Question: Suppose that Johns preferences over baskets containing fish (good ), and silk (good ), are described by the utility function . Johns corresponding marginal utilities

Suppose that John’s preferences over baskets containing fish (goodx), and silk (goody), are described by the utility functionU (x,y)=sqrt{x+y}.

John’s corresponding marginal utilities are,MU_{x} = frac{1}{2sqrt{x}}andMU_{y} = 1.

UseP_{x}to represent the price of fish,P_{y}to represent the price of silk, andIto represent John’s income.


Question 1: Find John’s fish demand function, and John’s silk demand function. For the purposes of this question you should assume thatfrac{I}{P_{y}}geq frac{P_{y}}{4P_{x}}

Question 2: Describe the relationship between John’s demand for fish and,
(a) John’s income;

(b) the price of fish;

(c) the price of silk.


Your answers should reference the demand function that you derived in question 1, and correctly apply the relevant terminology. You should continue to assume thatfrac{I}{P_{y}}geq frac{P_{y}}{4P_{x}}.


Question 3: Now assume thatfrac{I}{P_{y}}< frac{P_{y}}{4P_{x}}. Find John’s fish demand function, and John’s silk demand function.


Question 4: Suppose that the price of silk isP_{y}= $50per item, and that John’s income isI = $425. What are the income and substitution effects if the price of fish increases fromP_{x1} = $5per item, toP_{x2} = $12.50per item?
















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Question 1 Johns demand functions can be found using the following steps Set up the budget constraint Johns budget constraint states that his total expenditure on fish and silk cannot exceed his incom... View full answer

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