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The Lagrange multiplier is not the shadow value of the limiting resource in the presence of strategically interacting agents

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  • Michael Caputo

    (University of Central Florida)

Abstract

In the case of a single net-benefit maximizing agent facing a resource constraint, the economic interpretation of the Lagrange multiplier is that of the shadow value of the constraining resource. The formal justification for this economic interpretation is by way of the classical envelope theorem. Once an environment of strategically interacting agents is contemplated, however, the Lagrange multiplier no longer represents the shadow value of the resource to an agent. A concise proof of this claim and a revised economic interpretation of the Lagrange multiplier are given in this note.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Caputo, 2007. "The Lagrange multiplier is not the shadow value of the limiting resource in the presence of strategically interacting agents," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 3(20), pages 1-8.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-06c60004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Besanko, David, 1987. "Performance versus design standards in the regulation of pollution," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 34(1), pages 19-44, October.
    2. Silberberg, Eugene, 1974. "A revision of comparative statics methodology in economics, or, how to do comparative statics on the back of an envelope," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 7(2), pages 159-172, February.
    3. Helfand, Gloria E, 1991. "Standards versus Standards: The Effects of Different Pollution Restrictions," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 81(3), pages 622-634, June.
    4. Caputo, Michael R., 1996. "The Envelope Theorem and Comparative Statics of Nash Equilibria," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 13(2), pages 201-224, April.
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    Cited by:

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C6 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling
    • C7 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory

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