--%>

Demand curve for peanuts

Question:

a) Johnny consumes peanuts (x1) and a composite good (x2). His utility function is U = x1x2. His marginal utilities are MU1 = x2 and MU2 = x1. Johnny's budget is $20 and the price of the composite good is $1. Derive Johnny's demand function for peanuts.

b) Ambrose consumes peanuts (x1) and a composite good (x2).He has a utility functionU = 4 x1 + x2. This means his MU1 = 2/√x1 and his MU2 = 1 . The price of the composite good is p2 = 1. His budget is $20 per month. Derive Ambrose's demand function for peanuts. How does it compare with Johnny's demand curve for peanuts?

Solution:

a) U = x1x2

MRS = MU1/MU2 = x2/x1

Now, MRS = P1/P2 = P/1 = x2/x1 => x2 = 2Px1 {taking P1 = P}

Putting this value in budget equation:

Px1 + x2 = 20

  1.   Px1 + 2Px1 = 30
  2.   Px1 = 10
  3.   x1 = 10/P
  4.   x2 = 20

b) U = 4 Öx1 + x2.

MRS = MU1/ MU2 = (2/Öx1)/1 = 2/Öx1

Now, MRS = P1/P2 = P/1 = 2/Öx1

  1.   Öx1=2/P
  2.   x1 = 4/P2

Therefore, Ambrose's demand for peanuts does not depend upon his income, while Johnny's demand for peanuts does depend upon his income.

   Related Questions in Microeconomics

  • Q : Monopolies in monopolistically

    Unlike several monopolies, a monopolistically competitive firm in long-run equilibrium produces a level of output where is: (1) price equals marginal cost. (2) pricing is economically efficient. (3) marginal revenue most greatly exceeds marginal cost.

  • Q : Long run in production theory Can

    Can someone help me in finding out the most precise answer from the given options. The long run in the production theory is a period just long sufficient for: (i) Firms to totally differ all resources. (ii) Profits to be maximized. (iii) Marginal costs curves to be re

  • Q : Unitarily price elastic supply for

    Supply is unitarily price elastic for all quantities and prices upon: (i) supply curve S1. (ii) supply curve S2. (iii) supply curve S3. (iv) supply curve S4. (v) supply curve S5.

    Q : Profit-maximizing price and output

    Unlike a purely competitive firm, a monopolist can: (w) select a price and sell as much as this needs (x) equate marginal revenue as well as marginal cost to maximize profits. (y) produce any required amount and sell as much as this d

  • Q : Determine average production cost by an

    When Robomatic Corporation maximizes profit in its production of RoboMaids, its average production cost per robot will be roughly: (1) $3,000 per robot. (2) $5,000 per robot. (3) $7,000 per robot. (4) $9,000 per robot. (5) $11,000 per robot.

  • Q : Determine the relationship among APC

    Determine the relationship among APC and APS? Answer: APC + APS = 1.

  • Q : Severe Poverty of Demography From the

    From the 1950 year, severe poverty has declined most sharply in between people while they experience: (w) low levels of education. (x) discrimination in employment. (y) old age. (z) poor health. Can someone explain

  • Q : Maximum possible total revenue by sales

    Maximum possible total revenue by sales of the especially popular St. Valentine’s Day software is about: (i) $140 million. (ii) $250 million. (iii) $350 million. (iv) $420 million. (v) $1 billion.

    Q : Elasticity and demand of monopolist

    When a monopolist produces output where demand is unitarily elastic, in that case marginal revenue equals: (1) price. (2) infinity. (3) negative infinity. (4) one. (5) zero. I need a good answer on the topic of

  • Q : Income elasticity of positive and

    This given figure as in below demonstrates how consumption of goods A, B, C and D varies like a family’s income changes. Since income rises, the income elasticity of demand is positive and increasing for: (w) good A. (x) good B  (y) good C.