Consider a utility function of two goods x and y: U (x,y) = A (ax' +by') where A >0, a>0, b>0, r € (-0,0)U(0, 1) are constants. This utility function is called a "constant elasticity of substitution (CES)" function and is frequently used in Macroeconom- ics. (a) Prove that when a+b = 1, this utility function converges to a Cobb-Douglas utility function as r→0. Hint: apply l'Hopital's rule to lim In (x9) – lim Im(ax'+by') (b) Calculate the slope of the indifference curves of U. Based on your answer, are good x and y perfect/imperfect substitutes/complements when r → 1? When r → -? (c) Is U a homogeneous function? If so, what's its degree? If not, please explain. (d) Is U a homothetic function? Please explain.

Advanced Engineering Mathematics
10th Edition
ISBN:9780470458365
Author:Erwin Kreyszig
Publisher:Erwin Kreyszig
Chapter2: Second-order Linear Odes
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ
icon
Related questions
Question

11.) Answer only part A

Consider a utility function of two goodsx and y:
U (x, y) = A (ax' +by')
where A > 0, a> 0, b>0, r € (-∞,0)U (0,1) are constants. This utility function is called a
"constant elasticity of substitution (CES)" function and is frequently used in Macroeconom-
ics.
(a) Prove that when a+b = 1, this utility function converges to a Cobb-Douglas utility
function as r→ 0. Hint: apply l'Hopital's rule to lim In U(x.y) = lim In(ax' +by')
(b) Calculate the slope of the indifference curves of U. Based on your answer, are good x
and y perfect/imperfect substitutes/complements when r → 1? When r → -00?
(c) Is U a homogeneous function? If so, what's its degree? If not, please explain.
(d) Is U a homothetic function? Please explain.
Transcribed Image Text:Consider a utility function of two goodsx and y: U (x, y) = A (ax' +by') where A > 0, a> 0, b>0, r € (-∞,0)U (0,1) are constants. This utility function is called a "constant elasticity of substitution (CES)" function and is frequently used in Macroeconom- ics. (a) Prove that when a+b = 1, this utility function converges to a Cobb-Douglas utility function as r→ 0. Hint: apply l'Hopital's rule to lim In U(x.y) = lim In(ax' +by') (b) Calculate the slope of the indifference curves of U. Based on your answer, are good x and y perfect/imperfect substitutes/complements when r → 1? When r → -00? (c) Is U a homogeneous function? If so, what's its degree? If not, please explain. (d) Is U a homothetic function? Please explain.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 2 images

Blurred answer
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Advanced Engineering Mathematics
Advanced Engineering Mathematics
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9780470458365
Author:
Erwin Kreyszig
Publisher:
Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated
Numerical Methods for Engineers
Numerical Methods for Engineers
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9780073397924
Author:
Steven C. Chapra Dr., Raymond P. Canale
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Introductory Mathematics for Engineering Applicat…
Introductory Mathematics for Engineering Applicat…
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9781118141809
Author:
Nathan Klingbeil
Publisher:
WILEY
Mathematics For Machine Technology
Mathematics For Machine Technology
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9781337798310
Author:
Peterson, John.
Publisher:
Cengage Learning,
Basic Technical Mathematics
Basic Technical Mathematics
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9780134437705
Author:
Washington
Publisher:
PEARSON
Topology
Topology
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9780134689517
Author:
Munkres, James R.
Publisher:
Pearson,