Assume a barter economy that consists of only three standardized goods, (X, Y, Z). The relative prices of those goods are provided in the relative price matrix below. Good X Y Z X Y N 1 1/2 1/3 2 1 2/3 3 1.5 1 a. What is the minimum number of relative prices we should know to describe the pricing of goods in this economy? b. Suppose that the society reached an agreement on the silver to be used as money. Assume that ten silver coins can buy only one Good Z. Find the prices of Good Y and Good X and list all prices in terms of money. c. What are the similarities and differences between the matrix of relative prices and the list of prices in (e)? d. Discuss the role of money as a common denominator. Which function(s) of the money represents this role?

Microeconomic Theory
12th Edition
ISBN:9781337517942
Author:NICHOLSON
Publisher:NICHOLSON
Chapter6: Demand Relationships Among Goods
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 6.5P
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Assume a barter economy that consists of only three standardized goods, {X, Y, Z}. The relative prices of
those goods are provided in the relative price matrix below.
Good x
Y
1.
1/2
1/3
Y
1.
2/3
1.5
1
a. What is the minimum number of relative prices we should know to describe the pricing of goods in this
economy?
b. Suppose that the society reached an agreement on the silver to be used as money. Assume that ten silver
coins can buy only one Good Z. Find the prices of Good Y and Good X and list all prices in terms of money.
c. What are the similarities and differences between the matrix of relative prices and the list of prices in (e)?
d. Discuss the role of money as a common denominator. Which function(s) of the money represents this role?
2.
3.
N
Transcribed Image Text:Assume a barter economy that consists of only three standardized goods, {X, Y, Z}. The relative prices of those goods are provided in the relative price matrix below. Good x Y 1. 1/2 1/3 Y 1. 2/3 1.5 1 a. What is the minimum number of relative prices we should know to describe the pricing of goods in this economy? b. Suppose that the society reached an agreement on the silver to be used as money. Assume that ten silver coins can buy only one Good Z. Find the prices of Good Y and Good X and list all prices in terms of money. c. What are the similarities and differences between the matrix of relative prices and the list of prices in (e)? d. Discuss the role of money as a common denominator. Which function(s) of the money represents this role? 2. 3. N
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