Answer to Question #141996 in Microeconomics for Siyabonga

Question

Suppose the marginal utility and total utility of Vuyolwethu Mdudi’s weekly consumption of apples are both positive and that he subsequently consumes fewer apples per week. What will happen to his marginal and total utility of apples

Answer 1

When Vuyolwethu Mdudi’s consumes fewer apples per week, the marginal utility of apples increases. However, incase the consumption was increased we would expect the marginal utility of the apple to decrease.

Since Mdudi consumes fewer apples than before, the total utility of the apples will decrease. Basically, the satisfaction caused by the last apple consumed will increase, since he now eats fewer apples per week, but since he eats fewer apples his total satisfaction will be less than before.