Answer to Question #146901 in Microeconomics for bora

Question #146901
Consider the utility function U(x, y) = 3x + y, with MUx = 3 and MUy = 1. a) Is the assumption that more is better satisfied for both goods? b) Does the marginal utility of x diminish, remain constant,or increase as the consumer buys more x? Explain. c) What is MRSx,y ? d) Is MRSx,y diminishing, constant, or increasing as the consumer substitutes x for y along an indifference curve? e) On a graph with x on the horizontal axis and y on the vertical axis,draw a typical indifference curve (it need not be exactly to scale, but it needs to reflect accurately whether there is a diminishing MRSx,y).Also indicate on your graph whether the indifference curve will intersect either or both axes.Label the curve U1. f) On the same graph draw a second indifference curve U2,with U2 > U1.
1
Expert's answer
2020-11-27T10:05:08-0500
SolutionSolution

a.

MUx=δuδx=3>0,Hence MUx>0MUy=δuδy=1>0,Hence MUy>0MU_x=\frac{\delta u}{\delta x}=3>0, Hence\ MU_x>0\\ MU_y=\frac{\delta u}{\delta y}=1>0, Hence\ MU_y>0\\

Since MUxMU_x and MUyMU_y are both greater than zero, the assumption that more is better satisfied for both goods.


b.

δMUxδx=0\frac{\delta MU_x}{\delta x}=0 . Hence marginal utility of xx remains constant as the consumer buys more xx .


c.

MRSxy is the amount of yy consumer is willing to give for marginal unit of xx, so that their utility remains the same.


d.

MRSxy=MUxMUy=31=3MRS_{xy}=-\frac{MU_x}{MU_y}=-\frac{3}{1}=-3

Hence δMRSxyδx=0    MRS\frac{\delta MRS_{xy}}{\delta x}=0 \implies MRS is constant along an indifference curve.


e.



From the above graph with x on the horizontal axis and y on the vertical axis, we can see that the indifference curve is touching both axis, and as indifference curve is a straight line. Hence MRS is a constant well known as a perfect substitution.


f.



U2>U1U_2>U_1

Both U1U_1 and U2U_2 are parallel hence they intersect both axes.


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