Syracuse University
U = x^0.25 * y^0.75
U = (0.25*M/Px)^0.25 * (0.75*M/Py)^0.75
U = (0.25/Px)^0.25 * (0.75/Py)^0.75 * M
M = U * (Px/0.25)^0.25 * (Py/0.75)^0.75
Now find the original level of utility. Demand for x is 0.25*100/1 = 25; demand for y is 0.75*100/1 = 75. Utility, U1, is:
U1 = 25^0.25 * 75^0.75
U1 = 57
Inserting U1 and new prices into the expenditure function gives M3, the amount of income needed to achieve the original utility at the new prices:
M3 = 57 * (2/0.25)^0.25 * (1/0.75)^0.75
M3 = 119
The CV is $119-$100 = $19.
x2 = 0.25*100/2 = 12.5.
The total change in x is:
x2 - x1 = 12.5 - 25 = -12.5
To decompose the total change into the income and substitution effects, calculate the amount of x, call it x3, that would be demanded if the individual had been compensated for the price change (that is, calculate the x demanded if M had been equal to $119 and Px is $2):
x3 = 0.25*119/2 = 14.9
The difference between x3 and x1 is the substitution effect:
x3 - x1 = 14.9 - 25 = -10.1
The difference between x2 and x3 is the income effect:
x2 - x3 = 12.5 - 14.9 = -2.4