17. The utility that Meredith receives by consuming food F and clothing C is given by U(F,C) = FC. Suppose that Meredith’s income in 1990 is

$1200 and that the prices of food and clothing are $1 per unit for each. By 2000, however, the price of food has increased to $2 and the price of clothing to $3. Let 100 represent the cost of living index for 1990. Calculate the ideal and the Laspeyres cost-of-living index for Meredith for 2000.

(Hint: Meredith will spend equal amounts on food and clothing with these preferences.)