Two indifference curves can never intersect each other as ...............
- They give the same level of satisfaction.
- They give different levels of satisfaction.
- They are concave to the origin.
- They are convex to the origin.
Two indifference curves can never intersect each other as ...............
- They give the same level of satisfaction.
- They give different levels of satisfaction.
- They are concave to the origin.
- They are convex to the origin.
Solution
Option 1 -> If two curves gave the same satisfaction, they would be the same curve, not two different indifference curves.
Option 2 -> Each indifference curve represents a unique level of satisfaction. If two curves intersected, the point of intersection would simultaneously represent two different satisfaction levels, which violates the consistency of consumer preferences.
Option 3 -> Standard indifference curves are convex (not concave) to the origin, and this shape is not the reason for non-intersection.
Option 4 -> While indifference curves are typically convex to the origin due to diminishing marginal rate of substitution, this property doesn't explain why they cannot intersect.
Hence, Option 2: They give different levels of satisfaction -> Two indifference curves can never intersect because each curve represents a distinct level of utility or satisfaction. If they were to intersect at any point, that point would have to provide two different levels of satisfaction simultaneously, which is logically impossible and violates the transitivity axiom of consumer preferences. This fundamental property ensures that the consumer's preference ordering remains consistent and rational. -> correct
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