Maria likes to use 1 squirt of shampoo (good x) and 1 squirt of conditioner (good y) every time she washes her hair. Let' say that the more she wash her a) Draw a set of indifference curves illustrating Maria's preferences and her level of utility from washing her hair one time per day (U₁) and two times per day (U₂). Show the direction of her preferences assuming her level of utility increases with more washes. Label your graph (i.e., label axes and indifference curves). b) Assume that shampoo costs px = $4, conditioner costs Py = $2 and her income to spend on these two goods is I = $12. Write the equation of her budget line and plot it on the same graph from (a). Label the budget line as BL₁.
Maria likes to use 1 squirt of shampoo (good x) and 1 squirt of conditioner (good y) every time she washes her hair. Let' say that the more she wash her a) Draw a set of indifference curves illustrating Maria's preferences and her level of utility from washing her hair one time per day (U₁) and two times per day (U₂). Show the direction of her preferences assuming her level of utility increases with more washes. Label your graph (i.e., label axes and indifference curves). b) Assume that shampoo costs px = $4, conditioner costs Py = $2 and her income to spend on these two goods is I = $12. Write the equation of her budget line and plot it on the same graph from (a). Label the budget line as BL₁.
Chapter10: Consumer Choice Theory
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 9P
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Show full answers for part a) b) and c)

Transcribed Image Text:**Maria's Hair Washing Preferences: An Economic Analysis**
Maria likes to use 1 squirt of shampoo (good x) and 1 squirt of conditioner (good y) every time she washes her hair. Let's say that the more she washes her hair, the more she enjoys it.
**a) Indifference Curves for Maria's Preferences**
- **Task**: Draw indifference curves illustrating Maria’s preferences and her level of utility from washing her hair one time per day (U₁) and two times per day (U₂).
- **Direction of Preferences**: Show that her level of utility increases with more washes.
- **Graph Labeling**: Ensure to label your graph (axes and indifference curves).
**b) Budget Constraint at Current Prices**
- **Assumptions**: Shampoo costs \( p_x = $4 \), conditioner costs \( p_y = $2 \), and her income for these goods is \( I = $12 \).
- **Equation and Plotting**: Write the equation of her budget line and plot it on the graph from part (a). Label the budget line as BL₁.
- **Optimal Bundle**: Determine the combination of shampoo and conditioner that gives Maria the highest utility within her budget.
**c) Impact of Price Change**
- **New Prices**: Shampoo now costs \( p'_x = $2 \) and conditioner \( p'_y = $4 \).
- **Updated Budget Line**: On the same graph from part (a), plot her new budget line and label it as BL₂.
- **Effect on Optimal Bundle**: Analyze the impact on Maria’s optimal bundle. Can Maria achieve a higher level of utility than in part (b)? Explain your reasoning.
This exploration helps us understand consumer behavior and how price changes can affect purchasing decisions and overall satisfaction.
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