Patience was maximizing her utility subject to her budget constraint.Prices changed and Patience was less well off than before.Therefore, at the old prices her new bundle must cost less than her old bundle.

Utility Maximization

Utility maximization is the process by which individuals choose the consumption of goods and services to achieve the highest level of satisfaction.

Budget Constraint

The limit on the consumption bundles that a consumer can afford based on income, prices, and wealth.

Prices Change

The variation in the cost of goods and services over time, which can be influenced by factors like supply and demand, inflation, and market competition.