Help For Your Introductory Economics Course

Price elasticity of demand is one of the most difficult concepts in microeconomics making this week feel more challenging than usual for many students.  Here are some resources to help you navigate week 3: Check this video out for an explanation of the 3 rd discussion to help avoid the commonly made mistakes! Other helpful resources on price elasticity of demand. Price Elasticity of Demand Video Price Elasticity of Gasoline Example Elasticity of Demand Explained Khan Academy Videos on Price Elasticity of Demand Mr. Clifford’s Explanation of PED and TR Test Helpful resources for Homework 3: Sample Problem: Substitutes Price Elasticity of Demand Sample Problems Thinking ahead to milestone two…this is a big assignment and it will serve you well if you can get an early start on it: Milestone Two Tips to Get Started with Writing About Demand Milestone Two Tips to Get Started with Writing About Supply Milestone Two Tips: How to Write an Exemplary Section on Supply and Demand (Example I...

Price Elasticity of Demand Sample Problem #1: When Hank’s Hamburger Stand priced its signature burger at $7, they sold 500 burgers per week. When they raised the price to $8, they sold 450 burgers per week. Based on this information, calculate the price elasticity of demand for hamburgers. The price elasticity of demand = percentage change in quantity demanded / percentage change in price Start by calculating the % change in quantity demanded = change in quantity / (sum of quantities / 2), and then multiply 100 to put in % form % change in quantity demanded = (500 – 450) / ((500 + 450) /2) = 50 / (950 / 2) = 50 / 475 = .1053 .1053 X 100 = 10.53% is the change in quantity demanded Next calculate the percentage change in price = change in price / (sum of prices / 2), then multiply by 100 to put it in % form (7 – 8) / ((7 + 8)/2) = -1 / (15/2) = -1/7.5 = -.1333 -.1333 X 100 = -13.33% is the change in price Finally, calculate the elasticity of demand. The price elasticity of demand = perce...

All of the following pairs of goods are substitutes except -We observe the price of soda decreases and the demand for iced tea decreases. -We observe the price of steak increases and the demand for chicken increases. -We observe the price of bicycles increases and the demand for helmets decreases. To find the answer to this question, we must first know that two goods are substitutes when a change in the price of one causes a shift in demand for the other in the same direction as the price change. When the price of soda decreases the demand for iced tea decreases. These goods are substitutes because the demand for ice tea is moving in the same direction (decreasing) as the price of soda. Intuitively this makes sense because you’ll choose to drink one or the other with your meal – probably not both! When the price of steak increases the demand for chicken increases. Again, these goods are substitutes because the demand for chicken is moving in the same direction (increasing) as the price...

In this portion of your paper you will need to accurately assess how the price elasticity of demand impacts the firm’s pricing decisions and revenue growths. A good place to look to help you answer this question is in section 6.3 of your text: The Relationship between Price Elasticity of Demand and Total Revenue (pg. 181-184). When you write this section you should already have used several of the 5 determinants of elasticity of demand to determine whether or not your firm’s product faces an elastic or inelastic demand curve. If you are struggling with that section, look for an announcement posted this week that goes through these 5 determinates at length. Before we get into the relationship between elasticity of demand and total revenue, we should first understand what total revenue is and how it is calculated. Total revenue is the total amount of funds a seller receives from selling a good or service, which is calculated by multiplying the price per unit by the number of units sold. ...

In order to receive an exemplary score on the 3 different elements of the elasticity of demand section, you’ll need to meet the following criteria: - Analyze available data and information to justify how the price elasticity of demand for the firm’s product was determined and use research to illustrate these claims ( see underlined text in the sample paper for an example of how to meet these criteria ). In other words, be sure to state whether you have concluded the demand for your good is elastic or inelastic and use specific evidence to explain why. While you may be able to find enough information to calculate the price elasticity of demand, this is not required. You can use research on the factors of consumer responsiveness or evidence based on pricing and revenue growth to support your claim. - Explain all 5 factors that affect consumer responsiveness to price changes for the product using the concept of price elasticity of demand as a guide (see bold text in the sample paper) . T...

There are five determinants that we can use to determine whether the demand for your product is likely to be elastic or inelastic. You should cover at least two or three of the following characteristics to receive a score of proficient (or all five to receive an exemplary) and apply them to your product to support your determination of elastic or inelastic demand. Here is an example of the application of these determinants to gasoline, as we previously covered in a discussion board assignment. The availability of close substitutes to the good : Thinking back to module two, we learned that substitutes are goods and services that can be used for the same purpose.  If consumers have few options for substitutes, as in the case of gasoline, when the price rises the quantity demanded only falls slightly.  If few substitutes are available, the demand for the good tends to be more inelastic.  The demand for a good with many substitutes tends to be more elastic. The passage of ti...