(Step-by-Step) Income vs Substitution Effects. Assume that preferences are represented by the utility function u(x_1, x_2)=√x_1+x_2 Calculate the
Question: Income vs Substitution Effects.
Assume that preferences are represented by the utility function \(u\left(x_{1}, x_{2}\right)=\sqrt{x_{1}}+x_{2}\)
- Calculate the consumer's optimal choices, and his corresponding utility, at \(p_{1}=1\), \(p_{2}=2, m=1\)
- Now suppose the price of good 1 increases to \(p_{1}=2\), while there is no change in \(p_{2}\).
- Calculate the compensating variation: how much would \(m\) need to increase, in order for the consumer to be unaffected by the price increase? (i.e., to obtain the same utility level as in part (a))
- Calculate his optimal bundle, if you increase his wealth by the amount calculated above in (i)
(c) Finally, calculate his optimal bundle at \(p_{1}=2, p_{2}=2, m=1\) (new prices, original wealth). Compared to part (a), how much does his consumption of good 1 change due to the substitution effect, and how much due to the income effect? (Hint: you can use your answer in part (b) (ii) to calculate the change due to substitution effect).
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