A utility function is called separable if it can be written as U(x, y) = U,(x) + U,(y), where U; >0, U" < 0, and U,, U, need not be the same function. a. What does separability assume about the cross-partial derivative U,„? Give an intuitive discussion of what word this condition means and in what situations it might be plausible. b. Show that if utility is separable then neither good can be inferior. c. Does the assumption of separability allow you to con- clude definitively whether x and y are gross substitutes or gross complements? Explain. d. Use the Cobb-Douglas utility function to show that separability is not invariant with respect to monotonic transformations. Note: Separable functions are examined in more detail in the Extensions to this chapter.

ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
14th Edition
ISBN:9780190931919
Author:NEWNAN
Publisher:NEWNAN
Chapter1: Making Economics Decisions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1QTC
icon
Related questions
Question
A utility function is called separable if it can be written as
U(x, y) = U (x) + U,(y),
where U > 0, U" < 0, and U1, U, need not be the same
function.
a. What does separability assume about the cross-partial
derivative U„? Give an intuitive discussion of what word
this condition means and in what situations it might be
plausible.
b. Show that if utility is separable then neither good can be
inferior.
c. Does the assumption of separability allow you to con-
clude definitively whether x and y are gross substitutes or
gross complements? Explain.
d. Use the Cobb-Douglas utility function to show that
separability is not invariant with respect to monotonic
transformations. Note: Separable functions are examined
in more detail in the Extensions to this chapter.
Transcribed Image Text:A utility function is called separable if it can be written as U(x, y) = U (x) + U,(y), where U > 0, U" < 0, and U1, U, need not be the same function. a. What does separability assume about the cross-partial derivative U„? Give an intuitive discussion of what word this condition means and in what situations it might be plausible. b. Show that if utility is separable then neither good can be inferior. c. Does the assumption of separability allow you to con- clude definitively whether x and y are gross substitutes or gross complements? Explain. d. Use the Cobb-Douglas utility function to show that separability is not invariant with respect to monotonic transformations. Note: Separable functions are examined in more detail in the Extensions to this chapter.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 4 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Utility Function
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
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