A consumer consumes two goods X and Y, whose prices are Rs.3 and
Rs.5. The consumer is at equilibrium. What should a rational consumer
do if price of good Y decreases? Use indifference curve analysis
method.

Dear Student,
A consumer consuming only two commodities  X  and  Y  attains equilibrium at that level where, 
Marginal Utility of a Rupee spent on commodity  X   = Marginal Utility of a Rupee spent on commodity  Y = Marginal Utility of Money.
Or,

However, when the price of commodity x falls, the ratio of marginal utility to price of  X  becomes higher than that of  Y, that is

In such a case, the consumer rearranges his consumption combination such that the equality is again restored. He would increase his consumption of commodity  X .  With the increase in the consumption of commodity  X , marginal utility of  X  falls. As a result, the ratio of marginal utility to price of   falls. The consumer would continue increasing the consumption of commodity  X   till the equality between the ratio of marginal utility to price in case of  X  and  Y  is again reached. 

So in the above case when price of Good Y decreases then consumer increases  the consumption of Good Y till equality is again restored.


Regards

  • 7
What are you looking for?