Answer:
a) attached below.
b) for $x < $5000 will cause taking the drug to be part of the Nash equilibrium
c) will make the athletes feel better because the value their payoff will increase
Step-by-step explanation:
a) 2 * 2 payoff matrix describing the decision faced by the athletes
attached below
when both players take the drug the payoff for each player = $5000 - x
when neither player takes the drug the payoff for each player = $5000
When only one player takes the drug his payoff = $10000 - x
b) If we consider the value of $x to be involved in the Nash equilibrium then
; $5000 - $x > 0 becomes the best response
hence for $x < $5000 will cause taking the drug to be part of the Nash equilibrium
c) Lowering the negative effect of the drug ( i.e. when the value of x is reduced )
will make the athletes feel better because the value their payoff will increase