A Consumer Has Preferences Over Two Goods, X and Y

question 423

Multiple Choice

A consumer has preferences over two goods, X and Y. Suppose we graph this consumer's preferences (which satisfy the usual properties of indifference curves) and budget constraint on a diagram with X on the horizontal axis and Y on the vertical axis. At the consumer's current consumption bundle, the consumer is spending all available income, and the marginal rate of substitution is less than the slope of the budget constraint. We can conclude that the consumer

• A)is currently maximizing satisfaction subject to the budget constraint.
• B)could increase satisfaction by consuming more X and less Y.
• C)could increase satisfaction by consuming less X and more Y.
• D)could purchase more X and more Y and increase total satisfaction.

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Definitions:

Indifference Curve

A graph representing combinations of goods among which a consumer is indifferent, reflecting preferences.

Combinations

In mathematics and statistics, combinations refer to the selection of items from a group, where the order of selection does not matter.

Total Utility

The overall satisfaction or pleasure a person derives from consuming a certain quantity of goods or services.

Marginal Utilities

The increased enjoyment or benefit obtained by a user from the consumption of one more unit of a good or service.