1. Hyperinflations are extremely rare in countries whose central banks are independent of the rest of the government. Why might this be so?

2. Let's consider the effects of inflation in an economy composed of only two people: Bob, a bean farmer, and Rita, a rice farmer. Bob and Rita both always consume equal amounts of rice and beans. In 2010, the price of beans was $1, and the price of rice was $3.

a. Suppose that in 2011 the price of beans was $2 and the price of rice was $6. What was inflation? Was Bob better off, worse off, or unaffected by the changes in prices? What about Rita?

b. Now suppose that in 2011 the price of beans was $2 and the price of rice was $4. What was inflation? Was Bob better off, worse off, or unaffected by the changes in prices? What about Rita?

c. Finally, suppose that in 2011 the price of beans was $2 and the price of rice was $1.50. What was inflation? Was Bob better off, worse off, or unaffected by the changes in prices? What about Rita?

d. What matters more to Bob and Ritathe overall inflation rate or the relative price of rice and beans?