--%>

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 : Probability problem A) What is the

    A) What is the probability of getting the following sequence with a fair die (as in dice):B) What is the probability of getting the same sequence with a die that is biased in the following way: p(1)=p(2)=p(3)=p(4)=15%;

  • Q : Random variables Random variables with

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

  • Q : Probability of Rolling die problem A

    A fair die is rolled (independently) 12 times. (a) Let X denote the total number of 1’s in 12 rolls. Find the expected value and variance of X. (b) Determine the probability of obtaining e

  • Q : MANOVA and Reflection Activity 10:

    Activity 10: MANOVA and Reflection 4Comparison of Multiple Outcome Variables This activity introduces you to a very common technique - MANOVA. MANOVA is simply an extension of an ANOVA and allows for the comparison of multiple outcome variables (again, a very common situation in research a

  • Q : Components of time series Name and

    Name and elaborate the four components of time series in brief.

  • 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 : Correlation Define the term Correlation

    Define the term Correlation and describe Correlation formula in brief.

  • Q : Find the cumulative distribution

    You must use the pre-formatted cover sheet when you hand in the assignment. Out full detailed solutions. Sloppy work will naturally receive a lower score. 1. Suppose at each step, a particle moving on sites labelled by integer has three choices: move one site to the right with pro

  • Q : Frequency Distributions Define the term

    Define the term Frequency Distributions?