In: Economics
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Suppose there are two consumers, A and B.
The utility functions of each consumer are given by:
UA(X,Y) = X^1/2*Y^1/2
UB(X,Y) = 3X + 2Y
The initial endowments are:
A: X = 4; Y = 4
B: X = 4; Y = 12
a) (10 points) Using an Edgeworth Box, graph the initial allocation (label it “W”) and draw the
indifference curve for each consumer that runs through the initial allocation. Be sure to label your graph
carefully and accurately.
b) (3 points) What is the marginal rate of substitution for consumer A at the initial allocation?
c) (3 points) What is the marginal rate of substitution for consumer B at the initial allocation?
d) (2 points) Is the initial allocation Pareto Efficient?
Consider the images above for the graphical and numerical solution to the problem. The initial allocation is denoted in the Edgeworth box at point W, where the IC's of A and B interest. Therefore, this is not a pareto efficient solution to the problem. Moreover, as shown above, the MRS of the two consumers are not equal at this point.