Econ Chapter 4 Flashcards
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Questions and Answers

Price elasticity of demand measures the change in _______________ due to change in _______________.

demand; price

What is demand elastic?

Quantity demanded changes significantly as a result of a price change.

What is demand inelastic?

Quantity demanded changes a small amount as a result of a price change.

What does the price elasticity of demand measure?

<p>The responsiveness of quantity demanded to a change in price.</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a friend says, 'I am never going to buy another Dua Lipa remix again!' his or her price elasticity of demand for Dua Lipa remixes is ___________________.

<p>inelastic</p> Signup and view all the answers

Salima's demand for Coca-Cola will be_________________________, while Antonia's demand will be relatively more ________________________.

<p>inelastic; elastic</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are five determinants in influencing whether demand will be elastic or inelastic?

<ol> <li>Existence of substitutes; 2. The share of the budget spent on the good; 3. Necessities versus luxury goods; 4. Whether the market is broadly or narrowly defined; 5. Time and the adjustment process.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate price elasticity of demand for cereal if the price rises by 10% and quantity demanded falls by 20%?

<p>-2</p> Signup and view all the answers

Does the cost of producing a good affect the good's price elasticity of demand?

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

When the price increases by 20% and the quantity demanded drops by 20%, the price elasticity of demand is ______________ elastic.

<p>unitary</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Nicolette's price elasticity of demand for hockey pucks if her quantity demanded increases from 100 to 150 when the price falls from $6 to $4?

<p>-1</p> Signup and view all the answers

When the price of scooters drops by 5%, and the quantity demanded changes by 15%. We know that the price elasticity of demand for scooters is_________________ elastic.

<p>very</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the price elasticity of demand for pens when the price increases from $2, with quantity demanded changing from 16 to 14?

<p>-0.33</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the price elasticity of demand is -0.80 for aspirin, we could then say that the demand for aspirin is____________________.

<p>inelastic</p> Signup and view all the answers

When the demand curve is perfectly horizontal, the price elasticity of demand is ___________________.

<p>perfectly elastic</p> Signup and view all the answers

When the demand curve is vertical, the price elasticity of demand is _____________ _.(positive, negative or zero?)

<p>perfectly inelastic</p> Signup and view all the answers

Demand is almost always more price-elastic in the long run. T or F? Why?

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsiveness of quantity consumers buy to price changes if a business finds that demand for its good is very price elastic?

<p>Price changes for these goods cause substantial changes in their demand or their supply.</p> Signup and view all the answers

'No matter the price, I will always buy five gallons of ice cream a week. I love ice cream!' This statement reflects a price elasticity of demand that is ________________.

<p>perfectly inelastic</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of graph represents relatively price-elastic demand for a good?

<p>The demand curve is relatively flat.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of graphs depict a price elasticity of demand of -0.2?

<p>The graph is steep.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Price Elasticity of Demand

  • Price elasticity of demand quantifies how demand changes in response to price changes.
  • Elastic demand indicates significant changes in quantity demanded with price variation; consumers are sensitive to price changes.
  • Inelastic demand results in minimal changes in quantity demanded despite price fluctuations; consumers are less responsive.

Determinants of Demand Elasticity

  • Demand elasticity is influenced by:
    • Availability of substitutes.
    • Proportion of budget spent on the good.
    • Classification of the good as a necessity or luxury.
    • Definition of the market scope (broad vs. narrow).
    • Time frame for adjustment to price change.

Elasticity Calculations

  • Price elasticity formula: Percentage change in quantity demanded divided by percentage change in price.
  • Example: If cereal price rises by 10% and quantity demanded falls by 20%, elasticity is -2 (elastic).
  • Unitary elasticity occurs when a price increase of 20% results in a 20% drop in quantity demanded (elasticity of -1).
  • Use of the midpoint method for accuracy in elasticity estimation, demonstrated with hockey pucks and pens.

Characteristics of Elasticity

  • A perfectly elastic demand curve appears horizontal; any price change results in infinite quantity demanded changes.
  • A perfectly inelastic demand curve is vertical; quantity demanded remains constant regardless of price.
  • Long-term elasticity tends to be greater than short-term, as more alternatives and adjustments become available.

Practical Implications

  • If a product has a very elastic demand, substantial changes in demand will occur with price fluctuations.
  • For instances of perfect inelasticity, such as a consumer committed to buying a specific amount regardless of price, demand remains unchanged.
  • Demand graphs help visualize elasticity: flatter curves indicate more elastic demand, while steep curves suggest inelastic demand.

Specific Examples

  • Aspirin's price elasticity of demand calculated at -0.80 indicates inelastic demand, signifying minimal response to price changes.
  • Statement examples like a consumer dedicated to buy ice cream weekly illustrate perfectly inelastic demand.
  • Cereal price inquiry shows elastic characteristics if elasticity is calculated at -2.

Summary

  • Understanding price elasticity of demand is crucial for businesses to predict consumer behavior in response to price alterations.
  • Effective pricing strategies can be informed by the elasticity characteristics of goods, optimizing revenue and sales outcomes.

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Test your knowledge on Price Elasticity of Demand with these flashcards from Chapter 4 of your Economics textbook. Understand how demand responds to price changes and the concepts of elastic and inelastic demand.

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