Question 4 Solving Consumer's Choice Problem under CD Utility, Numerical The consumer with income Y has a preference represented by CD utility function 0.4 0.6 U(91,92) = 914926 Given prices for the two goods, denoted by P₁, P2, solve the consumer's optimal choice problem following the steps below. (a) Write down the consumer's maximization problem, i.e be clear about (1) the choice variables, (2) the objective function and (3) the constraint. (b) Write down the Lagrangian for this optimization problem. (c) Derive the three first-order conditions.

ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
14th Edition
ISBN:9780190931919
Author:NEWNAN
Publisher:NEWNAN
Chapter1: Making Economics Decisions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1QTC
icon
Related questions
Question
### Solving Consumer’s Choice Problem under CD Utility, Numerical

**Introduction:**
The consumer, with an income \( Y \), has a preference represented by a Cobb-Douglas (CD) utility function: 
\[ U(q_1, q_2) = q_1^{a_1}q_2^{a_2}. \]

**Problem Outline:**
Given prices for the two goods, denoted \( (p_1, p_2) \), tackle the problem by following the outlined steps:

1. **Choice Variables and Objective Function:**
   - **(a)** Write down the consumer’s maximization problem:
     - Define (1) the choice variables.
     - Define (2) the objective function.
     - Define (3) the constraint.

2. **Optimization Problem:**
   - **(b)** Write down the Lagrangian for this optimization problem.
   - **(c)** Derive the three first-order conditions.
   - **(d)** Solve for the optimal consumption bundle.

3. **Indirect Utility Function:**
   - **(e)** Plug the optimal consumption bundles \( q_1^*, q_2^* \) into \( U(q_1, q_2) \) to derive the expression for the indirect utility function, e.g., \( U(q_1^*, q_2^*) \) as a function of \( Y, p_1, p_2 \).

4. **Analysis of Responses:**
   - **(f)** Now, analyze the properties of demand. Specifically, examine how \( q_1 \) responds to changes in:
     1. \( p_1 \) increases?
     2. \( p_2 \) increases?
     3. \( Y \) increases?
   - Investigate whether \( q_1 \) responds by increasing or decreasing under these scenarios.

**Note:**
For simplicity, this analysis only covers \( q_1^* \). Results for \( q_2 \) are similar. (Hint: Use comparative statics, calculate \(\frac{\partial q_1^*}{\partial p_1}\), etc.)
Transcribed Image Text:### Solving Consumer’s Choice Problem under CD Utility, Numerical **Introduction:** The consumer, with an income \( Y \), has a preference represented by a Cobb-Douglas (CD) utility function: \[ U(q_1, q_2) = q_1^{a_1}q_2^{a_2}. \] **Problem Outline:** Given prices for the two goods, denoted \( (p_1, p_2) \), tackle the problem by following the outlined steps: 1. **Choice Variables and Objective Function:** - **(a)** Write down the consumer’s maximization problem: - Define (1) the choice variables. - Define (2) the objective function. - Define (3) the constraint. 2. **Optimization Problem:** - **(b)** Write down the Lagrangian for this optimization problem. - **(c)** Derive the three first-order conditions. - **(d)** Solve for the optimal consumption bundle. 3. **Indirect Utility Function:** - **(e)** Plug the optimal consumption bundles \( q_1^*, q_2^* \) into \( U(q_1, q_2) \) to derive the expression for the indirect utility function, e.g., \( U(q_1^*, q_2^*) \) as a function of \( Y, p_1, p_2 \). 4. **Analysis of Responses:** - **(f)** Now, analyze the properties of demand. Specifically, examine how \( q_1 \) responds to changes in: 1. \( p_1 \) increases? 2. \( p_2 \) increases? 3. \( Y \) increases? - Investigate whether \( q_1 \) responds by increasing or decreasing under these scenarios. **Note:** For simplicity, this analysis only covers \( q_1^* \). Results for \( q_2 \) are similar. (Hint: Use comparative statics, calculate \(\frac{\partial q_1^*}{\partial p_1}\), etc.)
Expert Solution
Step 1

Disclaimer :- Since you asked for multipart question we are solving the first 3 subparts as per guidelines. If you want any specific question to be solved the please repost the question and mention them.

Optimal utilisation of resources by the consumer means attaining the situation where consumer is getting maximum utility with given level of income .  

 

 

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Clean Air Act
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