The Table Below Reflects the Levels of Total Utility Received

question 146

Essay

The table below reflects the levels of total utility received from income for each of four members of a society.

a.Assume that the society has the following income distribution:
Peter $3
Paul $7
Mary $5
Jane $3
Is it possible for the government to increase total aggregate utility by redistributing income among members of society? Explain your answer.
b.Assume that the government has $19 to allocate among the four members of society.(Assume that no one has any income to start with.)If the government is interested in distributing income in a way that maximizes aggregate total utility,how should it distribute the $19 of income?
c.Does the table above describe a situation characterized by diminishing marginal utility? Explain your answer.

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Definitions:

Complements

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Demand Curve

A graph showing the relationship between the price of a good or service and the quantity demanded, typically downward sloping.

Consumer Incomes

The total earnings or financial gains received by individuals or households, affecting their buying power and consumption patterns.

Hybrid Sedans

Vehicles that combine an internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system, designed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease emissions.