thought that a consumer measures the utility, u(x, y), of possessing a quantity, z, of apples and a quantity, y, of oranges by the formula u(x, y) = rºyl-a, where a is a constant. Suppose that apples cost p dollars each and oranges q dollars each. If the consumer has M dollars to spend on apples and oranges, use the method of Lagrange multipliers to find the quantity of each that he will buy in terms of a, p, q and M. [You are not required to justify the use of the method of Lagrange multipliers here.] For equally priced apples and oranges when he has one dollar to spend, he is actually observed buying one apple and two oranges. What value of a does this imply?

Microeconomic Theory
12th Edition
ISBN:9781337517942
Author:NICHOLSON
Publisher:NICHOLSON
Chapter4: Utility Maximization And Choice
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 4.12P
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(b) It is thought that a consumer measures the utility, u(x, y), of possessing a quantity, z,
of apples and a quantity, y, of oranges by the formula
u(x, y) = rªyla,
where a is a constant.
Suppose that apples cost p dollars each and oranges q dollars each. If the consumer
has M dollars to spend on apples and oranges, use the method of Lagrange multipliers
to find the quantity of each that he will buy in terms of a, p, q and M.
[You are not required to justify the use of the method of Lagrange multipliers here.]
For equally priced apples and oranges when he has one dollar to spend, he is actually
observed buying one apple and two oranges. What value of a does this imply?
Transcribed Image Text:(b) It is thought that a consumer measures the utility, u(x, y), of possessing a quantity, z, of apples and a quantity, y, of oranges by the formula u(x, y) = rªyla, where a is a constant. Suppose that apples cost p dollars each and oranges q dollars each. If the consumer has M dollars to spend on apples and oranges, use the method of Lagrange multipliers to find the quantity of each that he will buy in terms of a, p, q and M. [You are not required to justify the use of the method of Lagrange multipliers here.] For equally priced apples and oranges when he has one dollar to spend, he is actually observed buying one apple and two oranges. What value of a does this imply?
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