In: Economics
The consumer's budget constraint is $6 = 2G + 2P, where G is packs of gum and P is bags of pretzels. The consumer's utility function is U = G0.5P. The utility-maximizing bundle consists of _____ packs of gum and _____ bags of pretzels.
a) 8;1
b) 4;4
c) 1;2
d) 8;2
We know that Utility maximizing bundle is where the ratio of the marginal utilities of the two goods is equal to the ratio of their prices
In this case
MUG / MUP = PG/PP
PG/PP = 2/2 = 1
MUG = 0.5P*G^(-1/2)
MUP = G^(1/2)
MUG/MUP = (0.5P*G^(-1/2)) / (G^(1/2) = 0.5P/G
If MUG/MUP = PG/PP
Then 0.5P/G = 1, and hence 0.5P = G or P = 2G
Since budget line is $6 = 2G+2P
$6 = P+2P = 3P, hence P = 6/3 = 2
And G=0.5P = 0.5*2 = 1
C. is the right answer