Question

If the current exchange rate is 1 euro to 1.5 U.S dollars, according to the theory of purchasing power parity, a haircut that costs 15 dollars in Dallas should cost ____ euros in Paris. A wheel of French cheese that costs 20 euros in Paris should cost ____ dollars in Dallas.

Answer 1

Answer: (1) 10 euros (2) 15dollars

Explanation:

S= P1 /P2

where:

S= Exchange rate of currency 1 to currency 2

P1 = Cost of good X in currency 1

P2 = Cost of good X in currency 2

(1) s = 1.5, P1 = 15 dollars, P2 = ???

so,

1.5 = 15 / P2

P2 = 15/1.5 = 10 euros

Hence, according to the theory of purchasing power parity,

The price of a haircut that cost 15 dollars in Dallas will be 10 euros in Paris.

(2) S = P1/P2

taking 1 euro to 1.5dollars exchange,

1.5 = P1/P2 but P2 = 10 euros

hence P1 = 1.5 x 10 = 15 dollars.

Hence, according to the theory of purchasing power parity,

A wheel of French cheese that costs 20 euros in Paris should cost 15dollars in Dallas