Consider a Potential, Voluntary Exchange Between Two People

question 40

Essay

Consider a potential, voluntary exchange between two people. Assume that both people have complete information about each other's preferences and that there are no transaction costs. Consumers A and B have between them 9 units of X and 15 units of Y. Initially, A has 6 of X and 10 of Y, and B has 3 of X and 5 of Y. Consumer A's marginal rate of substitution of X for Y is 2 and B's marginal rate of substitution of X for Y is 1/3. Is there room for a mutually beneficial, voluntary exchange? Determine which consumer would trade for more X and which consumer would trade for more Y. If trade takes place, can you explain the terms of trade?

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Definitions:

Unsettling Thoughts

Thoughts that cause unease, discomfort, or anxiety, often reflective of internal conflicts or external stressors.

Conscious Awareness

The state or quality of being aware of an external object or something within oneself, marked by mental focus and self-awareness.

Repressed

The unconscious exclusion of painful or unwanted thoughts, feelings, or memories from conscious awareness.

Unsettling

causing discomfort or unease, often by being unexpected or unfamiliar.