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Homework answers / question archive / Rudolph, the red nosed reindeer, is always indifferent between 3 candy canes (C) and 2 gingerbread cookies (G)
Rudolph, the red nosed reindeer, is always indifferent between 3 candy canes (C) and 2 gingerbread cookies (G). Initially the price of the candy canes and the gingerbread cookies is 2, and Rudolph receives an income of 10. If the price of candy canes drops to 1, what is the value of the substitution effect on the demand for candy canes as a result of this drop in price? (A) 10 (B) 7.5 (C) 2.5 (D) There is not enough information to answer this question.
The answer is (A).
First note that the preferences of Rudolph is perfect substitute. Therefore, the consumer will always spend all the income on a good that provides a higher utility per dollar spent.
Initially, the price for both candy cane and gingerbread cookies is 2. So to buy 3 candy canes will cost 6 dollars and to buy 2 gingerbread cookies will cost 4 dollars. Since Rudolph is always indifferent between 3 candy canes and 2 cookies, and 2 cookies cost less than 3 candy canes, Rudolph will spend all the money on cookies and buy 0 candy canes.
Now the price of candy canes drops to 1. To buy 3 candy canes will cost 3 dollars and to buy 2 gingerbread cookies will cost 4 dollars. This time, Rudolph will spend all the money on candy canes and buy 10/1 = 10 candy canes with an income of 10.
So the total change in demand for candy cane is 10 - 0 = 10. Since the preferences are perfect substitutes, the entire effect is due to substitution effect and there is no income effect.