Suppose that John's preferences over meat (M) and vegetables (V) are represented by the following utility function where 0 < a < 1. U(M,V) = a ln(M) + (1 − a) ln(V)
Suppose that John's preferences over meat (M) and vegetables (V) are represented by the following utility function where 0 < a < 1. U(M,V) = a ln(M) + (1 − a) ln(V)
Chapter1: Making Economics Decisions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1QTC
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![**Problem 2**
Suppose that John's preferences over meat ( \( M \) ) and vegetables ( \( V \) ) are represented by the following utility function:
\[
U(M,V) = \alpha \ln(M) + (1 - \alpha) \ln(V)
\]
where \( 0 < \alpha < 1 \).
*No claim of realism is made for the numbers in this example.*
---
(a) Write down the Lagrangian for John's optimization problem. (Recall that John maximizes utility given an income, \( I \), and prices \( p_M \) and \( p_V \) for the goods.)
(b) Solve for John's optimal consumption bundle \( (M^*, V^*) \) (as a function of income and prices) using the Lagrangian method.
(c) Suppose \( \alpha = \frac{1}{5} \). Suppose also that John has income \( I = 200 \) and faces prices \( p_M = 1 \) and \( p_V = 2 \). What is the value of John's optimal consumption bundle? What happens if John's income doubles to \( I = 400 \)?](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F37708386-d0d8-46c3-a2d8-8e337c754037%2Fcc77ccbb-23c3-4cc7-a1eb-808bf983cca7%2Fc6hfk2_processed.png&w=3840&q=75)
Transcribed Image Text:**Problem 2**
Suppose that John's preferences over meat ( \( M \) ) and vegetables ( \( V \) ) are represented by the following utility function:
\[
U(M,V) = \alpha \ln(M) + (1 - \alpha) \ln(V)
\]
where \( 0 < \alpha < 1 \).
*No claim of realism is made for the numbers in this example.*
---
(a) Write down the Lagrangian for John's optimization problem. (Recall that John maximizes utility given an income, \( I \), and prices \( p_M \) and \( p_V \) for the goods.)
(b) Solve for John's optimal consumption bundle \( (M^*, V^*) \) (as a function of income and prices) using the Lagrangian method.
(c) Suppose \( \alpha = \frac{1}{5} \). Suppose also that John has income \( I = 200 \) and faces prices \( p_M = 1 \) and \( p_V = 2 \). What is the value of John's optimal consumption bundle? What happens if John's income doubles to \( I = 400 \)?
Expert Solution

Step 1: Describe the given problem
Utility function : U = a ln (M ) + (1-a) ln (V)
V & M are two goods ,
0 <a <1
Price of M = Pm
Price of V = Pv
Income = I
Therefore ,
Budget Constraint : Pm (M ) + Pv (V ) = I
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