Intro to Demand Theory – How to Manage Constraints

Welcome to the next section following a discussion on utility and indifference curves (preferences of consumers). We are now into a discussion on demand theory; the previous posts are linked chronologically at the bottom of this post.

Demand theory wants to explore the concept of: given constraints we must make choices among competing alternatives.

Budget Constraint in formulaic expression:

Relative Prices: P1/P2:

1. Opportunity cost of good 1 in terms of good 2.
2. Absolute value of the budget line slope.
3. Rate at which good two (2) can be substituted for good 1.

Here's an example:

X1 = 10, P1 = 5
X2 = 15, P2 = 5

Budget line, X1p1 + X2p2 = m

M = 125

X2 intersect = x1 = 0 = m/P2 = 125/5 = 25
X1 intersect = x2 = 0 = m/P1 = 125/5 = 25

Slope = 5/5 = p1/p2 = 1

Other Economics Articles

• « Utility Functions (Mathematical Representation of Preference)
• » Cobb Douglas Function – Demand Theory

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