<p>Since the prices of <strong>a</strong> and <strong>b</strong> are equal, but the consumer gets more utility from <strong>a</strong> (<strong>3a</strong> vs. <strong>2b</strong>) then the optimal consumption would be to purchase as much of <strong>a</strong> as possible, and only purchase <strong>b</strong> if <strong>a</strong> has run out. </p>

<p>I'd also like to point out it doesn't completely make sense to explain a math equation without math... </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-11-15T07:09:48.047Z
[Should I](https://economics.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/1662/should-i-downvote-valid-answers-to-off-topic-questions)?
Giskard
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-11-15T08:24:41.793Z
@denesp I'd like to point out stackoverflow is full of highly upvoted answers to off-topic questions fwiw.
serakfalcon
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-11-15T08:53:47.133Z
Thank you! So I just need to look at the coefficients, right? 
Can the graph help me as well? 
I know it makes no sense without calculating what that is what the task is.
Felix
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-11-15T11:18:11.747Z
@serakfalcon Stackoverflow is free to decide on its own policy, as is any SE site.
Giskard
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-11-15T06:04:45.783Z
2017-11-15T06:04:45.783Z
serakfalcon
<p>I need help with this task.</p>

<p>The utility function is <em>U(a;b)=3a+2b.</em> 
The prices for the goods <em>a</em> and <em>b</em> are equal. 
Explain what an optional consumption of the consumer would be without calculating. </p>

<p>How do I explain it without math? </p>

<microeconomics><utility>
Finding out an optional consumption without calculation
Felix
# Finding out an optional consumption without calculation

(Asked by: username_0 on 2017-11-14)

I need help with this task.

The utility function is *U(a;b)=3a+2b.*
The prices for the goods *a* and *b* are equal.
Explain what an optional consumption of the consumer would be without calculating.

How do I explain it without math?

**Tags:** microeconomics, utility

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2017-11-15. Score: 0 | Accepted answer

Since the prices of **a** and **b** are equal, but the consumer gets more utility from **a** (**3a** vs. **2b**) then the optimal consumption would be to purchase as much of **a** as possible, and only purchase **b** if **a** has run out.

I'd also like to point out it doesn't completely make sense to explain a math equation without math...

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: [Should I](https://economics.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/1662/should-i-downvote-valid-answers-to-off-topic-questions)?  
> **username_1**: @denesp I'd like to point out stackoverflow is full of highly upvoted answers to off-topic questions fwiw.  
> **username_0**: Thank you! So I just need to look at the coefficients, right?  Can the graph help me as well?  I know it makes no sense without calculating what that is what the task is.  
> **username_2**: @serakfalcon Stackoverflow is free to decide on its own policy, as is any SE site.  

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