2. Symbolic Consumer Choice: Patrick lives in a simple world where there are only two consumer goods, french fries (f) and kolbassa (k), both of which align well with his interests. Patrick's preferences over possible bundles of french fries and kolbassa are given by the utility function: U(f,k) = 2f0.5 40.5. The prices of a frisbee and of a kabob are pf and Pk. a. Graph Patrick's budget constraint with french fries on the x-axis and kolbassa on the y-axis. What is the marginal rate of transformation (MRT)? In no more than two sentences define an MRT and explain conditions under which it would be get steeper. b. What is the marginal rate of substitution (MRS)? Define it no more than two sentences and calculate it. Consider two simple positive monotonic transformations of Patrick's utility function. The first is C. U(f, k) = fk. The second U(f, k) = lnf + lnk. Calculate the MRS for each of these transformations

ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
14th Edition
ISBN:9780190931919
Author:NEWNAN
Publisher:NEWNAN
Chapter1: Making Economics Decisions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1QTC
icon
Related questions
Question
100%
2. **Symbolic Consumer Choice:** Patrick lives in a simple world where there are only two consumer goods, french fries (f) and kolbassa (k), both of which align well with his interests. Patrick’s preferences over possible bundles of french fries and kolbassa are given by the utility function: \( U(f, k) = 2f^{0.5} k^{0.5} \). The prices of a frisbee and of a kabob are \( p_f \) and \( p_k \).

   a. **Graph Patrick’s budget constraint** with french fries on the x-axis and kolbassa on the y-axis. What is the marginal rate of transformation (MRT)? In no more than two sentences define an MRT and explain conditions under which it would get steeper.

   b. **What is the marginal rate of substitution (MRS)?** Define it in no more than two sentences and calculate it.

   c. **Consider two simple positive monotonic transformations of Patrick’s utility function.** The first is \( U(f, k) = fk \). The second \( U(f, k) = \ln f + \ln k \). Calculate the MRS for each of these transformations and explain in no more than two sentences why these transformations do not change the MRS's.

   d. **Let’s grind out the solution with the substitution method.** First, carefully write out the problem Patrick must solve to maximize his utility. Because we know that all of the utility functions considered will give the same answer in terms of MRS = MRT, use the natural log version of the utility function from part (c).

   e. **Now using the substitution method to solve** for Patrick’s utility maximizing quantities of french fries and kolbassa, \( f^* \) and \( k^* \), respectively.
Transcribed Image Text:2. **Symbolic Consumer Choice:** Patrick lives in a simple world where there are only two consumer goods, french fries (f) and kolbassa (k), both of which align well with his interests. Patrick’s preferences over possible bundles of french fries and kolbassa are given by the utility function: \( U(f, k) = 2f^{0.5} k^{0.5} \). The prices of a frisbee and of a kabob are \( p_f \) and \( p_k \). a. **Graph Patrick’s budget constraint** with french fries on the x-axis and kolbassa on the y-axis. What is the marginal rate of transformation (MRT)? In no more than two sentences define an MRT and explain conditions under which it would get steeper. b. **What is the marginal rate of substitution (MRS)?** Define it in no more than two sentences and calculate it. c. **Consider two simple positive monotonic transformations of Patrick’s utility function.** The first is \( U(f, k) = fk \). The second \( U(f, k) = \ln f + \ln k \). Calculate the MRS for each of these transformations and explain in no more than two sentences why these transformations do not change the MRS's. d. **Let’s grind out the solution with the substitution method.** First, carefully write out the problem Patrick must solve to maximize his utility. Because we know that all of the utility functions considered will give the same answer in terms of MRS = MRT, use the natural log version of the utility function from part (c). e. **Now using the substitution method to solve** for Patrick’s utility maximizing quantities of french fries and kolbassa, \( f^* \) and \( k^* \), respectively.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 5 steps with 9 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Utility Maximization
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, economics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Economics
ISBN:
9780190931919
Author:
NEWNAN
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134078779
Author:
Karl E. Case, Ray C. Fair, Sharon E. Oster
Publisher:
PEARSON
Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134870069
Author:
William G. Sullivan, Elin M. Wicks, C. Patrick Koelling
Publisher:
PEARSON
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:
9781305585126
Author:
N. Gregory Mankiw
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Economics
ISBN:
9781337106665
Author:
Luke M. Froeb, Brian T. McCann, Michael R. Ward, Mike Shor
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Managerial Economics & Business Strategy (Mcgraw-…
Managerial Economics & Business Strategy (Mcgraw-…
Economics
ISBN:
9781259290619
Author:
Michael Baye, Jeff Prince
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education