Study Path Agent Study Path Agent
Generate Your Own
Intermediate Microeconomics
114 topics across 7 chapters
Chapter 1
Mathematical tools for microeconomics
1
Constrained optimization (Lagrangian & KKT conditions)
2
Convexity/concavity for preferences, technology, and objective functions
3
Comparative statics (implicit function theorem intuition + practice)
4
Envelope theorem (and how to use it for value functions)
5
Duality basics: primal vs dual problems and value functions
6
Text materials (recommended Intermediate Micro books + problem practice)
7 subtopics
7
Hal R. Varian — Intermediate Microeconomics (primary text + end-of-chapter problems)
8
Mas-Colell, Whinston & Green — Microeconomic Theory (reference for proofs/GE)
9
Nicholson & Snyder — Microeconomic Theory: Basic Principles and Extensions (problems)
10
Jehle & Reny — Advanced Microeconomic Theory (bridge from intermediate to grad)
11
David M. Kreps — A Course in Microeconomic Theory (theory-focused alternative)
12
Perloff — Microeconomics (extra worked examples; complements Varian-style theory)
13
Schaum’s Outline of Microeconomics (drill practice on core models)
Chapter 2
Consumer theory
↗ Constrained optimization (Lagrangian & KKT conditions) (see Chapter 1)
14
Preferences & utility representation
2 subtopics
15
Check preference axioms; interpret MRS and indifference curves
16
Utility functions (Cobb-Douglas, quasilinear, CES): when they represent preferences
17
Marshallian (uncompensated) demand
2 subtopics
18
Derive Marshallian demand via utility maximization (standard functional forms)
19
Verify demand properties: homogeneity, Walras’ law, adding-up
20
Duality: Hicksian demand & expenditure function
2 subtopics
21
Compute expenditure functions; apply Shephard’s lemma
22
Compare Hicksian vs Marshallian demand; interpret compensated substitution
23
Slutsky decomposition & welfare measures
2 subtopics
24
Derive the Slutsky equation; separate substitution and income effects
25
Compute CV/EV and deadweight loss from price changes and taxes
26
Intertemporal choice & labor-leisure
2 subtopics
27
Solve two-period consumption-savings problems; use the Euler equation
28
Labor-leisure choice; decompose wage changes into substitution/income effects
29
Choice under uncertainty (expected utility)
2 subtopics
30
Expected utility: certainty equivalent, risk premium, and basic calibration
31
Arrow–Pratt risk aversion; insurance demand; (first-order) stochastic dominance
Chapter 3
Producer theory & cost
↗ Constrained optimization (Lagrangian & KKT conditions) (see Chapter 1)
32
Technology & production sets
2 subtopics
33
Use isoquants/MRTS; identify returns to scale
34
Work with common production functions (Cobb-Douglas, CES); compute marginal products
35
Cost minimization & conditional factor demands
2 subtopics
36
Solve cost-minimization problems; compute conditional factor demands
37
Apply Shephard’s lemma to obtain factor demands; interpret unit cost
38
Cost functions & cost curves
2 subtopics
39
Compute short-run vs long-run costs; identify economies of scale/scope (basics)
40
Verify cost function properties: homogeneity, concavity in input prices
41
Profit maximization, supply, and shutdown/exit
2 subtopics
42
Derive competitive supply (MC/AVC); apply shutdown and long-run exit conditions
43
Compute producer surplus and output-tax/subsidy impacts (producer side)
44
Input demand & factor market power (monopsony)
2 subtopics
45
Derived demand for inputs; elasticities and incidence (input-output link)
46
Solve monopsony equilibrium; analyze minimum wage effects in a simple model
Chapter 4
Market structures & pricing
47
Perfect competition & partial equilibrium
2 subtopics
48
Solve competitive equilibrium; compute CS/PS and efficiency in partial equilibrium
49
Analyze taxes/quotas in competitive markets: incidence and deadweight loss
50
Monopoly
2 subtopics
51
Solve monopoly pricing; compute markup (Lerner) and apply inverse elasticity rule
52
Compute monopoly deadweight loss; analyze (simple) pass-through and incidence
53
Price discrimination & nonlinear pricing
2 subtopics
54
Work problems on 1st/2nd/3rd-degree price discrimination (simple calculations)
55
Two-part tariffs, block pricing, and bundling: when they raise profit and welfare
56
Oligopoly: Cournot and Bertrand
2 subtopics
57
Compute Cournot equilibrium with linear demand; do comparative statics
58
Understand Bertrand outcomes, capacity constraints, and collusion incentives (intro)
59
Product differentiation, entry, and monopolistic competition
2 subtopics
60
Hotelling/Salop basics: location choice and price competition with differentiation
61
Monopolistic competition: entry, zero-profit condition, and markup (worked setup)
Chapter 5
General equilibrium & welfare economics
62
Edgeworth box & exchange equilibrium
2 subtopics
63
Find Walrasian equilibrium in a 2x2 exchange economy (solve an example)
64
Compute the contract curve and core; identify Pareto improvements
65
Welfare theorems & efficiency
2 subtopics
66
Apply the First Welfare Theorem; diagnose which assumption fails in examples
67
Use the Second Welfare Theorem logic: decentralization via lump-sum transfers
68
General equilibrium with production
2 subtopics
69
Use the PPF and marginal rates of transformation to characterize efficiency
70
Factor markets and distribution in GE (basic exercises and interpretations)
71
Excess demand, stability, and comparative statics in general equilibrium
2 subtopics
72
Walras’ law, (gross) substitutes, and tâtonnement stability intuition
73
Trace general-equilibrium effects of a tax or shock in a simple model (qualitative)
Chapter 6
Game theory & strategic interaction
74
Normal-form games & Nash equilibrium
2 subtopics
75
Compute Nash equilibria in 2x2 games using best responses
76
Apply dominant strategies and iterated elimination of dominated strategies
77
Mixed strategies & equilibrium refinements (overview)
2 subtopics
78
Find mixed-strategy Nash equilibria using the support method
79
Understand refinement goals (trembling-hand perfection, risk dominance) at a high level
80
Extensive-form games & subgame perfect equilibrium
2 subtopics
81
Solve extensive-form games by backward induction; compute subgame perfect equilibrium
82
Identify credible vs non-credible threats; analyze commitment problems
83
Repeated games & cooperation
2 subtopics
84
Construct trigger strategies and check incentive constraints for cooperation
85
Work a repeated-oligopoly example (price wars / collusion sustainability)
86
Auctions (strategic bidding)
2 subtopics
87
Compare first-price vs second-price auctions; solve for equilibrium bidding (basic)
88
Revenue equivalence intuition; effects of reserve prices and entry (basics)
Chapter 7
Information economics & market failures
89
Adverse selection
2 subtopics
90
Akerlof “lemons” model: quality uncertainty and market unraveling
91
Adverse selection in insurance: pooling vs separating (graph/constraints practice)
92
Moral hazard & principal-agent
2 subtopics
93
Hidden action model: incentive compatibility, effort choice, and trade-offs
94
Optimal contracting under moral hazard (limited liability / participation constraints)
95
Signaling & screening
2 subtopics
96
Spence signaling: find separating/pooling equilibria in a simple setup
97
Screening with menus: single-crossing intuition and distortion at the top/bottom
98
Mechanism design basics
2 subtopics
99
Revelation principle intuition; write incentive-compatibility constraints
100
Work a simple mechanism example (e.g., VCG/Groves intuition)
↗ Auctions (strategic bidding) (see Chapter 6)
101
Externalities & property rights (Coase)
2 subtopics
102
Compute optimal policy for externalities: marginal damage and Pigouvian tax/subsidy
103
Apply Coase theorem with transaction costs; analyze assignment of rights
104
Public goods & common resources
2 subtopics
105
Public goods: Samuelson condition and the free-rider problem (problem practice)
106
Commons/congestion: tragedy of the commons and permit/quota solutions (examples)

Want a personalized study path for any topic?

Generate Your Own Study Path