Essay

Analyzing the Role of Exponents in a Utility Function

Consider a consumer whose preferences for two goods, X and Y, are represented by the general utility function U(X, Y) = X^a * Y^b, where 'a' and 'b' are positive constants. First, derive the expression for this consumer's Marginal Rate of Substitution (MRS). Then, analyze how the relative values of the exponents 'a' and 'b' influence the MRS. Specifically, explain what a larger value of 'a' relative to 'b' implies about the consumer's preferences for Good X compared to Good Y.

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Updated 2025-08-12

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