Skip to main content
added 21 characters in body
Source Link
Beerus
  • 505
  • 1
  • 2
  • 20

Problem

I am asked to prove the following result (MWG Exercise 2.F.5):

The law of demand always holds if the walrasian demand function $x(\mathbf{p},w)$ satisfies the weak axiom of revealed preference (WARP), Walras' law, homogeneity of degree 0, and homogeneity of degree 1 with respect to wealth.

My Attempt So Far

This is what I have so far:

Suppose that the Walrasian demand function $x(\mathbf{p},w)$ satisfies the weak axiom of revealed preference (WARP), Walras' law, homogeneity of degree 0, and homogeneity of degree 1 with respect to wealth $w$. We want to prove that, for any price change from $\mathbf{p}$ to $\mathbf{p}'$ (without change in wealth), we have \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',w) - x(\mathbf{p},w)] \leq 0.\tag1 \end{align*} By homogeneity of degree 1 in $w$, we shall prove \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] \leq 0\tag2 \end{align*} for all $\mathbf{p}$ and $\mathbf{p}'$. We consider the following cases:

Case 1: Suppose that $x(\mathbf{p},1) = x(\mathbf{p}',1)$. Then the inequality $(2)$ always holds with $(\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] = 0$.

From now on, suppose that $x(\mathbf{p},1) \neq x(\mathbf{p}',1)$.

Case 2: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) > 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$. Notice that, by Walras' law, $1 = \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) = \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1)$. Then, \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] &= \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) - \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) - \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) + \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1)\\ &= 1 - \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) - \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) + 1\\ &< 0. \end{align*}

Here is where I got stuck:

Case 3: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) \leq 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$.

Case 4: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) > 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) \leq 1$.

My Question

Could someone please help me derive the inequality $(2)$ for Case 3 and Case 4 above? We could basically just consider Case 3. I want to prove that, if $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) \leq 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$, then \begin{align*} \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) + \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) \geq 2. \end{align*} Thanks a lot in advance!

Problem

I am asked to prove the following result:

The law of demand always holds if the walrasian demand function $x(\mathbf{p},w)$ satisfies the weak axiom of revealed preference (WARP), Walras' law, homogeneity of degree 0, and homogeneity of degree 1 with respect to wealth.

My Attempt So Far

This is what I have so far:

Suppose that the Walrasian demand function $x(\mathbf{p},w)$ satisfies the weak axiom of revealed preference (WARP), Walras' law, homogeneity of degree 0, and homogeneity of degree 1 with respect to wealth $w$. We want to prove that, for any price change from $\mathbf{p}$ to $\mathbf{p}'$ (without change in wealth), we have \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',w) - x(\mathbf{p},w)] \leq 0.\tag1 \end{align*} By homogeneity of degree 1 in $w$, we shall prove \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] \leq 0\tag2 \end{align*} for all $\mathbf{p}$ and $\mathbf{p}'$. We consider the following cases:

Case 1: Suppose that $x(\mathbf{p},1) = x(\mathbf{p}',1)$. Then the inequality $(2)$ always holds with $(\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] = 0$.

From now on, suppose that $x(\mathbf{p},1) \neq x(\mathbf{p}',1)$.

Case 2: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) > 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$. Notice that, by Walras' law, $1 = \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) = \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1)$. Then, \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] &= \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) - \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) - \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) + \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1)\\ &= 1 - \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) - \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) + 1\\ &< 0. \end{align*}

Here is where I got stuck:

Case 3: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) \leq 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$.

Case 4: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) > 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) \leq 1$.

My Question

Could someone please help me derive the inequality $(2)$ for Case 3 and Case 4 above? We could basically just consider Case 3. I want to prove that, if $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) \leq 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$, then \begin{align*} \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) + \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) \geq 2. \end{align*} Thanks a lot in advance!

Problem

I am asked to prove the following result (MWG Exercise 2.F.5):

The law of demand always holds if the walrasian demand function $x(\mathbf{p},w)$ satisfies the weak axiom of revealed preference (WARP), Walras' law, homogeneity of degree 0, and homogeneity of degree 1 with respect to wealth.

My Attempt So Far

This is what I have so far:

Suppose that the Walrasian demand function $x(\mathbf{p},w)$ satisfies the weak axiom of revealed preference (WARP), Walras' law, homogeneity of degree 0, and homogeneity of degree 1 with respect to wealth $w$. We want to prove that, for any price change from $\mathbf{p}$ to $\mathbf{p}'$ (without change in wealth), we have \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',w) - x(\mathbf{p},w)] \leq 0.\tag1 \end{align*} By homogeneity of degree 1 in $w$, we shall prove \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] \leq 0\tag2 \end{align*} for all $\mathbf{p}$ and $\mathbf{p}'$. We consider the following cases:

Case 1: Suppose that $x(\mathbf{p},1) = x(\mathbf{p}',1)$. Then the inequality $(2)$ always holds with $(\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] = 0$.

From now on, suppose that $x(\mathbf{p},1) \neq x(\mathbf{p}',1)$.

Case 2: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) > 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$. Notice that, by Walras' law, $1 = \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) = \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1)$. Then, \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] &= \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) - \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) - \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) + \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1)\\ &= 1 - \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) - \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) + 1\\ &< 0. \end{align*}

Here is where I got stuck:

Case 3: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) \leq 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$.

Case 4: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) > 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) \leq 1$.

My Question

Could someone please help me derive the inequality $(2)$ for Case 3 and Case 4 above? We could basically just consider Case 3. I want to prove that, if $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) \leq 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$, then \begin{align*} \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) + \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) \geq 2. \end{align*} Thanks a lot in advance!

added 13 characters in body
Source Link
Beerus
  • 505
  • 1
  • 2
  • 20

Problem

I am asked to prove the following result:

The law of demand always holds if the walrasian demand function $x(\mathbf{p},w)$ satisfies the weak axiom of revealed preference (WARP), Walras' law, homogeneity of degree 0, and homogeneity of degree 1 with respect to wealth.

My Attempt So Far

This is what I have so far:

Suppose that the Walrasian demand function $x(\mathbf{p},w)$ satisfies the weak axiom of revealed preference (WARP), Walras' law, homogeneity of degree 0, and homogeneity of degree 1 with respect to wealth $w$. We want to prove that, for any price change from $\mathbf{p}$ to $\mathbf{p}'$ (without change in wealth), we have \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',w) - x(\mathbf{p},w)] \leq 0.\tag1 \end{align*} By homogeneity of degree 1 in $w$, we shall prove \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] \leq 0\tag2 \end{align*} for all $\mathbf{p}$ and $\mathbf{p}'$. We consider the following cases:

Case 1: Suppose that $x(\mathbf{p},1) = x(\mathbf{p}',1)$. Then the inequality $(2)$ always holds with $(\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] = 0$.

From now on, suppose that $x(\mathbf{p},1) \neq x(\mathbf{p}',1)$.

Case 2: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) > 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$. Notice that, by Walras' law, $1 = \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) = \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1)$. Then, \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] &= \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) - \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) - \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) + \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1)\\ &= 1 - \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) - \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) + 1\\ &< 0. \end{align*}

Here is where I got stuck:

Case 3: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) \leq 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$.

Case 4: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) > 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) \leq 1$.

My Question

Could someone please help me derive the inequality $(2)$ for Case 3 and Case 4 above? We could basically just consider Case 3. I want to prove that, if $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) \leq 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$, then \begin{align*} \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) + \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) \geq 2. \end{align*} Thanks a lot in advance!

Problem

I am asked to prove the following result:

The law of demand always holds if the walrasian demand function $x(\mathbf{p},w)$ satisfies the weak axiom of revealed preference (WARP), Walras' law, homogeneity of degree 0, and homogeneity of degree 1 with respect to wealth.

My Attempt So Far

This is what I have so far:

Suppose that the Walrasian demand function $x(\mathbf{p},w)$ satisfies the weak axiom of revealed preference (WARP), homogeneity of degree 0, and homogeneity of degree 1 with respect to wealth $w$. We want to prove that, for any price change from $\mathbf{p}$ to $\mathbf{p}'$ (without change in wealth), we have \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',w) - x(\mathbf{p},w)] \leq 0.\tag1 \end{align*} By homogeneity of degree 1 in $w$, we shall prove \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] \leq 0\tag2 \end{align*} for all $\mathbf{p}$ and $\mathbf{p}'$. We consider the following cases:

Case 1: Suppose that $x(\mathbf{p},1) = x(\mathbf{p}',1)$. Then the inequality $(2)$ always holds with $(\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] = 0$.

From now on, suppose that $x(\mathbf{p},1) \neq x(\mathbf{p}',1)$.

Case 2: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) > 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$. Notice that, by Walras' law, $1 = \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) = \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1)$. Then, \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] &= \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) - \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) - \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) + \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1)\\ &= 1 - \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) - \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) + 1\\ &< 0. \end{align*}

Here is where I got stuck:

Case 3: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) \leq 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$.

Case 4: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) > 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) \leq 1$.

My Question

Could someone please help me derive the inequality $(2)$ for Case 3 and Case 4 above? We could basically just consider Case 3. I want to prove that, if $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) \leq 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$, then \begin{align*} \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) + \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) \geq 2. \end{align*} Thanks a lot in advance!

Problem

I am asked to prove the following result:

The law of demand always holds if the walrasian demand function $x(\mathbf{p},w)$ satisfies the weak axiom of revealed preference (WARP), Walras' law, homogeneity of degree 0, and homogeneity of degree 1 with respect to wealth.

My Attempt So Far

This is what I have so far:

Suppose that the Walrasian demand function $x(\mathbf{p},w)$ satisfies the weak axiom of revealed preference (WARP), Walras' law, homogeneity of degree 0, and homogeneity of degree 1 with respect to wealth $w$. We want to prove that, for any price change from $\mathbf{p}$ to $\mathbf{p}'$ (without change in wealth), we have \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',w) - x(\mathbf{p},w)] \leq 0.\tag1 \end{align*} By homogeneity of degree 1 in $w$, we shall prove \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] \leq 0\tag2 \end{align*} for all $\mathbf{p}$ and $\mathbf{p}'$. We consider the following cases:

Case 1: Suppose that $x(\mathbf{p},1) = x(\mathbf{p}',1)$. Then the inequality $(2)$ always holds with $(\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] = 0$.

From now on, suppose that $x(\mathbf{p},1) \neq x(\mathbf{p}',1)$.

Case 2: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) > 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$. Notice that, by Walras' law, $1 = \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) = \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1)$. Then, \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] &= \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) - \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) - \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) + \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1)\\ &= 1 - \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) - \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) + 1\\ &< 0. \end{align*}

Here is where I got stuck:

Case 3: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) \leq 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$.

Case 4: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) > 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) \leq 1$.

My Question

Could someone please help me derive the inequality $(2)$ for Case 3 and Case 4 above? We could basically just consider Case 3. I want to prove that, if $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) \leq 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$, then \begin{align*} \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) + \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) \geq 2. \end{align*} Thanks a lot in advance!

added 269 characters in body
Source Link
Beerus
  • 505
  • 1
  • 2
  • 20

Problem

I am asked to prove the following result:

The law of demand always holds if the walrasian demand function $x(\mathbf{p},w)$ satisfies the weak axiom of revealed preference (WARP), Walras' law, homogeneity of degree 0, and homogeneity of degree 1 with respect to wealth.

My Attempt So Far

This is what I have so far:

Suppose that the Walrasian demand function $x(\mathbf{p},w)$ satisfies the weak axiom of revealed preference (WARP), homogeneity of degree 0, and homogeneity of degree 1 with respect to wealth $w$. We want to prove that, for any price change from $\mathbf{p}$ to $\mathbf{p}'$ (without change in wealth), we have \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',w) - x(\mathbf{p},w)] \leq 0.\tag1 \end{align*} By homogeneity of degree 1 in $w$, we shall prove \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] \leq 0\tag2 \end{align*} for all $\mathbf{p}$ and $\mathbf{p}'$. We consider the following cases:

Case 1: Suppose that $x(\mathbf{p},1) = x(\mathbf{p}',1)$. Then the inequality $(2)$ always holds with $(\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] = 0$.

From now on, suppose that $x(\mathbf{p},1) \neq x(\mathbf{p}',1)$.

Case 2: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) > 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$. Notice that, by Walras' law, $1 = \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) = \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1)$. Then, \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] &= \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) - \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) - \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) + \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1)\\ &= 1 - \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) - \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) + 1\\ &< 0. \end{align*}

Here is where I got stuck:

Case 3: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) \leq 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$.

Case 4: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) > 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) \leq 1$.

My Question

Could someone please help me derive the inequality $(2)$ for Case 3 and Case 4 above? ThanksWe could basically just consider Case 3. I want to prove that, if $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) \leq 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$, then \begin{align*} \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) + \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) \geq 2. \end{align*} Thanks a lot in advance!

Problem

I am asked to prove the following result:

The law of demand always holds if the walrasian demand function $x(\mathbf{p},w)$ satisfies the weak axiom of revealed preference (WARP), Walras' law, homogeneity of degree 0, and homogeneity of degree 1 with respect to wealth.

My Attempt So Far

This is what I have so far:

Suppose that the Walrasian demand function $x(\mathbf{p},w)$ satisfies the weak axiom of revealed preference (WARP), homogeneity of degree 0, and homogeneity of degree 1 with respect to wealth $w$. We want to prove that, for any price change from $\mathbf{p}$ to $\mathbf{p}'$ (without change in wealth), we have \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',w) - x(\mathbf{p},w)] \leq 0.\tag1 \end{align*} By homogeneity of degree 1 in $w$, we shall prove \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] \leq 0\tag2 \end{align*} for all $\mathbf{p}$ and $\mathbf{p}'$. We consider the following cases:

Case 1: Suppose that $x(\mathbf{p},1) = x(\mathbf{p}',1)$. Then the inequality $(2)$ always holds with $(\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] = 0$.

From now on, suppose that $x(\mathbf{p},1) \neq x(\mathbf{p}',1)$.

Case 2: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) > 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$. Notice that, by Walras' law, $1 = \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) = \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1)$. Then, \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] &= \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) - \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) - \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) + \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1)\\ &= 1 - \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) - \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) + 1\\ &< 0. \end{align*}

Here is where I got stuck:

Case 3: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) \leq 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$.

Case 4: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) > 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) \leq 1$.

My Question

Could someone please help me derive the inequality $(2)$ for Case 3 and Case 4 above? Thanks a lot in advance!

Problem

I am asked to prove the following result:

The law of demand always holds if the walrasian demand function $x(\mathbf{p},w)$ satisfies the weak axiom of revealed preference (WARP), Walras' law, homogeneity of degree 0, and homogeneity of degree 1 with respect to wealth.

My Attempt So Far

This is what I have so far:

Suppose that the Walrasian demand function $x(\mathbf{p},w)$ satisfies the weak axiom of revealed preference (WARP), homogeneity of degree 0, and homogeneity of degree 1 with respect to wealth $w$. We want to prove that, for any price change from $\mathbf{p}$ to $\mathbf{p}'$ (without change in wealth), we have \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',w) - x(\mathbf{p},w)] \leq 0.\tag1 \end{align*} By homogeneity of degree 1 in $w$, we shall prove \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] \leq 0\tag2 \end{align*} for all $\mathbf{p}$ and $\mathbf{p}'$. We consider the following cases:

Case 1: Suppose that $x(\mathbf{p},1) = x(\mathbf{p}',1)$. Then the inequality $(2)$ always holds with $(\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] = 0$.

From now on, suppose that $x(\mathbf{p},1) \neq x(\mathbf{p}',1)$.

Case 2: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) > 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$. Notice that, by Walras' law, $1 = \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) = \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1)$. Then, \begin{align*} (\mathbf{p}' - \mathbf{p}) \cdot [x(\mathbf{p}',1) - x(\mathbf{p},1)] &= \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) - \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) - \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) + \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1)\\ &= 1 - \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) - \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) + 1\\ &< 0. \end{align*}

Here is where I got stuck:

Case 3: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) \leq 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$.

Case 4: Suppose that $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) > 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) \leq 1$.

My Question

Could someone please help me derive the inequality $(2)$ for Case 3 and Case 4 above? We could basically just consider Case 3. I want to prove that, if $\mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) \leq 1$ and $\mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) > 1$, then \begin{align*} \mathbf{p}' \cdot x(\mathbf{p},1) + \mathbf{p} \cdot x(\mathbf{p}',1) \geq 2. \end{align*} Thanks a lot in advance!

added 72 characters in body
Source Link
Beerus
  • 505
  • 1
  • 2
  • 20
Loading
Source Link
Beerus
  • 505
  • 1
  • 2
  • 20
Loading