Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Economics

Chapter

Micro Economics: Theory of Consumer behaviour

Question:

Which of the following indicates a situation of consumer's equilibrium for a rational consumer consuming two goods?

Options:

The point at which the budget line just touches (is tangent to), one of the indifference curves.

The absolute value of the slope of the indifference curve (MRS) is greater than that of the budget line (price ratio) at that point.

A point below the budget line.

The point at which the consumer spends all his/her income and the budget line intersects one of the indifference curves.

Correct Answer:

The point at which the budget line just touches (is tangent to), one of the indifference curves.

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (1) → The point at which the budget line just touches (is tangent to), one of the indifference curves.

At consumer’s equilibrium, the budget line is tangent to the indifference curve, showing that the marginal rate of substitution (MRS) between the two goods is equal to the ratio of their prices (Px/Py). This means the consumer maximizes satisfaction given income and prices.

The other options are incorrect because:

  • If MRS > price ratio, the consumer can still increase satisfaction by changing the consumption bundle.

  • A point below the budget line:  This point is attainable but does not utilize the consumer's entire income. Since a rational consumer aims to maximize utility, they will always move to a point on the budget line to reach a higher indifference curve.

  • If the budget line intersects the indifference curve, it’s not equilibrium since a higher indifference curve can still be reached.