--%>

Problem on utility funtion probability

Suppose that your utility, U, is a function only of wealth, Y, and that U(Y) is as drawn below. In this graph, note that U(Y) increases linearly between points a and b. 

Suppose further that you do not know whether or not you will be sick, but you do know that the probability of becoming sick is p (while the probability of staying healthy is 1-p).  If you do get sick, your wealth will be Ys = 0.  If you do not get sick, your wealth will be Yh > 0. 

1940_utility function.jpg

(1) Write an expression for expected income, EI, and an expression for expected utility without insurance.
 
(2) Assume that a < EI < b.  Draw, on the graph above, a line showing expected utility without insurance. Also draw a line showing expected utility with actuarially fair full insurance.

(3) Consider an actuarially fair partial insurance contract that offers a if you are sick and b if you are healthy. Would your utility with such a contract be greater or less than your utility with an actuarially fair full insurance contract? Briefly, explain. 

   Related Questions in Advanced Statistics

  • Q : Problem related to playing cards Cards

    Cards are randomly drawn one at the time and with replacement from a standard deck of 52 playing cards. (a) Find the probability of getting the fourth spades on the 10th draw. (b) Determine the

  • Q : Problem on consumers marginal utility

    Consider a consumer with probability p of becoming sick.  Let Is be the consumer’s income if he becomes sick, and let Ins be his income if he does not become sick, with Is < Ins. Suppo

  • Q : True and False Statement Discuss the

    Discuss the following statements and explain why they are true or false: a)      Increasing the number of predictor variables will never decrease the R2 b)      Multicollinearity affects the int

  • Q : Analyse the statistics of the data

    Assigment Question Select any two manufacturing companies and formulate the cost and revenue functions of the companies. analyse the statistics of the data and then sketch the functions and determine their breakeven points. (Note: You are required to interview the production and sales manag

  • Q : Variation what are the advantages and

    what are the advantages and disadvantages of seasonal variation

  • Q : Statistics Homework with SAS File is

    File is attached, need it by 8:30 AM Pacific (Seattle, WA) time. No delay acceptable. Need it March 25, 2014 on 8:30 AM Pacific time.

  • Q : Non-parametric test what is the

    what is the appropriate non-parametric counterpart for the independent sample t test?

  • Q : Random variables Random variables with

    Random variables with zero correlation are not necessarily independent. Give a simple example.    

  • Q : Analysing the Probabilities 1. In the

    1. In the waning seconds of Superbowl XLVII, the Baltimore Ravens elected to take a safety rather than punt the ball. A sports statistician wishes to analyze the effect this decision had on the probability of winning the game. (a) Which two of the following probabilities would most help t

  • Q : Probability Distributions and Data

    1. A popular resort hotel has 300 rooms and is usually fully booked. About 4% of the time a reservation is canceled before 6:00 p.m. deadline with no penalty. What is the probability that at least 280 rooms will be occupied? Use binomial distribution to find the exact value and the normal approxi