I think I have got a different 2nd edition of the book "Advanced Microeconomic Theory.

Anyway, I have some questions with regards to the exercises at the back of chapter 3.

Exercise 3.25

We were given the utility function:

u(x1,x2) = x1^a x2^(1/2)-a

where the sign ^ means power.

(a) What restrictions must be set on the value of parameter a?

Exercise 3.27

Given utility function u(x1,x2)= max[ax1,ax2]+ min[x1,x2]

Derive the Marshallian demand function.

May I ask for the hints to solve the above question..

Thank you.