Indifference Curve

October 16, 2018 by Prachi M Leave a Comment

Definition: An indifference curve is a convex shaped curve depicting the graphical representation of the
different combinations deriving the same level of satisfaction to the consumer by considering two
commodities. It functions on the principle of the diminishing marginal rate of substitution (MRS).

Example: A person went to the grocery store to buy cereals and cookies.

He has to decide now how many packets of each he must buy to achieve the maximum utility level.

Here, the indifference schedule provides us with possible combinations of the two commodities, i.e. cereals
and cookies. Each of which gives the same level of satisfaction to the consumer.

Content: Indifference Curve

1. Marginal Rate of Substitution (MRS)

2. Properties
3. Assumptions
4. Criticisms
5. Conclusion

Marginal Rate of Substitution (MRS)

The marginal rate of substitution is the proportion at which the quantity of a particular commodity is
sacrificed in relation with the increase in the quantity of the other commodity, such that the utility derived
from the new combination is same as before.
It is the slope of the indifference curve depending upon the willingness of a consumer to sacrifice one
commodity for another.

The Formula is;

Where -∆Y is the decrease in the quantity of commodity Y; and

∆X is the increase in the quantity of commodity X.

In the above example of the Indifference Curve, let us consider cereals as X and cookies as Y. Then;

As we know, no two goods can entirely substitute each other. Thus the value derived from each additional unit
of one commodity diminishes rapidly in respect to the quantity of the product which is being sacrificed.

Properties of Indifference Curve

An indifference curve functions on the principle of diminishing marginal rate of substitution, which is one of
its distinctive characteristics.

It possesses multiple other properties; the primary ones are explained below:

Convex to the Origin

The indifference curve bulges towards the point of origin due to the continuously decreasing marginal rate of
substitution. It can never be concave since it will be against the law of diminishing marginal rate of
substitution, which is not possible.

Negative Slope

An indifference curve essentially slopes downwards, which indicates that the total utility generated from all
the combinations is the same. If the increase in one commodity gives a higher level of satisfaction, the
decrease in the second commodity reduces the level of satisfaction, respectively. This balances the satisfaction
level of each combination.

Directly Proportional Level of Satisfaction

Higher the indifference curve is, greater will be the level of satisfaction drawn out of it. Since a higher
indifference curve resembles a larger quantity of the two goods.

Never Intersects Each Other

One of the distinctive properties of the indifference curves states that they never cut across each other. This is
because each indifference curve provides a particular level of satisfaction or utility to the consumer.

No two indifference curves can give the same utility to the consumers. If they intersect, it will signify that
there is at least one combination in both the curves which provides an equivalent utility which is not possible.

Asymptotic to the Axes

Here, the consumer is assumed to spend on both the products by checking out all the possible combinations
deriving the same utility to him. Therefore, no product quantity can be zero, which means the line cannot cut
on the axes.

Assumptions of Indifference Curve

To simplify the concept of indifference curve and to properly analyse the consumer’s demand of two different
commodities, the various assumptions are made.

Let us now discuss in detail, the assumptions of the ordinal theory of the indifference curve:


 Two Commodities: The first and foremost assumption is that the customer has a fixed income which he wants
to allocate for buying only two commodities.
 Rational Consumer: A consumer behaves logically and always look forward to maximizing his level of
satisfaction.
  Diminishing Marginal Rate of Substitution: To acquire more units of a particular commodity, the consumer
has to let go of some units of the other product. The indifference curve depends upon this principle of
diminishing marginal rate of substitution.
 Ordinal Utility: Based on the consumer’s preference, the combinations of two commodities are ranked.
 Non-Satiety: The human demand is non-saturated, and a person won’t settle for a lesser quantity of goods
and will always seek a higher volume.
 Transitivity: It is assumed that a consumer’s taste, choice and preference remains constant. This means if a
consumer prefers X to Y and Y to Z, then he prefers X to Z.

Criticisms of the Indifference Curve

The major criticism of this theory is that it is based on unrealistic assumptions which question its economic
viability.

Moreover, it is only applicable to complementary goods where both the preferred products are not the
perfect substitutes of each other. Instead, they act as a partial substitution.

Some disregard the concept claiming that a concave indifference curve is even possible theoretically. In the
practical scenario, the preference of a consumer keeps on changing, which makes this concept vague.

Conclusion

An indifference curve defines a simple fundamental that with the increase in the utility from one commodity,
the utility from the other commodity decreases, simultaneously, the total utility derived from both the products
is the same at all the combinations.