Answer:
The marginal utility of chili must be 28.57 for the consumer to maximize total utility.
Explanation:
The marginal utility of chili at which the consumer maximizes total utility can be calculated as follows:
Let:
CCHIP = Cost of a bag of chips = $1.75
MUCHIP = Marginal utility of a bag of chips = 20
CCHILI = Cost of a cup of chili = $2.50
MUCHILI = Marginal utility of a cup of Chili = ?
The condition for the utility maximization of the consumer is as follows:
MUCHIP / CCHIP = MUCHILI / CCHILI ……………………………. (1)
Substituting all the relevant values into equation (1) and solve for MUCHILI, we have:
20 / 1.75 = MUCHILI / 2.50
(20 / 1.75) * 2.50 = MUCHILI
MUCHILI = 28.57
Therefore, the marginal utility of chili must be 28.57 for the consumer to maximize total utility.
