Question

Melanie has a choice of driving or flying from Durham, North Carolina to Knoxville, Tennessee for a one-day business trip. If she travels by air, she will be able to work seven hours in Knoxville, while if she drives, she will only have time to work four hours once there. Her expected income from each hour of work in Knoxville is $40. If Melanie a rational decision maker, she will chose to fly if and only if the price differential (air cost minus driving cost) is less than
a. $40.
b. $120.
c. $160.
d. $280.

Answer 1

Answer:

Correct option is (b)

Explanation:

Time available for work if Melanie chooses to travel by air = 7 hours

Income per hour = $40

Total income earned if chooses to travel by air = 40 × 7 = $280

Time available for work if Melanie chooses to drive = 4 hours

Total income earned if chooses to drive = 40 × 4 = $160

Price differential = 280 - 160 = $120

As a rational decision maker, Melanie will choose to fly over drive only if her price differential is below $120. She will choose to drive if price differential is above $120.