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INDIFFERENCE CURVE ANALYSIS Definition: An indifference curve is a graph showing combination of two goods that give the consumer equal satisfaction and utility. Each point on an indifference curve indicates that a consumer is indifferent between the two and all points give him the same utility. In other words, the consumer would be indifferent to these different combinations. Example of choice of goods which give consumers the same utility Table plotted as indifference curve Description: Graphically, the indifference curve is drawn as a downward sloping convex to the origin. The graph shows a combination of two goods that the consumer consumes. The above diagram shows the U indifference curve showing bundles of goods A and B. To the consumer, bundle A and B are the same as both of them give him the equal satisfaction. In other words, point A gives as much utility as point B to the individual. The consumer will be satisfied at any point along the curve assuming that other things are constant. Indifference curve map We can also show different indifference curves. All choices on I2 give the same utility. But, it will be a higher net utility than indifference curve I1. I4 gives the highest net utility. Basically, I4 would require higher income than I1. Budget line A budget line shows the combination of goods that can be afforded with your current income. If an apple costs £1 and a banana £2, the above budget line shows all the combinations of the goods which can be bought with £40. For example: 20 apples @ Rs.1 and 10 bananas @Rs.2 10 apples @Rs.1 and 15 bananas @Rs.2 Optimal Choice of Goods for Consumer (Consumer Equilibrium - Two Commodities- Ordinal Utility Analysis) Given a budget line of B1, the consumer will maximise utility where the highest indifference curve is tangential to the budget line (20 apples, 10 bananas) Given current income – IC2 is unobtainable. IC3 is obtainable but gives less utility than the higher IC1 Notes Compiled for Classroom Discussion by Dr.R.Albert Christopher Dhas (2020) The American College, Madurai
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