Econ 302: Questions about Preferences and Utility Functions



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Question 1:A utility function is given by u(x1,x2) = x12+x22. Then which of the following statements are true and which are false.

  • (2,1) is at least as good as (1,2).
  • (4,0) is at least as good as (2,2).
  • (2,0) is at least as good as (1,1).
  • (3,3) is strictly prefered but not at least as good as (2,2).
  • Given a choice among (2,2),(0,2),(1,1) the consumer would choose (0,2).

Question 2: A utility function is given by u(x1,x2) = x1-4x2. Graph the indifference curves through (2,2), (0,4) and (4,0).

Question 3: Which of the following utility functions describes monotone preferences?

  • u(x1,x2) = x1-4x2.
  • u(x1,x2) = x1x21/2
  • u(x1,x2) = x1-(1/x2)
  • u(x1,x2) = x1+3x2.

Question 4: Determine the marginal rate of substitution MRS for the following utility functions:

  • u(x1,x2) = x1+3x2.
  • u(x1,x2) = 3x1-x2.
  • u(x1,x2) =x11/4+2x2
  • u(x1,x2) =x11/4+x21/4.
  • u(x1,x2) = x1+(1/x22).
  • u(x1,x2) =10x1+x2
  • u(x1,x2) =4x1+5x2

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