--%>

Problem on competitive equilibrium economy

The economy consists of an equal number of smokers (S-types) and asthma sufferers (A-types). Good 1 is cigarettes, good 2 is “other stuff.” S-types have the utility function:

xS1 + xS2

where xS1 is the S-type’s consumption of cigarettes and xS2 is the S-type’s consumption of other stuff. A-types have the utility function

xA2 -  2¯xS1

where ¯ xS1 is the per capita consumption of cigarettes of S-types.

The initial endowments are as follows: S-types have one unit of both goods and A-types have 2 units good 2 and no endowment of good 1.

(i) Is there an efficient consumption plan in which S-types consume cigarettes?
(ii) Find a competitive equilibrium of this economy. Show that it is not efficient.

E

Expert

Verified

i) Consumer 1 has perfect substitute type of utility function .Now they will consume cigarettes only when P1<P2. Now P2 being 1 (numeraire).The consumption plan in which person 1 consumes cigarettes is the one where p1<1

ii) This is the externality case type of utility function for person 2. In which we solve the competitive equilibrium normally without externality and then tell that it is inefficient

Now U1= x1+x2 (1,1)
U2=  x2 (1,0)

Budget constraint for person 1:

P1x1 +p2x2= p1(1) + p2(1)

Put p2=1

P1x1 + x2= p1 + 1

Also for person 2 we have

P1x1 +X2= P1

Now we know person 1 has perfect substitutes requirement and peson 2 demands just good 2

So prices should be such that P1<p2  so that person 1 demands only good 1
So Putting x2*=0

We get:
P1X1= p1+1
X1* =1/p1-1

Now X1 in economy= 2

So, 1/p1-1 =2 P1= 3/2 >1 so it contradicts our assumption and we have to take p1=p2=1

Now put P1=p2=1 in budget constraint we get:

X1+x2=1
X1+ x2=1

From both the budget constraints this means any combination that satisfies this requirement will be competitive equilibrium. These are not efficient because there is an externality case involved plus there is no equality between MRS.

   Related Questions in Microeconomics

  • Q : Impact of deficient demand in an economy

    Describe deficient demand in an economy? Determine its impact on output, employment and price? Answer: Deficient demand terms to the condition when aggregate demand

  • Q : Purely competitive model for analyzing

    The purely competitive model: (w) is characteristic of many actual U.S. market structures. (x) analyzes a type of economy which is now extinct. (y) is a helpful abstraction from actuality for analyzing firms’ behavior. (z) proves which modern ca

  • Q : Demand curves of monopolistic

    Monopolistic competitive firms face: (w) perfectly elastic demand curves. (x) perfectly inelastic demand curves. (y) downward sloping demand curves. (z) the industry demand curves. Hello guys I want your advice. Pl

  • Q : What will occur when government taxes a

    When the government taxes a good, the price consumers currently face is most probably: (w) higher than before the tax. (x) below the price the seller receives. (y) less than average production cost. (z) justified through welfare payments to taxpayers.

    Q : Technology in supply I have a problem

    I have a problem in economics on Technology in supply. Please help me in the following question. The bumper corn crop caused by the good weather would symbolize a raise in: (i) supply. (ii) Consumer’s tastes for corn. (iii) Demand. (iv) The price of corn. <

  • Q : Good illustration of oligopoly The

    The tobacco industry within the United States is a good illustration of: (1) monopoly. (2) pure competition. (3) oligopoly. (4) corporate responsibility. (5) duopoly. I need a good answer on the topic of Economics

  • Q : Determine when demand for product is

    The demand for Robot Butlers (i.e., termed as “Robotlers”), that is unitarily elastic at: (i) point a. (ii) point b. (iii) point c. (iv) point d. (v) point e.

    Q : Law of comparative benefits Can someone

    Can someone please help me in determining the right answer from the following question. The law of comparative benefit exhibits: (a) Why trade with a country in which salaries are low is not fair. (b) How countries try to use each other via trade. (c)

  • Q : Define multiplier Multiplier : It is

    Multiplier: It is the number by which change in investment should be multiple in order to find out the resultant change in income and output.

  • Q : Product Differentiation During product

    During product differentiation, the firms attempt to: (w) become price takers. (x) gain a degree of market power over their pricing and sales of their products. (y) increase the supply of their products. (z) raise the price elasticity of the demand fo