Question

Michael is maximizing utility by consuming three colas at $3 a piece and four hot dogs. The last cola gave him 300 units of utility, and the last hot dog gave him 500 units of utility. The price of each hot dog is: A. $4.00. B. $3.00. C. $5.00. D. $2.50.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. $5

Explanation:

Marginal utility is the benefit gained from consuming an additional unit of a product or service.

According to the question, Michael is maximizing utility when Marginal Utility / Price of colas is equal to Marginal Utility / Price of hotdogs. Marginal utility can thus be found by solving the following equation for X (the price of hot dog)

MU/P of Colas = MU/P of hot dogs

300/3 = 500/X

3/300 = X/500

X = (3/300) x 500

X = 0.01 x 500

X = 5

Hence, the price of each hot dog is $5.