Derive the solution to the utility maximization problem by using diffe...
Utility Maximization Problem
Utility maximization is a fundamental concept in economics that involves determining the optimal allocation of resources to maximize an individual's satisfaction or utility. The problem can be mathematically represented as:
Maximize U(x1, x2, ..., xn)
subject to
p1x1 + p2x2 + ... + pnxn = I
Method 1: Lagrange Multiplier Approach
The Lagrange multiplier approach is a common method to solve constrained optimization problems. To solve the utility maximization problem using this method, we introduce a Lagrange multiplier (λ) and set up the following Lagrangian:
L(x1, x2, ..., xn, λ) = U(x1, x2, ..., xn) - λ(p1x1 + p2x2 + ... + pnxn - I)
We then take partial derivatives of the Lagrangian with respect to each variable and the Lagrange multiplier, setting them equal to zero:
∂L/∂xi = ∂U/∂xi - λpi = 0 (for i = 1 to n)
∂L/∂λ = p1x1 + p2x2 + ... + pnxn - I = 0
Solving these equations simultaneously will yield the optimal values for the consumption of each good (x1, x2, ..., xn) that maximize utility.
Method 2: Marginal Utility Approach
Another approach to solving the utility maximization problem is by using marginal utilities. The idea behind this method is to allocate resources in a way that the marginal utility per dollar spent on each good is equal.
Mathematically, this can be expressed as:
MU(x1) / p1 = MU(x2) / p2 = ... = MU(xn) / pn
where MU(xi) represents the marginal utility of good i and pi represents its price.
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