2. Consider the two-good model of the utility maximization program subject to a budget constraint. The utility function U of a hypothetical rational consumer and his/her budget constraint are given, respectively, by: U = x1x2, (U) B = p1x1 + p2x2, (B) where xi = the consumer’s demand for consumption good i (i = 1, 2), pi = the price of consumption good i (i = 1, 2), and B = the (exogenously given) budget of the consumer. In this maximization program, assume the following data: B = 240, p1 = 10, p2 = 2. (a) Using the Lagrangian function L, derive the first-order (necessary) conditions for a (local) maximum of the utility function. (b) Compute the optimal values of all choice variables, i.e., x*1 , x*2, and λ* , in the program, where λ signifies the Lagrange multiplier. (c) Using the information of the bordered Hessian matrix H¯ , verify the second order (sufficient) condition for a (local) maximum of the utility function.

Microeconomic Theory
12th Edition
ISBN:9781337517942
Author:NICHOLSON
Publisher:NICHOLSON
Chapter6: Demand Relationships Among Goods
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 6.9P
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2. Consider the two-good model of the utility maximization program subject to a budget constraint. The utility function U of a hypothetical rational consumer and his/her budget constraint are given, respectively, by:

U = x1x2, (U)

B = p1x1 + p2x2, (B)

where xi = the consumer’s demand for consumption good i (i = 1, 2), pi = the price of consumption good i (i = 1, 2), and B = the (exogenously given) budget of the consumer. In this maximization program, assume the following data: B = 240, p1 = 10, p2 = 2.

(a) Using the Lagrangian function L, derive the first-order (necessary) conditions for a (local) maximum of the utility function.

(b) Compute the optimal values of all choice variables, i.e., x*1 , x*2, and λ* , in the program, where λ signifies the Lagrange multiplier.

(c) Using the information of the bordered Hessian matrix H¯ , verify the second order (sufficient) condition for a (local) maximum of the utility function.

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