a function of the pollution that it generates (profits from an additional unit of pollution) is provided below, where x_i represents the units of pollution generated by firm i. MB1 = 40 – 2x1 MB2 = 10 – x_2/2 If the regulator places a tax on pollution of $6 per unit, what is the total quantity of pollution generated by the two firms? (15 points) The tax in part (b) is a cost-effective way of reducing pollution. What would you need to know about the damages associated with pollution to determine whether the tax is socially efficient (maximizes net social benefits)? (10 points)

Panera bread is a chain of cafes serving sandwiches, soups, and freshly baked breads. the company began in 1981 with stores primarily located along the east coast of the united states. since then, the firm has expanded to over 1,300 locations throughout the united states and canada. the firm has strong earnings and has been designated by business week as a "significant growth company." panera bread executives are considering the idea of expanding globally by opening cafes in asia through a franchising strategy. which of the following, if true, supports the argument that panera bread should expand into asia through franchising? a: the panera bread menu changes rapidly, and each cafe's artisan bread bakers receive regular training on new recipes. b: panera bread executives want fast access to the asian market without a significant investment of capital. c: panera bread executives want to test the asian market with a short-term commitment that allows them to make quick profits. d: the panera bread mission is to make excellent bread available to customers around the world.

Factors like the unemployment rate, the stock market, global trade, economic policy, and the economic situation of other countries have no influence on the financial status of individuals. ( t or f)

Interpreting the income tax expense footnote the income tax footnote to the financial statements of fedex corporation follows. the components of the provision for income taxes for the years ended may 31 were as follows: ($ millions) 2010 2009 2008 current provision domestic federal $ 36 $ (35) $ 514 state and local 54 18 74 foreign 207 214 242 297 197 830 deferred provisions (benefit) domestic federal 408 327 31 state and local 15 48 (2) foreign (10) 7 32 413 382 61 provision for income taxes $ 710 $ 579 $ 891 (a)what is the amount of income tax expense reported in fedex's 2010, 2009, and 2008 income statements?