The Table Below Reflects the Levels of Total Utility Received

question 14

Essay

The table below reflects the levels of total utility received from income for each of four members of a society. Assume that the society has the following income distribution:
Peter $3
Paul $7
a. 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. Assume that the government has $19 to allocate among the four members of society.
b. (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:

Name

A word or set of words by which a person, place, or thing is known, addressed, or referred to.

Frequency

The number of cycles per second of a periodic signal, measured in hertz (Hz).

Sequence

A specific order in which related events, movements, or things follow each other.

Transformer Harmonic Derating Factor

A multiplier used to adjust the rating of a transformer based on the presence of harmonics in the electrical system, to avoid overheating and ensure safe operation.