📚 Learning Guide
Consumer Utility Maximization
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A consumer is deciding between two goods, A and B. If the marginal utility per dollar spent on good A is higher than that of good B, what should the consumer do to maximize utility?

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Learning Path
Learning Path

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Buy more of good A and less of good B

B

Buy equal amounts of both goods

C

Buy more of good B and less of good A

D

Stop consuming both goods

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

When a consumer is choosing between two goods, A and B, they want to get the most satisfaction or utility for their money. If the marginal utility per dollar spent on good A is higher than that of good B, it means that for each dollar spent on good A, the consumer gets more satisfaction compared to spending that dollar on good B. Therefore, to maximize utility, the consumer should buy more of good A and less of good B. For example, if good A gives 10 units of satisfaction for every dollar spent, while good B only gives 5 units, it makes sense to spend more on good A to get more overall happiness. By reallocating their spending in this way, the consumer can enjoy a greater total utility.

Detailed Explanation

When good A gives more satisfaction per dollar, it makes sense to buy more of it. Other options are incorrect because Buying equal amounts means you ignore which good gives you more satisfaction; Choosing more of good B means you are wasting money on something that gives less satisfaction.

Key Concepts

Consumer Utility Maximization
Marginal Utility
Resource Allocation
Topic

Consumer Utility Maximization

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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