If the price of a soda was 15 cents in 1970, when the cpi was 50, and 50 cents in 2007, when the cpi was 172, then

It then means that there was an increase in price of $0.35 and an increase in the Consumer Price Index of 122  of Soda after 37 years for inflationary reasons.

Explanation:

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure that examines the weighted average of prices of a basket of consumer goods and services, such as transportation, food, and medical care. It is calculated by taking price changes for each item in the predetermined basket of goods and averaging them.

Solution

CPI =  New Price/ Old Price

Where:

Old Price = $0.15

New Price = $0.50

∴ = 0.50/0.15

CPI = 3.33

Then there was no significant rise on inflation since the CPI for 37 years was 3.33

Increase in price $0.35 and consumer price also increase.

Soda after 37 years, consumer 122.

Explanation:

As per the question,

Soda was 15 cents in 1970, when the cpi was 50

50 cents in 2007, when the cpi was 172, then

cpi=  N.price/ Old.price

= 0.50/0.15

=3.33

No major increment after 37 years.

d, conspicuous consumption is when you try to increase your wealth or social status (and in the case he's trying to create the perception of wealth considering he can't really afford it)