The accompanying table shows Tom and Ray's total willingness to
pay for different amounts of public recreational areas (REC), which
is measured in acres. The marginal cost of one acre of recreational
area is $1,000.
Tom's willingness to
pay Ray's
willingness to
pay REC
(acres)
$2,000 $1,000 1
3,000 1,800 2
3,800 2,500 3
4,300 3,100 4
4,500 3,600 5
4,600 4,000 6
4,600 4,300 7
4,600 4,400 8
4,600 4,400 9
Part A: What is the socially optimal level of recreational
areas? Assume you cannot purchase partial acres. Explain your
answer.
Part B: What should be the tax burden...