Imagine a Primitive Society in Which There Are Two Goods

question 77

Essay

Imagine a primitive society in which there are two goods: food and shelter. The utility functions for two representative members of the society, Jane and Paul, are given below.
Jane's utility function:
U^J = 25F^0.5S^0.5
Paul's utility function:
U^P = 50F^0.75S^0.25
where F = units of food, and S = units of shelter.
a. Determine the marginal rate of substitution for each individual.
b. The current prices of food and shelter are $12 and $6, respectively. Determine the proportions in which Jane and Paul should consume food and clothing to achieve an exchange equilibrium.

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Definitions:

FIFO

First-In, First-Out, an inventory valuation method where goods or materials purchased first are the first to be sold or used.

LIFO

"Last In, First Out," an inventory valuation method where the last items added to inventory are considered sold first.

Retail Inventory Method

An accounting method used by retailers to estimate their ending inventory balances by applying a cost-to-retail price ratio to the retail value of the inventory.

Cost-to-retail Ratio

A method used to estimate the value of ending inventory based on the ratio of the cost of goods available for sale to the retail price of those goods.