<p>The <strong><em>utility function</em> is concave</strong>, but the <strong><em>preference</em> that the function represents is convex</strong>. It seems you're confusing between the convexity of two different objects.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-11-03T20:48:33.327Z
2016-11-03T20:48:33.327Z
Herr K.
<p>$Let$ the utility function defined to be :</p>

<p>$$U(x,y)=-x^2-y^2$$</p>

<p>I believe they are convex, the set which is preferred to a specific indifference curve is convex, but the answer sheet says that it is concave? What is the reason behind this? Or is the answer sheet just wrong?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-11-02T19:17:00.047Z
Here we are talking about convexity of the indifference curves
Kuantew
<microeconomics>
Are these preferences convex?
Kuantew
# Are these preferences convex?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-11-02)

$Let$ the utility function defined to be :

$$U(x,y)=-x^2-y^2$$

I believe they are convex, the set which is preferred to a specific indifference curve is convex, but the answer sheet says that it is concave? What is the reason behind this? Or is the answer sheet just wrong?

**Tags:** microeconomics

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Here we are talking about convexity of the indifference curves  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2016-11-03. Score: 1

The ***utility function* is concave**, but the ***preference* that the function represents is convex**. It seems you're confusing between the convexity of two different objects.


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