--%>
Assignment Help - homework help

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 : Define Marginal rate of Substitution or

    Marginal rate of Substitution (MRS): It is the rate at which a consumer is prepared to give up one good to get the other good.

    		•
  • Q : Neoclassical and heterodox One of my

    One of my friends can't succeed to get the answer of this question. Provide answer of this question. Economists of neoclassical argue that goods contain just subjective (or personal) use-value dimension; heterodox economists argue that goods contain use-value and soci

    		•
  • Q : Social welfare function what do you

    what do you mean by a social welfare function? if you assume that such a function exists, what properties of social optima would be considered by you? discuss such properties.

    		•
  • Q : Competitive market Select the right

    Select the right answer of the question. A competitive market will: A) achieve an equilibrium price. B) produce shortages. C) produce surpluses. D) create disorder.

    		•
  • Q : Problem onto public sector The word “

    The word “public sector” signifies to: (1) Stockholders and households. (2) Investors and Consumers. (3) Households and investors. (4) Democratic voting systems. (5) All actions of government. Hey frien

    		•
  • Q : Firms demand for labor Assume that the

    Assume that the international auto industry has become monopolistically competitive and you run a small automaker. The events which would not directly influence your firm’s demand for labor comprise: (i) Sales of your company’s most admired car unexpectedl

    		•
  • Q : Boosting minimum wage laws Boosting

    Boosting minimum wage laws from $5 to $8 per hour is LEAST probable to: (w) give some unskilled workers with higher incomes. (x) cause some low-wage workers to lose their jobs. (y) raise friendship like a basis for employment. (z) decrease unemploymen

    		•
  • Q : Characterization by monopolistic

    Monopolistic competition best describes the market for: (1)wheat. (2) designer fashions. (3) electricity. (4) apples. (5) pig iron. Can someone explain/help me with best solution about problem of Economics<

    		•
  • Q : Changing effects of price of a product

    Increasing the price of a product will raise total revenue proportionally into the unlikely event which demand was: (1) perfectly price elastic. (2) relatively price elastic. (3) unitarily price elastic. (4) relatively price inelastic (5) perfectly price inelastic.

    		•
  • Q : Signaling definition Can someone please

    Can someone please help me in finding out the accurate answer from the following question. Job applicants employ polished resumes explaining education, skills and work experience, accompanied by the supportive letters of recommendation letters as tools in the procedur

    		•