Question: (Dynamic Programming) John and Marsha have their hearts set on a special washer/dryer set that they must buy within the next 6 months. The set
(Dynamic Programming) John and Marsha have their hearts set on a special washer/dryer set that they must buy within the next 6 months. The set normally retails for $2000. At the start of each month, the price of the washer/dryer set is uncertain and can be offered at full price or at one of three possible discounts. The Table below describes the discounts, the probabilities, and the final prices.
| DISC | PROB | PRICE |
| 0% | 0.5 | 2000 |
| 10% | 0.3 | 1800 |
| 15% | 0.1 | 1700 |
| 25% | 0.1 | 1500 |
Based on this information, describe the optimal Buy/Wait strategy John and Marsha should follow to obtain their washer/dryer set at minimum expected cost, and indicate the optimal expected value for each period. In particular, what should John & Marsha expect to spend at the beginning of the six-month period?
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