Consider an individual with a utility function of the form U
Consider an individual with a utility function of the form: U(x,y)=xy , and where m=10, px=1, and py=2 , where m is the individual\'s income or wealth, pi is the price of good i.
Calculate the individual\'s optimal consumption bundle, (x,y) = (Blank 1,Blank 2).
If your answer is a decimal, enter it to 1 decimal place (e.g. 5.5).
Please Explain.
Solution
U = xy
Budget line: 10 = x + 2y
MUx = dU / dx = y
MUy = dU / dy = x
MRS = MUx / MUy = y / x
Consumption is optimal when (MUx / MUy) = (px / py)
y / x = 1 / 2
x = 2y
Substituting in budget line,
10 = x + 2y
10 = x + x = 2x
x = 10/2 = 5
y = x/2 = 5/2 = 2.5
Optimal (x, y) = (5, 2.5)
