Let Ella’s preferences for goods x and y are represented by
the utility function ?(E) (?, ?) = 2? + ?,
whereas Louis’ utility function is ?(L) (?, ?) = ? + ?
The initial endowments of Ella and Louis include 8 units of x
and 4 units of y each (i.e., there are
a total of 16 units of x and 8 units of y in this
economy).
a. (2 points) What are the marginal rates of substitution for
Ella and Louis?
b. (5 points) Draw the Edgeworth box to show the initial
endowments and the utility functions for Ella and Louis. Calculate
their utility levels from their initial endowments.
c. (2 points) Do the initial endowments represent a Pareto
efficient allocation? Please discuss.
d. (3 points) If Ella convinces Louis to exchange at terms
which would leave Louis at his initial utility level (i.e., without
making him worse-off), what is the set of (?, ?) that would make
Ella better off. Just show this on the Edgeworth box that you drew
in part (b).
e. (3 points) What will be the final allocation of goods x and
y, if Ella convinces Louis to exchange at terms which would leave
Louis at his initial utility level. What will be Ella’s utility
after the exchange? What is the exchange rate (x per y)?
f. (2 points) Show, on the Edgeworth box, the set of exchange
possibilities for Ella and Louis which would make at least one of
them better-off without making the other worse-off.
g. (3 points) Based on your response to part (f), show the
contract curve on the Edgeworth box. What is the range of exchange
rate?