Eco 101 Compendium
Eco 101 Compendium
Economics is a social science that studies how individuals, societies, and nations
allocate scarce resources to satisfy unlimited wants.
Economics uses models and theories to understand and predict economic phenomena.
Economics seeks to explain how markets work and how they can fail.
Economics analyzes the behavior of firms and industries, including production costs and
market structures.
It analyzes the concept of elasticity and its implications for pricing and demand.
Economics explores the concept of externalities and their effects on market outcomes.
Economics explores the concept of economic indicators and their use in measuring
economic performance.
Economics examines the concept of market failure and the need for public goods.
Demand and supply are fundamental concepts in economics that help explain the
behavior of markets.
Demand refers to the quantity of a good or service that consumers are willing and able
to purchase at a given price and within a specific period.
Supply, on the other hand, represents the quantity of a good or service that producers
are willing and able to offer for sale at a given price and within a specific period.
The law of demand states that there is an inverse relationship between price and
quantity demanded, assuming other factors remain constant. In other words, as price
increases, quantity demanded decreases, and vice versa.
The law of supply states that there is a positive relationship between price and quantity
supplied, assuming other factors remain constant. As price increases, quantity supplied
also increases, and vice versa.
The demand curve is a graphical representation of the relationship between price and
quantity demanded. It slopes downward from left to right, indicating the inverse
relationship between price and quantity demanded.
The supply curve is a graphical representation of the relationship between price and
quantity supplied. It slopes upward from left to right, indicating the positive relationship
between price and quantity supplied.
Equilibrium occurs when the quantity demanded equals the quantity supplied at a
particular price. This is the point where the demand and supply curves intersect.
Changes in factors other than price can shift the demand curve. These factors include
consumer income, preferences, prices of related goods, population, and expectations.
If the demand curve shifts to the right, it indicates an increase in demand, while a shift to
the left indicates a decrease in demand.
Changes in factors other than price can also shift the supply curve. These factors
include production costs, technology, prices of inputs, government policies, and
expectations.
If the supply curve shifts to the right, it indicates an increase in supply, while a shift to
the left indicates a decrease in supply.
When demand increases while supply remains constant, it leads to an increase in both
equilibrium price and quantity.
When demand decreases while supply remains constant, it leads to a decrease in both
equilibrium price and quantity.
Price elasticity of demand measures the percentage change in quantity demanded due
to a percentage change in price. If demand is elastic, a small change in price leads to a
proportionately larger change in quantity demanded. If demand is inelastic, a change in
price has a relatively small effect on quantity demanded.
Price elasticity of supply measures the percentage change in quantity supplied due to a
percentage change in price. If supply is elastic, a small change in price leads to a
proportionately larger change in quantity supplied. If supply is inelastic, a change in price
has a relatively small effect on quantity supplied.
Shortage occurs when the quantity demanded exceeds the quantity supplied at a given
price, leading to upward pressure on price.
Surplus occurs when the quantity supplied exceeds the quantity demanded at a given
price, leading to downward pressure on price.
Market equilibrium is the ideal situation where there are no shortages or surpluses, and
price remains stable.
Demand and supply curves are graphical representations of the relationship between
price and quantity demanded or supplied.
Demand curves typically slope downward from left to right, representing the inverse
relationship between price and quantity demanded.
Supply curves typically slope upward from left to right, representing the positive
relationship between price and quantity supplied.
Market price is the price at which buyers and sellers agree to trade a good or service,
determined by the intersection of the demand and supply curves.
Price floors and price ceilings are government-imposed price controls that can distort
market equilibrium.
A price floor sets a minimum price above the equilibrium price, leading to a surplus in
the market.
A price ceiling sets a maximum price below the equilibrium price, leading to a shortage
in the market.
Shifts in demand and supply curves can result from changing economic conditions,
consumer preferences, technological advancements, or government policies.
A shift in the demand curve occurs when there is a change in any non-price factor
affecting demand, causing a new quantity demanded at every price level.
A shift in the supply curve occurs when there is a change in any non-price factor
affecting supply, causing a new quantity supplied at every price level.
Substitutes goods are goods that can replace each other, and an increase in the price of
one leads to an increase in demand for the other.
Complements goods are goods that are consumed together, and an increase in the price
of one leads to a decrease in demand for the other.
Normal goods are those for which demand increases as consumer income increases.
Inferior goods are those for which demand decreases as consumer income increases.
Cross-price elasticity of demand measures the responsiveness of demand for one good
to changes in the price of another good.
Understanding demand and supply dynamics is crucial for businesses to make informed
decisions about production levels, pricing strategies, and market positioning.
The study of demand and supply provides insights into the functioning of markets and
helps economists analyze and predict economic behavior and outcomes.
Government intervention can have a significant impact on the analysis of demand and
supply dynamics.
Government policies and regulations can influence both the demand and supply sides of
the market.
Price controls are a common form of government intervention that can impact both
demand and supply.
Price ceilings set by the government can create excess demand or shortages in the
market.
Price floors set by the government can lead to excess supply or surpluses.
Taxes and subsidies are another way the government intervenes in the market.
Taxes increase the cost of production and can reduce the supply of goods and services.
Subsidies, on the other hand, decrease the cost of production and can increase the
supply of goods and services.
For example, higher taxes on certain goods, such as cigarettes or alcohol, can reduce
demand for those products.
Conversely, subsidies on goods like renewable energy can increase demand for those
products.
Environmental regulations, for instance, can increase the cost of production and reduce
supply.
Government intervention can also impact demand and supply through trade policies.
Tariffs, quotas, and trade agreements can influence the availability and cost of goods
and services in the market.
Government intervention can affect market equilibrium by shifting the demand or supply
curve.
When the government imposes price controls, the market equilibrium price and quantity
may no longer be reached.
In the case of a price ceiling, the equilibrium price is set below the market-clearing price,
leading to a shortage.
In the case of a price floor, the equilibrium price is set above the market-clearing price,
leading to a surplus.
Government intervention can also impact the elasticity of demand and supply.
Government policies can make demand or supply more or less elastic, depending on the
specific intervention.
For example, subsidies can make the supply curve more elastic by reducing production
costs.
Taxes and subsidies can create market distortions by altering the natural incentives of
producers and consumers.
The effectiveness of government intervention depends on the specific context and the
ability of policymakers to accurately assess market conditions.
In some cases, government intervention can successfully correct market failures and
improve overall welfare.
In other cases, government intervention can create unintended consequences and lead
to further market distortions.
The analysis of demand and supply in the presence of government intervention requires
considering the direct and indirect effects of policies.
Direct effects are the immediate impact of government actions on demand and supply.
Indirect effects are the secondary effects that arise from changes in market conditions
due to government intervention.
Indirect effects can include changes in consumer behavior, producer strategies, or the
entry and exit of firms from the market.
In rapidly changing markets, government policies may struggle to keep up with evolving
demand and supply conditions.
Information asymmetry can also impact the analysis of demand and supply in the
presence of government intervention.
If the government does not have complete information about market conditions, its
intervention may be less effective.
The timing and duration of government intervention can also affect its impact on
demand and supply.
For example, subsidies on essential goods can benefit low-income consumers, while
taxes on luxury goods can affect higher-income individuals more significantly.
Political and ideological factors can influence the extent and nature of government
intervention.
Different political parties or policymakers may have varying views on the appropriate
level of government intervention in the economy.
International trade can complicate the analysis of demand and supply in the presence of
government intervention.
Trade agreements and global supply chains can influence the effectiveness of domestic
government policies.
The analysis of demand and supply in the presence of government intervention requires
a comprehensive understanding of economic theory, empirical evidence, and the
specific context in which the intervention occurs.
Economic System
An economic system is a set of rules, institutions, and arrangements that determine how
resources are allocated and goods and services are produced, distributed, and
consumed within a society.
There are various types of economic systems, including capitalism, socialism, and
mixed economies.
Capitalism is an economic system where the means of production are privately owned
and operated for profit. It emphasizes individual freedom, market competition, and the
pursuit of self-interest.
Socialism is an economic system where the means of production are owned and
controlled by the state or the community as a whole. It aims to reduce inequalities and
promote social welfare.
Mixed economies combine elements of capitalism and socialism, with both private and
public ownership of resources and a mixture of market forces and government
intervention.
In a market economy, prices and market forces determine the allocation of resources
and the production and distribution of goods and services.
Command economies, on the other hand, are characterized by central planning and
government control over resource allocation and production decisions.
Economic systems are shaped by factors such as political ideology, culture, historical
context, and technological advancements.
Economic systems can evolve and change over time, influenced by factors such as
globalization, technological innovation, and shifts in political and social dynamics.
The role of government in an economic system varies depending on the type of system.
In capitalist economies, governments typically focus on maintaining law and order,
enforcing contracts, and providing public goods and services.
Government intervention in the economy can take various forms, including regulations,
taxes, subsidies, and fiscal and monetary policies.
Economic systems affect income distribution and can result in varying levels of income
inequality within a society.
Economic systems influence the degree of economic freedom and the ability of
individuals to engage in economic activities, such as starting businesses or choosing
employment.
Economic systems can impact economic growth and development. Factors such as
investment, technological innovation, and human capital are critical for economic
progress.
Economic systems can be evaluated based on criteria such as efficiency, equity, stability,
and sustainability.
Economic systems influence international trade and the integration of economies into
the global marketplace.
The level of economic inequality within a society can have social and political
implications and can impact social cohesion and stability.
Economic systems can influence the availability and quality of public goods and services,
such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental protection.
The division of labor and specialization are essential features of economic systems,
enabling increased productivity and efficiency.
The level of government debt and fiscal policy decisions can significantly impact an
economic system's stability and sustainability.
Inflation and deflation are economic phenomena that can affect the stability and
functioning of economic systems.
Unemployment rates are an important indicator of an economic system's health and can
be influenced by factors such as economic growth, labor market conditions, and
government policies.
Economic systems can impact social mobility and the ability of individuals to improve
their economic status through education, entrepreneurship, and hard work.
Economic systems can be influenced by cultural norms and values, such as attitudes
toward work, saving, and consumption.
Economic systems can affect the level of economic resilience and the ability to
withstand and recover from economic shocks and crises.
The concept of economic efficiency measures how well an economic system utilizes
resources to produce goods and services.
Market competition is a driving force in capitalist economic systems, promoting
innovation, efficiency, and consumer choice.
Economic systems can be influenced by trade policies, such as tariffs, quotas, and trade
agreements, which can impact the competitiveness of domestic industries.
The concept of money and the financial system are integral parts of economic systems,
facilitating transactions, investment, and economic activity.
Economic systems can be influenced by labor market dynamics, including factors such
as wage levels, labor market regulations, and labor mobility.
Education and human capital development are important factors for economic systems,
as they contribute to productivity and innovation.
Economic systems can have implications for social justice and the provision of equal
opportunities for all members of society.
The concept of economic freedom measures the extent to which individuals and
businesses are free to engage in economic activities without undue interference.
Economic systems can impact entrepreneurship and innovation, which are crucial
drivers of economic growth and job creation.
Economic systems can be shaped by cultural, political, and historical factors unique to
each society, resulting in diverse approaches and outcomes.
Consumer behavior refers to the study of how individuals make decisions to spend their
available resources on goods and services.
Consumers are influenced by a wide range of factors, including cultural, social, personal,
and psychological factors.
Social factors, such as family, friends, and reference groups, have a considerable impact
on consumer behavior. People often seek approval and guidance from their social
networks when making purchasing decisions.
Personal factors, including age, gender, occupation, income, and lifestyle, influence
consumer behavior. Different demographic groups have unique needs, preferences, and
buying behaviors.
The rise of e-commerce and digital technology has significantly influenced consumer
behavior. Online shopping provides convenience, access to a vast range of products, and
personalized recommendations.
Brand loyalty plays a significant role in consumer behavior. Consumers tend to stick with
brands they trust and have positive experiences with, even if there are cheaper
alternatives available.
Online reviews and ratings heavily influence consumer behavior. Consumers trust the
opinions of other customers and rely on reviews to make informed purchasing decisions.
Consumers often experience cognitive dissonance after making a purchase. This is the
discomfort or doubt that arises when there is a discrepancy between expectations and
the actual experience of a product or service.
The concept of perceived risk affects consumer behavior. Consumers are more likely to
take risks with familiar brands or products they perceive as low-risk.
The concept of social proof influences consumer behavior. People tend to follow the
actions and behaviors of others, especially when uncertain, leading to trends and fads.
The use of emotions in marketing has a significant impact on consumer behavior.
Emotional appeals can create strong connections and influence purchasing decisions.
Consumer behavior is affected by the concept of loss aversion. People are more
motivated to avoid losses than to acquire equivalent gains, which can influence their
decision-making.
The concept of brand perception and reputation strongly influences consumer behavior.
Consumers are more likely to choose brands with a positive image and reputation.
Consumer behavior is affected by the concept of cognitive biases. Individuals often rely
on mental shortcuts, such as heuristics or biases, to simplify decision-making processes.
The concept of hedonic and utilitarian needs influences consumer behavior. Consumers
seek products and experiences that provide both functional benefits and emotional
satisfaction.
The concept of impulse control affects consumer behavior. Consumers differ in their
ability to resist impulse purchases, and this trait influences their buying decisions.
The concept of habit and routine affects consumer behavior. Consumers often engage
in habitual buying behavior, particularly for low-involvement or frequently purchased
items.
The concept of social class and status influences consumer behavior. Consumers often
buy products and services to signal their social standing or to aspire to a higher social
class.
The concept of online trust affects consumer behavior. Consumers are more likely to
engage with online platforms and make purchases when they trust the security and
reliability of the website or app.
The concept of risk perception influences consumer behavior. Consumers are more
likely to purchase products or services they perceive as low-risk or where the potential
benefits outweigh the perceived risks.
Utility Maximization
The principle of utility maximization is based on the assumption that individuals are
rational and seek to maximize their own happiness or welfare.
The goal of utility maximization is to choose a combination of goods and services that
maximizes the total utility or satisfaction derived from consumption.
Utility is subjective and varies from person to person, making it difficult to measure
precisely.
The law of diminishing marginal utility states that as a person consumes more of a good,
the additional satisfaction or utility derived from each additional unit decreases.
The law of diminishing marginal utility implies that individuals will allocate their
resources in a way that maximizes the overall utility derived from consumption.
The budget constraint sets limits on the combinations of goods and services that an
individual can afford to consume.
The utility maximization problem involves choosing the combination of goods and
services that maximizes utility, subject to the constraints imposed by the budget.
The marginal utility per dollar spent is an important concept in utility maximization. It
represents the additional utility derived from spending one more dollar on a particular
good or service.
To maximize utility, individuals should allocate their spending in a way that equalizes the
marginal utility per dollar across all goods and services.
This principle is known as the equal marginal principle and is a key component of utility
maximization.
Indifference curves are downward sloping because of the law of diminishing marginal
utility.
The slope of an indifference curve represents the rate at which an individual is willing to
give up one good to obtain more of the other while keeping utility constant.
The optimal consumption bundle occurs where the indifference curve is tangent to the
budget constraint. At this point, the marginal rate of substitution (MRS) equals the price
ratio.
The MRS represents the rate at which an individual is willing to substitute one good for
another while maintaining the same level of utility.
The price ratio represents the relative prices of the goods and services in the
consumption bundle.
The optimal consumption bundle reflects the allocation of resources that maximizes
utility given the budget constraint and prices of goods and services.
Changes in income can affect utility maximization by shifting the budget constraint and
allowing individuals to consume different combinations of goods and services.
Changes in the prices of goods and services can also affect utility maximization. A
decrease in the price of a good increases its marginal utility per dollar and may lead to a
change in consumption patterns.
Utility maximization assumes that individuals have complete information and perfect
foresight when making choices.
In reality, individuals may face uncertainty and imperfect information, which can
complicate the process of utility maximization.
Utility maximization is a useful tool for understanding individual behavior and consumer
choices in economics.
It can help economists analyze the impact of changes in prices, income, and preferences
on consumption patterns.
Utility maximization can also be applied to producer behavior, where firms seek to
maximize their profits by allocating resources efficiently.
Utility maximization is based on the assumption of rational behavior, but individuals may
also have other goals and motivations that influence their choices.
Behavioral economics provides insights into the limitations of utility maximization and
the presence of biases and heuristics in decision-making.
Utility maximization is closely related to the concept of welfare economics, which seeks
to maximize social welfare or overall well-being in society.
Welfare economics considers the distribution of resources and the trade-offs between
efficiency and equity in resource allocation.
Utility maximization assumes that individuals have stable preferences over time, but
preferences can change due to various factors such as learning, experience, and social
influences.
The concept of intertemporal utility maximization takes into account the dynamic nature
of preferences and decision-making over time.
Time preference refers to the extent to which individuals value present consumption
compared to future consumption. Discounting is often used to represent time
preferences mathematically.
Behavioral economics has also studied intertemporal choices and identified biases and
inconsistencies in how individuals make decisions about the timing of consumption and
savings.
Utility maximization can be affected by factors such as social norms, cultural values,
and psychological factors.
Externalities can lead to suboptimal resource allocation if the social costs or benefits of
an activity are not fully considered by individuals.
Utility maximization assumes that individuals have well-defined preferences and can
compare the utility derived from different goods and services.
Some goods and services may not be easily quantifiable or comparable in terms of
utility, such as environmental goods or social relationships.
Non-monetary factors, such as the quality or characteristics of goods and services, can
also influence utility maximization.
Utility maximization is based on the concept of rational choice, but individuals may
exhibit behavioral biases or deviations from rationality in their decision-making.
Prospect theory and other behavioral models have provided alternative frameworks for
understanding decision-making that go beyond utility maximization.
Public policy interventions, such as taxes, subsidies, and regulations, can influence utility
maximization by changing the prices, availability, or quality of goods and services.
Utility maximization is a key concept in microeconomics, but it is not the only factor
influencing individual behavior. Other factors, such as social interactions, identity, and
altruism, can also play a role.
Utility maximization provides a useful framework for analyzing individual choices and
behavior, but it has limitations and simplifications that may not capture the full
complexity of human decision-making.
If the absolute value of PED is greater than 1, demand is considered elastic. If it is less
than 1, demand is considered inelastic.
Perfectly elastic demand occurs when a small change in price leads to an infinite change
in quantity demanded.
Perfectly inelastic demand occurs when a change in price has no effect on quantity
demanded.
Unitary elastic demand occurs when the percentage change in quantity demanded is
equal to the percentage change in price.
The more substitutes available for a good, the more elastic the demand tends to be.
Necessities tend to have inelastic demand because consumers have limited options and
are less responsive to price changes.
Luxuries tend to have elastic demand because consumers have more options and are
more price-sensitive.
If the absolute value of YED is positive, the good is considered a normal good, and
demand increases with income. If it is negative, the good is an inferior good, and
demand decreases with income.
The magnitude of YED indicates the income elasticity of demand. If YED is greater than
1, the good is income elastic, and if it is less than 1, the good is income inelastic.
XED is calculated as the percentage change in quantity demanded of one good divided
by the percentage change in the price of another good.
If XED is positive, the goods are substitutes, and an increase in the price of one good
leads to an increase in the quantity demanded of the other good.
If XED is negative, the goods are complements, and an increase in the price of one good
leads to a decrease in the quantity demanded of the other good.
If the absolute value of PES is greater than 1, supply is considered elastic. If it is less
than 1, supply is considered inelastic.
Perfectly elastic supply occurs when a small change in price leads to an infinite change
in quantity supplied.
Perfectly inelastic supply occurs when a change in price has no effect on quantity
supplied.
Short-run supply tends to be more inelastic because producers have limited time to
adjust their production levels.
Long-run supply tends to be more elastic as producers have more time to adjust
production capacity and inputs.
The elasticity of demand and supply determines how the burden of a tax is shared
between buyers and sellers.
When demand is inelastic and supply is elastic, buyers bear most of the burden of a tax.
When demand is elastic and supply is inelastic, sellers bear most of the burden of a tax.
When both demand and supply are elastic, the burden of a tax is shared more evenly
between buyers and sellers.
Elasticity of demand and supply helps businesses determine optimal pricing strategies.
For elastic demand, reducing prices can increase total revenue as the percentage
increase in quantity demanded outweighs the percentage decrease in price.
For inelastic demand, increasing prices can increase total revenue as the percentage
decrease in quantity demanded is outweighed by the percentage increase in price.
Elasticity of demand and supply helps policymakers understand the impact of price
controls, subsidies, and other interventions on market outcomes.
Elasticity of demand and supply is crucial for businesses to forecast and plan
production levels and pricing strategies.
Highly elastic demand or supply can make markets more volatile, leading to larger price
fluctuations in response to small changes in factors like input costs or consumer
preferences.
Elasticity of demand and supply can vary over time as consumer preferences change,
technologies evolve, and market conditions shift.
Elasticity measures are useful in determining the responsiveness of demand and supply
to advertising campaigns and promotional activities.
The concept of elasticity was first introduced by the economist Alfred Marshall in the
late 19th century.
Elasticity of demand and supply is a key concept in microeconomics and is widely used
in economic analysis and decision-making.
Elasticity measures are used in price discrimination strategies, where businesses charge
different prices to different customer segments based on their price sensitivity.
Elasticity measures are also used in cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the impacts of
policy changes or investment projects.
The concept of elasticity can be applied to factors other than price, such as elasticity of
demand with respect to advertising expenditure or elasticity of supply with respect to
labor.
Elasticity measures are sensitive to the units used for price and quantity, so it is
important to ensure consistent unit measurements when calculating elasticity.
Elasticity measures can vary along the demand or supply curve, indicating that
responsiveness to price changes may differ at different price levels.
Estimating elasticity requires data on price and quantity changes, which can be obtained
through surveys, market research, or historical data analysis.
Elasticity of demand and supply is a theoretical concept and may not perfectly capture
real-world market behavior, as other factors like consumer preferences and market
power can influence demand and supply responses.
Elasticity measures are used in econometric analysis to estimate demand and supply
functions and assess the statistical significance of various factors influencing market
behavior.
Price elasticity of supply is particularly relevant in industries with long production cycles,
where it takes time to adjust output levels in response to price changes.
The concept of elasticity is applicable to both goods and services, although measuring
elasticity can be more challenging for services due to their intangible nature.
The availability of data and the accuracy of data collection methods can impact the
reliability of elasticity estimates.
Cost and production theory is a branch of microeconomics that examines how firms
make decisions regarding production and the costs associated with it.
The main objective of cost and production theory is to analyze how firms can minimize
costs and maximize output given their available resources.
In this theory, costs are classified into two main categories: explicit costs and implicit
costs.
Explicit costs refer to the actual monetary payments made by the firm to acquire inputs,
such as wages, rent, raw materials, and utilities.
Implicit costs, on the other hand, represent the opportunity costs of using resources
owned by the firm, such as the foregone interest on the firm's own capital or the
foregone wages of the owner who works in the business.
The production function is a central concept in cost and production theory. It represents
the relationship between inputs and outputs and shows how much output can be
produced with a given combination of inputs.
The production function can be expressed in different forms, such as the total product
function, the average product function, and the marginal product function.
The total product function shows the total output produced by using various
combinations of inputs.
The average product function measures the average output produced per unit of input.
The marginal product function indicates the additional output generated by adding one
more unit of input while holding other inputs constant.
The law of diminishing marginal returns states that as more units of a variable input are
added to a fixed input, the marginal product of the variable input will eventually decrease.
Marginal cost is another crucial concept in cost and production theory. It represents the
additional cost incurred by producing one more unit of output.
The relationship between marginal cost and marginal product is important. When
marginal product is increasing, marginal cost tends to decrease, and vice versa.
The short-run and long-run are two important time frames considered in cost and
production theory.
In the short run, at least one input is fixed, while others are variable. For example, a firm
may be able to adjust the quantity of labor but not the size of its factory.
In the long run, all inputs are variable, allowing the firm to adjust its production scale and
size.
Total cost (TC) is the sum of all costs incurred in the production process, including both
explicit and implicit costs.
Average cost (AC) represents the cost per unit of output and is calculated by dividing
total cost by the quantity produced.
Marginal cost (MC) is the additional cost of producing one more unit of output and is
derived from the change in total cost resulting from a change in output.
The average cost curve is U-shaped due to the spreading effect and diminishing returns.
The average variable cost (AVC) curve represents the variable cost per unit of output.
The average fixed cost (AFC) curve represents the fixed cost per unit of output.
The long-run average cost (LRAC) curve shows the lowest average cost achievable when
all inputs are variable.
Economies of scale occur when increasing the scale of production leads to lower
average costs.
Diseconomies of scale occur when increasing the scale of production leads to higher
average costs.
Constant returns to scale occur when increasing the scale of production has no impact
on average costs.
The concept of the production possibility frontier illustrates the maximum amount of
output an economy can produce given its resources and technology.
Technical efficiency refers to producing the maximum output from a given set of inputs.
Allocative efficiency occurs when resources are allocated to their most valuable use
from a societal perspective.
The concept of economies of scope refers to the cost advantages that arise when a firm
produces multiple products using the same inputs or technology.
The concept of learning curves suggests that as cumulative production increases, firms
become more efficient and experience cost reductions.
The concept of risk and uncertainty is also important in cost and production theory, as
firms need to consider the potential impact of uncertain events on their costs and
production decisions.
The concept of short-run and long-run elasticity of production helps firms understand
how their output changes in response to changes in input prices and quantities.
The concept of isoquants represents all possible combinations of inputs that can
produce a given level of output.
The slope of an isoquant measures the rate at which one input can be substituted for
another while keeping output constant.
The marginal rate of technical substitution (MRTS) measures the rate at which one input
must be reduced to increase the quantity of another input, while keeping output constant.
The concept of returns to scale refers to the relationship between input and output
quantities when all inputs are increased proportionately.
The concept of factor prices relates to the prices firms have to pay to acquire the inputs
for production.
Factor productivity measures the efficiency with which inputs are transformed into
output.
The concept of total factor productivity (TFP) reflects the overall efficiency of an
economy in using all inputs to produce output.
The concept of cost curves helps firms understand their cost structure and make
decisions regarding pricing and production levels.
The long-run average cost curve represents the minimum achievable average cost for
various levels of output in the long run.
Economies of scope occur when producing multiple products together is less costly
than producing them separately.
The concept of economies of scale explains why larger firms often have a cost
advantage over smaller firms.
The concept of sunk costs refers to costs that have already been incurred and cannot be
recovered.
The concept of opportunity costs is essential in cost and production theory as it involves
measuring the value of the best alternative forgone.
The concept of fixed costs refers to costs that do not vary with the level of output.
The concept of variable costs refers to costs that change as the level of output changes.
The concept of shutdown point refers to the minimum level of output at which a firm
should temporarily cease production in the short run to minimize losses.
The concept of break-even point refers to the level of output at which total revenue
equals total cost, resulting in zero profit.
The concept of profit maximization involves determining the level of output at which a
firm's profit is maximized.
The concept of cost-minimization involves finding the combination of inputs that allows
a firm to produce a given level of output at the lowest cost.
The concept of cost externalities refers to the costs imposed on society as a whole due
to a firm's production activities.
The concept of economies in information refers to cost reductions that occur when
firms have better access to information, which allows them to make more informed
production decisions.
REVISION QUESTIONS
1. Which Economist divided Economics in two branches of micro and macro on the basis of
economic activity?
(a) Marshall
(b) Ricardo
Ans:D
Ans: D
3. Which of the following economic activities are included in the subject-matter of Economics?
Ans: C
Ans: C
Ans: B
Ans: C
Ans: D
(a) Production
(b) Consumption
Ans: D
(a) Choice
Ans: A
11. Accounting profit=_______— Explicit Costs
a. Total Revenue
b. Total Cost
c. Implicit cost
d. None of these
Ans: A
a. Accounting cost.
b. Economic cost
c. Both a & b
d. None of these
Ans: B
a. Government spending.
b. Investment.
c. Savings
d. None of these
Ans: C
14. The interaction of individuals and firms in a market can be described as a——————- of
money, goods and services, and resources through product and factor markets.
a. Constant flow
b. Stable flow
c. Circular Flow
d. Regular Flow
Ans: C
b. Private property.
c. Competition.
d. Specialization.
Ans: C
a. Wages.
b. Rents.
c. Economic profits
Ans: C
Ans: D
a. Money.
b. Scarcity
c. Allocation.
d. Production.
Ans: B
Ans: C
20.In a planned or command economy, all the economic decisions are taken by the:
a. Workers.
b. Consumers.
c. Voters.
d. Government.
Ans: D.
A Horizontal
B Vertical
C Downward sloping
D Upward sloping
Ans: C
Ans: C
D Zero
Ans: B
A On a linear demand curve, all the five forms of elasticity can be depicted’
B If two demand curves are linear and intersecting each other then coefficient of elasticity
would be same on different demand curves at the point of intersection.
C If two demand curves are linear, and parallel to each other then at a particular price the
coefficient of elasticity would be different on different demand curves
D The price elasticity of demand is expressed in terms of relative not absolute, changes in Price
and quantity demanded’
Ans: B
25. The horizontal demand curve parallel to x-axis implies that the elasticity of demand is:
A Zero
B Infinite
C Equal to one
Ans: B
26. In the short run, when the output of a firm increases, its average fixed cost:
A Remains constant
B Decreases
C Increases
Ans: B
Ans: D
A Wage push
B Profit push
C Both A and B
Ans: C
29. Terms of trade that relate to the Real Ratio of international exchange between commodities
is called:
Ans: C
30.The new world Trade organization (WTO), which replaced the GATT came into effect
from____
Ans:B
(a) Socialism
Ans-(c)
(a) Share
(b) Debenture
(c) Bonds
Ans-(d)
33. Socialism is a system under which economic activities are controlled by the:
(a) Government
Ans-(a)
Ans-(c)
35. Under socialism, all economic activities’s decisions are taken by:
Ans-(a)
36. Mixed economic system can be suffers from the evil of:
(a) Inefficiency
(b) Corruption
Ans-(d)
Ans-(c)
(a) Sales
(b) Satisfaction
(c) Profit
(d) Wealth
Ans-(b)
39. Private sector and public sector coexist together formation in to which economic system?
(a) Socialism
Ans-(b)
Ans-(b)
41. Which people have the right to hold and use private property in any manner Under ?
(a) Capitalism
(b) Socialism
Ans-(a)
42.. Under socialism, The central problems of the economy are solved by the
Ans-(b)
(b) Capitalism
(c) Mixed economy
(d) None
Ans-(c)
44. The main motive and objectives of undertaking economic activities under socialism is
(a) Profit,
(b) Satisfaction
(d) None
Ans-(c)
45. In which type of economic system, desire to earn profit is the chief motive of all economic
Activities?
(a) Capitalism.
(b) Socialism
(d) None
Ans-(a)
Ans-(b)
47. Unequal distribution of income is an important feature of which type of economic system?
(a) Nationalism
(b) Distribution
(c) Capitalism
Ans-(c)
(a) Capitalism
(b) Socialism
(c) Naturalism
Ans-(b)
49. In which type of economic system both public and private sectors coexist together?
(b)Macroeconomic
(c) Microeconomic
Ans-(d)
50. When the price of a product falls for a normal good, the:
A) income and substitution effects will encourage consumers to purchase more of the
product.
B) income and substitution effects will encourage consumers to purchase less of the
product.
C) substitution effect will encourage consumers to purchase less of the product and the income
effect will encourage them to purchase more.
D) substitution effect will encourage consumers to purchase more of the product and the
income effect will encourage them to purchase less.
Ans: A
51.. The reason the substitution effect works to encourage a consumer to buy less of a
product when its price increases is:
D) other products are now relatively more expensive than they were before.
Ans: C
52. George consumes only two goods, pizza and compact discs. Both are normal goods
for George. Suppose the price of pizza decreases. George's consumption of compact discs will:
Ans: A
A) summing the marginal utility from the first unit of a product that is consumed and
B) multiplying the marginal utility of a unit of the product consumed times the average quantity
consumed.
C) summing the marginal utilities for each successive unit of the product that is
consumed.
Ans: C
C) the total satisfaction received from consuming as much of the product that is
available for consumption
D) the additional satisfaction received from consuming one more unit of a product
Ans: D
A) The more consumption of a product, the smaller is the total and marginal utility from the
consumption.
B) The less consumption of a product, the greater is the total and marginal utility of the
consumption.
C) The more consumption of a product, the smaller is the marginal utility from consuming an
additional unit.
D) The more consumption of a produc t, the smaller is the total and marginal utility
Ans: C
56. Which situation is consistent with the law of diminishing marginal utility?
A) The more pizza Henry eats, the more he enjoys another slice.
B) The more pizza Henry eats, the less he enjoys another slice.
C) Henry's marginal utility from eating pizza becomes positive after eating three slices.
D) Henry's marginal utility from eating pizza reaches a maximum when total utility is zero.
Ans: B
57. Children who refuse to eat Brussels sprouts at dinner are making the statement that the
marginal utility of Brussels sprouts is:
A) zero.
C) negative.
Ans: B
58. When marginal utility is decreasing but positive, total utility is:
A) increasing at a decreasing rate.
Ans: A
59. A consumer with a fixed income will maximize utility when each good is purchased
C) marginal utility per dollar spent is the same for all goods.
Ans: C
A) the marginal utility obtained from one product is equal to the marginal utility obtained from
any other product.
C) the marginal utility per last dollar spent is the same for all goods consumed.
Ans: C
61. If you know that the marginal utility per dollar spent on product Alpha is less than the
marginal utility per dollar spent on product Beta, consumers who spend all their
income on these two products can:A) maximize total utility but not marginal utility.
Ans: C
Use the following to answer questions 62-65
Answer the next question(s) based on the table below showing the marginal utility schedules for
product X and product Y for a hypothetical consumer.
The price of product X is $4 and the price of product Y is $2. The income of the consumer is $20.
Product X Product Y
1 32 1 24
2 28 2 20
3 24 3 16
4 20 4 12
5 16 5 8
62. From the table, If the consumer can only buy product X, how much will the consumer buy
and what will be the total utility?
A) 4X and 20
B) 4X and 104
C) 5X and 16
D) 5X and 120
Ans: D
63. From the table, If the consumer buys both product X and product Y, how
A) 4X and 2Y
B) 3X and 4Y
C) 4X and 3Y
D) 5X and 3Y
Ans: B
64. From the above table, When the consumer purchases the utility-maximizing combination of
product X and product Y, total utility will be:
A) 72.
B) 84.
C) 136.
D) 156.
Ans: D
65 A consumer is in equilibrium and is spending income in such a way that the marginal utility
of product X is 40 units and Y is 16 units. The unit price of X is $5. The price of Y is:
A) $1 per unit
B) $2 per unit
C) $3 per unit.
D) $4 per unit.
Ans: B
A) normal goods
Ans: C
(A) responsiveness
(B) change
(C) price
(D) need
Ans: A
68.A good or service is considered to be elastic if a slight change in price leads to ___ change in
the quantity demanded or supplied.
(B) no
(C) a sharp
Ans: C
69-An inelastic good or service is one in which changes in price witness ___ changes in the
quantity demanded or supplied
(B) no
(C) a sharp
Ans: A
70.The law of demand tells us that consumers will respond to a price decline by buying ___ of a
product.
(A) less
(B) more
(C) substitute
Ans: B
72-All such demand curves where quantity demanded is totally unresponsive to changes in price
are called
Ans: B
73.Such horizontal demand curves, where quantity demanded is infinitely responsive to price
changes, are called
Ans: A
74.The ___ have a property that when price decreases total revenue increases, and vice-versa.
Ans: A
(A) zero
(B) one
(C) infinity
76.-Demand curve is said to be ___ and has the property that when price increases or decreases,
the total revenue remains constant.
Ans: C
(A) zero
(B) one
(C) infinity
Ans: B
78-Demand curves which have an elasticity coefficient __ are called relatively inelastic or simply
inelastic.
(A) 0
(B) 1
(D) infinity
Ans: C
79.The elasticity coefficient for a relatively elastic or simply elastic demand curve, is
(A) 0
(B) 1
80-In the real world, ___ per cent of the demand curves are either relatively elastic or relatively
inelastic.
(A) 69.99
(B) 79.99
(C) 89.99
(D) 99.99
Ans: C
Ans: C
Ans:A
Ans: B
84. The cross elasticity of demand is a numerical measure of the degree to which quantity
demanded of a good responds to changes in the ___, the other determinants of demand being
kept constant.
(B) income
(C) price
Ans: A
(B) demand
Ans: C
Ans: C
(a) Price
Ans: B
88. The basic reason of operating the Law of Diminishing Returns is:
Ans: C
Ans: B
Ans: C
91. In which stage of production a rational producer likes to operate in shot-run production ?
Ans: B
92.Law of variable proportion explains three stages of production. In the first stage of
production:
(a) Both MP and AP rise
(b) MP rises
(c) AP Falls
(d) MP is zero
Ans: A
Ans: B
(a) Qx = Px
(b) Qx = f(A, B, C, D)
(c) Qx = Dx
Ans: B
Ans: C
96.The cycle which increases first and after being constant starts to reduce is called :
(a) APP
(b) MPP
(c) TPP
Ans: D
(a) Land
(b) Labour
(c) Capital
Ans: D
(b) Long-run
(c) Short-run
Ans: C
99. If all the factors of production are increased by same proportion and as a result output
increases by a greater proportion than it is called :
Ans: D
100.If other things being same, what does the positive relationship between price and supply
quantity signify ?
Ans: C
a) The quantity of a good or service that consumers are willing to buy at a given price
b) The quantity of a good or service that producers are willing to sell at a given price
Answer: a) The quantity of a good or service that consumers are willing to buy at a given price
b) Consumer income
d) Producer costs
b) Income of producers
d) Technological advancements
b) Producer costs
c) Technological advancements
d) Consumer income
a) Demand alone
b) Supply alone
d) Government regulations
a) Shortage
b) Surplus
c) Equilibrium
d) None of the above
Answer: a) Shortage
a) Shortage
b) Surplus
c) Equilibrium
Answer: b) Surplus
a) Decrease prices
b) Increase prices
d) Reduce demand
a) Decrease prices
b) Increase prices
d) Reduce demand
a) Inelastic
b) Elastic
c) Unitary elastic
d) Indeterminate
Answer: b) Elastic
a) Inelastic
b) Elastic
c) Unitary elastic
d) Indeterminate
Answer: a) Inelastic
a) Inelastic
b) Elastic
c) Unitary elastic
d) Indeterminate
Answer: b) How responsive quantity demanded is to changes in the price of a related good
121. If the cross-price elasticity of demand is positive, the goods are:
a) Complements
b) Substitutes
c) Independent
d) Perfect substitutes
Answer: b) Substitutes
a) Complements
b) Substitutes
c) Independent
d) Perfect substitutes
a) Inferior
b) Normal
c) Giffen
d) Independent
Answer: b) Normal
b) Normal
c) Giffen
d) Independent
Answer: a) Inferior
127. If the income elasticity of demand is greater than 1, the good is:
a) Inferior
b) Normal
c) Giffen
d) Independent
Answer: d) Independent
a) Inelastic
b) Elastic
c) Unit elastic
d) Indeterminate
Answer: b) Elastic
a) Inelastic
b) Elastic
c) Unit elastic
d) Indeterminate
Answer: a) Inelastic
a) Inelastic
b) Elastic
c) Unit elastic
d) Indeterminate
132. Which of the following is not a factor that can shift the demand curve?
133. Which of the following is not a factor that can shift the supply curve?
134. If the price of coffee increases and the quantity demanded of tea increases, coffee and tea
are:
a) Complements
b) Substitutes
c) Independent
d) Perfect substitutes
Answer: b) Substitutes
135. If the price of smartphones decreases and the quantity demanded of smartphone cases
increases, smartphones and smartphone cases are:
a) Complements
b) Substitutes
c) Independent
d) Perfect substitutes
Answer: a) Complements
136. If the price of luxury cars increases and the quantity demanded of economy cars increases,
luxury cars and economy cars are:
a) Complements
b) Substitutes
c) Independent
d) Perfect substitutes
Answer: b) Substitutes
137. If the price of DVD players decreases and the quantity demanded of DVD movies increases,
DVD players and DVD movies are:
a) Complements
b) Substitutes
c) Independent
d) Perfect substitutes
Answer: a) Complements
138. If the income elasticity of demand for a good is negative, the good is likely to be:
a) A necessity
b) An inferior good
c) A luxury good
d) Unrelated to income
139. If the income elasticity of demand for a good is positive, the good is likely to be:
a) A necessity
b) An inferior good
c) A luxury good
d) Unrelated to income
140. If the income elasticity of demand for a good is close to zero, the good is likely to be:
a) A necessity
b) An inferior good
c) A luxury good
d) Unrelated to income
Answer: a) A necessity
141. Which of the following factors can cause a shift in the supply curve?
142. If the price of crude oil increases, what will happen to the supply of gasoline?
143. If a new technology improves the efficiency of production, what will happen to the supply
of a good?
144. If the government imposes a tax on a good, what will happen to the supply of the good?
145. If a natural disaster destroys a portion of a crop, what will happen to the supply of the crop?
146. If the price elasticity of demand for a good is 0.5, demand is:
a) Inelastic
b) Elastic
c) Unit elastic
d) Indeterminate
Answer: a) Inelastic
147. If the price elasticity of demand for a good is 1.5, demand is:
a) Inelastic
b) Elastic
c) Unit elastic
d) Indeterminate
Answer: b) Elastic
148. If the price elasticity of supply for a good is 0.8, supply is:
a) Inelastic
b) Elastic
c) Unit elastic
d) Indeterminate
Answer: a) Inelastic
149. If the price elasticity of supply for a good is 1.2, supply is:
a) Inelastic
b) Elastic
c) Unit elastic
d) Indeterminate
Answer: b) Elastic
150. If the price of a good increases by 10% and the quantity demanded decreases by 5%, what
is the price elasticity of demand?
a) 0.5
b) 1.0
c) 1.5
d) 2.0
Answer: c) 1.5
151. If the price of a good decreases by 8% and the quantity supplied increases by 12%, what is
the price elasticity of supply?
a) 0.5
b) 1.0
c) 1.5
d) 2.0
Answer: d) 2.0
a) Taxes
b) Subsidies
c) Price controls
153.When the government imposes a tax on a product, what happens to the supply curve?
c) It remains unchanged
154. When the government imposes a tax on a product, what happens to the equilibrium price
and quantity?
156. When the government provides a subsidy to a product, what happens to the supply curve?
c) It remains unchanged
157. When the government provides a subsidy to a product, what happens to the equilibrium
price and quantity?
160. When a price ceiling is set below the equilibrium price, what is likely to happen?
d) Equilibrium is maintained
163. When a price floor is set above the equilibrium price, what is likely to happen?
d) Equilibrium is maintained
166. When a quota is implemented, what is likely to happen to the equilibrium price and quantity?
a) A tariff is a tax on imported goods, while a quota is a limit on the quantity of imported goods
b) A tariff is a limit on the quantity of imported goods, while a quota is a tax on imported goods
d) A tariff is a tax on domestically produced goods, while a quota is a limit on the quantity of
domestically produced goods
Answer: a) A tariff is a tax on imported goods, while a quota is a limit on the quantity of
imported goods
168. What is the purpose of implementing trade restrictions, such as tariffs or quotas?
b) A situation where the costs or benefits of a transaction are borne by someone other than the
buyer or seller
Answer: b) A situation where the costs or benefits of a transaction are borne by someone other
than the buyer or seller
a) A good that is provided by the government and available to all without charge
a) A situation where individuals act in their own self-interest, depleting a shared resource
Answer: a) A situation where individuals act in their own self-interest, depleting a shared
resource
175. How might the government address the tragedy of the commons?
d) The measure of how responsive consumer tastes and preferences are to changes in price
d) The measure of how responsive consumer tastes and preferences are to changes in price
178. When demand is elastic, how does a change in price affect total revenue?
179. When demand is inelastic, how does a change in price affect total revenue?
a) Total revenue increases
180. When supply is elastic, how does a change in price affect total revenue?
181. When supply is inelastic, how does a change in price affect total revenue?
182. Which of the following is an example of a price control implemented by the government?
a) A concert ticket
c) National defense
d) Clothing
186. Which of the following government interventions is likely to lead to a shortage in the
market?
187. Which of the following government interventions is likely to lead to a surplus in the market?
188. When a government imposes a tax on a product, who ultimately bears the burden of the tax?
a) Producers only
b) Consumers only
d) The government
189. Which of the following government interventions is likely to decrease the consumption of a
product?
191. Which of the following government interventions is likely to decrease the production of a
product?
193. Which of the following government interventions is likely to increase the price of a product?
194. Which of the following government interventions is likely to decrease the price of a product?
195. Which of the following government interventions is likely to decrease consumer surplus?
196. Which of the following government interventions is likely to decrease producer surplus?
197. Which of the following government interventions is likely to benefit both producers and
consumers?
199. Which of the following government interventions is likely to benefit consumers but harm
producers?
200. Which of the following government interventions is likely to result in deadweight loss?
201. Which of the following government interventions is likely to promote efficiency in the
market?
202. Which of the following government interventions is likely to lead to market distortions and
unintended consequences?
203. Which economic system relies on private ownership and free markets?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Feudalism
Answer: a) Capitalism
a) Government planners
d) Trade unions
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Mercantilism
Answer: b) Socialism
a) Business owners
b) Consumers
c) Government authorities
d) Stockholders
207. Which economic system has the primary goal of maximizing profit?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Mixed economy
Answer: a) Capitalism
a) By government authorities
d) By market forces
209. Which economic system combines elements of both capitalism and socialism?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Mixed economy
210. Which economic system is associated with Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Mercantilism
Answer: c) Communism
a) Government regulations
d) Trade unions
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Feudalism
Answer: a) Capitalism
213. Which economic system emphasizes the role of the state in economic planning and
distribution of resources?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Mercantilism
Answer: b) Socialism
215. Which economic system is characterized by a lack of private ownership and a classless
society?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Mixed economy
Answer: c) Communism
216. Which economic system promotes competition among businesses as a means of driving
innovation and efficiency?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Feudalism
Answer: a) Capitalism
Answer: c) Provide public goods and services and regulate certain industries
218.Which economic system existed during the Middle Ages and was characterized by feudal
relationships and agricultural production?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Feudalism
Answer: d) Feudalism
219.In a market economy, the distribution of goods and services is primarily determined by:
a) Government authorities
c) Trade unions
d) Stockholders
220. Which economic system advocates for minimal government intervention and maximum
individual freedom?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Mercantilism
Answer: a) Capitalism
221. Which economic system is based on the principle of "from each according to his ability, to
each according to his needs"?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Mixed economy
Answer: c) Communism
d) By market competition
223. Which economic system encourages public ownership of key industries and redistribution
of wealth?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Mixed economy
Answer: b) Socialism
224. In a command economy, decisions about production and consumption are made by:
a) Private businesses
b) Consumers
c) Government authorities
d) Shareholders
225. Which economic system is associated with Adam Smith's concept of the "invisible hand"?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Mercantilism
Answer: a) Capitalism
226. In a market economy, the role of government is primarily to:
227. Which economic system emphasizes the pursuit of collective goals and the well-being of
society as a whole?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Feudalism
Answer: b) Socialism
a) Government authorities
d) Trade unions
229. Which economic system seeks to achieve economic growth while ensuring social welfare
and reducing income inequality?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Mixed economy
230. Which economic system emphasizes the importance of international trade and
accumulation of wealth through exports?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Mercantilism
Answer: d) Mercantilism
b) Government authorities
d) Trade unions
232. Which economic system is characterized by a high degree of government control and
central planning?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Feudalism
Answer: c) Communism
a) Government regulations
d) Trade unions
234. Which economic system allows for the accumulation of wealth and private property rights?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Mixed economy
Answer: a) Capitalism
235. Which economic system emphasizes the importance of community welfare and social
justice?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Feudalism
Answer: b) Socialism
c) Government authorities
d) Stockholders
237. Which economic system promotes economic cooperation and collective decision-making?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Mercantilism
Answer: c) Communism
239. Which economic system is based on the belief in self-interest and the pursuit of personal
gain?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Feudalism
Answer: a) Capitalism
240. In a market economy, how are prices determined?
b) By central banks
d) By trade unions
241. Which economic system aims to eliminate class distinctions and create a classless society?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Mixed economy
Answer: c) Communism
a) Consumer preferences
b) Government policies
d) Market competition
243. Which economic system advocates for government ownership of all means of production?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Mercantilism
Answer: c) Communism
244. In a command economy, what determines the distribution of goods and services?
a) Market competition
c) Government authorities
d) Stockholders
245. Which economic system promotes free trade and limited government intervention?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Feudalism
Answer: a) Capitalism
Answer: c) Providing public goods and services and regulating certain industries
247. Which economic system advocates for the accumulation of wealth through exports and
government intervention in trade?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Mercantilism
Answer: d) Mercantilism
a) Government regulations
d) Trade unions
249. Which economic system emphasizes the importance of collective decision-making and
equal distribution of resources?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Feudalism
Answer: c) Communism
250. In a command economy, who determines the prices of goods and services?
a) Business owners
b) Consumers
c) Government authorities
d) Shareholders
251. Which economic system allows for a combination of private and public ownership of
resources?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Communism
d) Mixed economy
a) Private businesses
b) Consumers
c) Government authorities
d) Shareholders
253. Which theory explains how consumers allocate their income among different goods to
maximize their satisfaction?
a) Marginal utility
b) Total utility
c) Average utility
d) Elasticity of demand
255. According to the law of diminishing marginal utility, what happens as a consumer
consumes more units of a good?
257. The budget line shows the different combinations of two goods that a consumer can
afford given:
a) Their preferences
b) Their income and the prices of the goods
258. The point of tangency between the budget line and the indifference curve represents:
a) Marginal utility
c) Total utility
260. A consumer will maximize utility when the marginal utility per dollar spent is:
b) Luxury cars
d) Used clothing
267. Which concept refers to the responsiveness of quantity demanded to a change in price?
268. If the price elasticity of demand for a good is greater than 1, the demand is:
a) Inelastic
b) Elastic
c) Unitary
d) Perfectly elastic
Answer: b) Elastic
269. If the price elasticity of demand for a good is less than 1, the demand is:
a) Inelastic
b) Elastic
c) Unitary
d) Perfectly inelastic
Answer: a) Inelastic
270. If the price elasticity of demand for a good is equal to 1, the demand is:
a) Inelastic
b) Elastic
c) Unitary
d) Perfectly inelastic
Answer: c) Unitary
271. Which of the following goods is likely to have a more elastic demand?
a) Essential medication
b) Luxury jewelry
d) Custom-made furniture
Answer: c) Generic household cleaning products
272. Which of the following factors influences the price elasticity of demand?
a) Availability of substitutes
b) The difference between the price consumers are willing to pay and the actual price
d) The difference between the quantity demanded and the quantity supplied
Answer: b) The difference between the price consumers are willing to pay and the actual price
c) Consumer income
a) The relationship between the price of a good and the quantity demanded
b) The relationship between consumer income and the quantity demanded
276. According to the theory of consumer behavior, what happens to the demand for a good
when consumer income increases?
Answer: a) It increases for normal goods and decreases for inferior goods
c) Designer clothing
280. Which of the following is an example of a cognitive bias that can influence consumer
behavior?
a) Anchoring bias
b) Availability bias
c) Confirmation bias
284. Which concept refers to the mental shortcuts or rules of thumb that individuals use to
make decisions?
a) Heuristics
b) Marginal utility
c) Total utility
d) Rational choice
Answer: a) Heuristics
a) The tendency to make decisions based on the information that is readily available
d) The tendency to base decisions on emotional factors rather than rational factors
Answer: a) The tendency to make decisions based on the information that is readily available
286. The anchoring and adjustment heuristic refers to:
a) The tendency to rely on the first piece of information encountered when making a decision
d) The tendency to base decisions on emotional factors rather than rational factors
Answer: a) The tendency to rely on the first piece of information encountered when making a
decision
287. According to the theory of planned behavior, consumer behavior is influenced by:
288. The social influence theory suggests that consumer behavior is influenced by:
289. According to the theory of conspicuous consumption, individuals consume goods to:
290. The concept of habit formation suggests that consumer behavior is influenced by:
291. The theory of intertemporal choice explores how consumers make decisions that involve:
Answer: a) The tendency to discount future utility and prioritize immediate gratification
297. The concept of reference groups suggests that consumer behavior is influenced by:
a) The ability of consumers to make informed choices and have control over their consumption
decisions
Answer: a) The ability of consumers to make informed choices and have control over their
consumption decisions
a) The engagement of consumers in advocating for changes in business practices and policies
Answer: a) The engagement of consumers in advocating for changes in business practices and
policies
300. The concept of sensory marketing suggests that consumer behavior is influenced by:
a) The sensory experiences associated with products and brands
302. The concept of social media influencers suggests that consumer behavior is influenced by:
a) Individuals with a large online following who endorse and promote products
Answer: a) Individuals with a large online following who endorse and promote products
a) Income
b) Wealth
c) Satisfaction
d) Savings
Answer: c) Satisfaction
304. According to utility maximization theory, individuals make choices based on:
a) Their needs
b) Their preferences
c) Social norms
d) Government regulations
305. The law of diminishing marginal utility states that as consumption of a good increases:
a) It is subjective
b) It is measurable
c) It is ordinal
d) It is a psychological concept
Answer: b) It is measurable
a) Maximum utility
b) Minimum utility
c) Equal utility
d) Decreasing utility
313. The income effect of a price change refers to the change in consumption resulting from:
a) A change in income
b) A change in price
d) A change in expectations
314. The substitution effect of a price change refers to the change in consumption resulting
from:
a) A change in income
b) A change in price
c) A change in tastes and preferences
d) A change in expectations
320. The price elasticity of demand is calculated as the percentage change in quantity
demanded divided by the percentage change in:
a) Price
b) Income
c) Utility
d) Supply
Answer: a) Price
321. If the price elasticity of demand is greater than 1, the demand is considered to be:
a) Inelastic
b) Unit elastic
c) Elastic
d) Perfectly elastic
Answer: c) Elastic
322. If the price elasticity of demand is less than 1, the demand is considered to be:
a) Inelastic
b) Unit elastic
c) Elastic
d) Perfectly elastic
Answer: a) Inelastic
323. If the price elasticity of demand is equal to 1, the demand is considered to be:
a) Inelastic
b) Unit elastic
c) Elastic
d) Perfectly elastic
d) Income
d) Income
Answer: d) Income
a) -1
b) 0
c) 1
d) Infinity
Answer: c) 1
a) -1
b) 0
c) 1
d) Infinity
Answer: b) 0
328. The utility-maximizing rule for consumption states that the marginal utility per dollar spent
should be:
329. The term "bounded rationality" in consumer behavior refers to the idea that consumers:
330. Behavioral economics incorporates psychological insights into the study of:
a) Consumer preferences
b) Producer behavior
c) Market equilibrium
d) Government regulations
334. In utility maximization theory, the concept of time preference refers to:
335. The concept of intertemporal choice in utility maximization theory refers to:
a) Interest rate
c) Rate of inflation
d) Rate of savings
339. The permanent income hypothesis suggests that individuals base their consumption
decisions on:
a) Current income
b) Past income
d) Average income
340. The life-cycle hypothesis of consumption states that individuals base their consumption
decisions on:
a) Current income
b) Past income
d) Average income
a) Transitivity
b) Completeness
c) Continuity
d) Independence
Answer: d) Independence
345. The concept of mental accounting refers to the idea that individuals:
Answer: a) Use separate mental accounts for different sources of income or expenses
348. The concept of status quo bias refers to the tendency of individuals to:
349. In the context of utility maximization, behavioral economics suggests that individuals:
c) The process of making decisions that are "good enough" rather than optimal
Answer: c) The process of making decisions that are "good enough" rather than optimal
353. Elasticity measures the ________ of quantity demanded or supplied in response to a change
in price.
a) Sensitivity
b) Responsiveness
c) Elasticity
Answer: a) Percentage change in quantity demanded divided by the percentage change in price
355. A price elasticity of demand greater than 1 indicates that demand is ________.
a) Inelastic
b) Unit elastic
c) Elastic
d) Perfectly elastic
Answer: c) Elastic
a) Perfectly elastic
b) Elastic
c) Inelastic
d) Unit elastic
Answer: c) Inelastic
a) Income
b) Price of a substitute good
358. If the cross elasticity of demand for two goods is positive, it means they are ________.
a) Substitutes
b) Complements
c) Independent
d) Unrelated
Answer: a) Substitutes
a) Price
b) Income
c) Production costs
Answer: b) Income
360. If the income elasticity of demand for a normal good is positive, it means that demand for
the good ________.
d) Is unrelated to income
Answer: a) Increases as income increases
361. If the income elasticity of demand for an inferior good is negative, it means that demand
for the good ________.
d) Is unrelated to income
362. The price elasticity of supply measures the responsiveness of ________ to changes in price.
a) Quantity demanded
b) Quantity supplied
c) Production costs
363. If the price elasticity of supply is greater than 1, supply is considered ________.
a) Elastic
b) Inelastic
c) Unit elastic
d) Perfectly elastic
Answer: a) Elastic
364. If the price elasticity of supply is less than 1, supply is considered ________.
a) Elastic
b) Inelastic
c) Unit elastic
d) Perfectly inelastic
Answer: b) Inelastic
365. The concept of price elasticity of supply is most relevant for ________.
a) Consumer goods
b) Luxury goods
c) Commodities
d) All goods
Answer: c) Commodities
366. The concept of price elasticity of demand is most relevant for ________.
a) Consumer goods
b) Luxury goods
c) Commodities
d) All goods
376.When demand is elastic, a decrease in price will lead to a ________ in total revenue.
a) Decrease
b) Increase
c) No change
Answer: b) Increase
377. When demand is inelastic, a decrease in price will lead to a ________ in total revenue.
a) Decrease
b) Increase
c) No change
Answer: a) Decrease
378. The price elasticity of demand tends to be more elastic in the ________ run.
a) Short
b) Long
c) Medium
Answer: b) Long
379. The price elasticity of supply tends to be more elastic in the ________ run.
a) Short
b) Long
c) Medium
Answer: a) Short
380.The demand for necessities, such as food and medicine, tends to be ________.
a) Elastic
b) Inelastic
c) Unit elastic
d) Perfectly elastic
Answer: b) Inelastic
381. The demand for luxury goods, such as high-end cars or jewelry, tends to be ________.
a) Elastic
b) Inelastic
c) Unit elastic
d) Perfectly inelastic
Answer: a) Elastic
a) Elastic
b) Inelastic
c) Unit elastic
d) Perfectly elastic
383. Perfectly elastic demand is represented by a price elasticity of demand equal to ________.
a) 0
b) 1
c) ∞ (infinity)
d) -∞ (negative infinity)
Answer: c) ∞ (infinity)
384. Perfectly inelastic demand is represented by a price elasticity of demand equal to ________.
a) 0
b) 1
c) ∞ (infinity)
d) -∞ (negative infinity)
Answer: a) 0
a) Elastic
b) Inelastic
c) Unit elastic
d) Perfectly elastic
386. Perfectly elastic supply is represented by a price elasticity of supply equal to ________.
a) 0
b) 1
c) ∞ (infinity)
d) -∞ (negative infinity)
Answer: c) ∞ (infinity)
387. Perfectly inelastic supply is represented by a price elasticity of supply equal to ________.
a) 0
b) 1
c) ∞ (infinity)
d) -∞ (negative infinity)
Answer: a) 0
388. When the price elasticity of demand is greater than 1, a decrease in price will ________.
389. When the price elasticity of demand is less than 1, a decrease in price will ________.
390. When the price elasticity of demand is equal to 1, a decrease in price will ________.
392. When the price elasticity of supply is less than 1, an increase in price will ________.
393. When the price elasticity of supply is equal to 1, an increase in price will ________.
394. The midpoint formula for calculating price elasticity of demand is used to ________.
Answer: a) Calculate the average elasticity over a range of prices and quantities
395. The formula for calculating price elasticity of demand using the midpoint formula is:
399. Perfectly elastic supply occurs when the price elasticity of supply is ________.
a) 0
b) 1
c) ∞
d) -∞
Answer: c) ∞
400. Perfectly inelastic supply occurs when the price elasticity of supply is ________.
a) 0
b) 1
c) ∞ (infinity)
d) -∞ (negative infinity)
Answer: a) 0
401. A price increase of 10% leads to a decrease in quantity demanded of 20%. The price
elasticity of demand is ________.
a) 0.5
b) 1
c) 1.5
d) 2
Answer: d) 2
402. A price increase of 20% leads to a decrease in quantity demanded of 10%. The price
elasticity of demand is ________.
a) 0.5
b) 1
c) 1.5
d) 2
Answer: a) 0.5
403. A price increase of 15% leads to an increase in quantity supplied of 30%. The price
elasticity of supply is ________.
a) 0.5
b) 1
c) 1.5
d) 2
Answer: c) 1.5
404. A price increase of 5% leads to an increase in quantity supplied of 5%. The price elasticity
of supply is ________.
a) 0.5
b) 1
c) 1.5
d) 2
Answer: b) 1
405.If the cross elasticity of demand for two goods is -0.8, it indicates that the goods are
________.
a) Substitutes
b) Complements
c) Independent
d) Unrelated
Answer: b) Complements
406. If the cross elasticity of demand for two goods is 0.2, it indicates that the goods are
________.
a) Substitutes
b) Complements
c) Independent
d) Unrelated
Answer: a) Substitutes
407. If the income elasticity of demand for a normal good is 0.6, it means that demand for the
good is ________.
a) Income elastic
b) Income inelastic
c) Normal
d) Unrelated to income
408. If the income elasticity of demand for an inferior good is -0.4, it means that demand for the
good is ________.
a) Income elastic
b) Income inelastic
c) Normal
d) Unrelated to income
409. If the income elasticity of demand for a good is 0.2, it means that demand for the good is
________.
a) Income elastic
b) Income inelastic
c) Normal
d) Unrelated to income
410. If the income elasticity of demand for a good is -1.5, it means that demand for the good is
________.
a) Income elastic
b) Income inelastic
c) Normal
d) Unrelated to income
411. If the income elasticity of demand for a good is 0, it means that demand for the good is
________.
a) Income elastic
b) Income inelastic
c) Normal
d) Unrelated to income
a) Fixed cost
b) Variable cost
c) Marginal cost
d) Average cost
a) Fixed cost
b) Variable cost
c) Marginal cost
d) Average cost
414. Which of the following cost concepts remains constant regardless of the level of output?
a) Fixed cost
b) Variable cost
c) Marginal cost
d) Average cost
415. The sum of fixed cost and variable cost is equal to:
a) Total cost
b) Marginal cost
c) Average cost
d) Opportunity cost
417. Which of the following cost concepts is calculated by dividing total cost by the quantity of
output?
a) Fixed cost
b) Variable cost
c) Marginal cost
d) Average cost
418. Which of the following cost concepts is useful in making short-term pricing decisions?
a) Fixed cost
b) Variable cost
c) Marginal cost
d) Average cost
419. When marginal cost is below average cost, it implies that average cost is:
a) Rising
b) Falling
c) Constant
d) Zero
Answer: b) Falling
420. The cost that is forgone by choosing one alternative over another is known as:
a) Fixed cost
b) Variable cost
c) Marginal cost
d) Opportunity cost
421. Which of the following cost concepts is used to determine the break-even point?
a) Fixed cost
b) Variable cost
c) Marginal cost
d) Total cost
a) Fixed costs
b) Variable costs
c) Marginal costs
d) Sunk costs
Answer: b) Variable costs
a) Rent
b) Salaries
c) Raw materials
d) Insurance
a) Depreciation
b) Rent
c) Direct labor
d) Property taxes
a) Electricity bill
b) Property taxes
c) Salaries
d) Raw materials
429. Which of the following cost concepts is relevant for decision-making in the long run?
a) Sunk cost
b) Opportunity cost
c) Fixed cost
d) Variable cost
c) Cost of advertising
432. Which cost concept is relevant for measuring the value of the best forgone alternative?
a) Fixed cost
b) Variable cost
c) Marginal cost
d) Opportunity cost
433. The cost of machinery that is used for several years in production is classified as:
a) Variable cost
b) Fixed cost
c) Sunk cost
d) Opportunity cost
434. Which of the following cost concepts is useful for short-run decision-making?
a) Sunk cost
b) Average cost
c) Marginal cost
d) Opportunity cost
b) Cost of packaging
c) Cost of machinery
d) Cost of labor
436. Which of the following cost concepts is used to determine the profitability of an individual
unit of output?
a) Total cost
b) Marginal cost
c) Fixed cost
d) Average cost
437. The difference between total cost and variable cost is equal to:
a) Fixed cost
b) Marginal cost
c) Average cost
d) Opportunity cost
a) Fixed cost
b) Variable cost
c) Marginal cost
d) Average cost
439. Which of the following cost concepts is relevant for long-term planning?
a) Marginal cost
b) Sunk cost
c) Average cost
d) Opportunity cost
440. Which cost concept is used to evaluate the efficiency of a production process?
a) Total cost
b) Marginal cost
c) Fixed cost
d) Average cost
Answer: d) Average cost
441. The cost of labor and raw materials are classified as:
a) Fixed costs
b) Variable costs
c) Sunk costs
d) Opportunity costs
443. Which cost concept is relevant for determining the profitability of a firm?
a) Fixed cost
b) Variable cost
c) Marginal cost
d) Total cost
a) Rent
b) Utilities
c) Salaries
d) Insurance
Answer: c) Salaries
445. Which of the following cost concepts is relevant for pricing decisions in the long run?
a) Fixed cost
b) Variable cost
c) Marginal cost
d) Average cost
446. Which cost concept is used to determine the minimum price at which a firm can sell its
products without incurring losses?
a) Total cost
b) Marginal cost
c) Average cost
d) Variable cost
447. The cost of raw materials used in the production process is an example of:
a) Variable cost
b) Fixed cost
c) Sunk cost
d) Opportunity cost
a) Fixed cost
b) Variable cost
c) Marginal cost
d) Average cost
449. Which of the following cost concepts is relevant for pricing decisions in the short run?
a) Total cost
b) Variable cost
c) Marginal cost
d) Average cost
450. The cost of machinery purchased for a specific project is an example of:
a) Variable cost
b) Fixed cost
c) Sunk cost
d) Opportunity cost
a) Maximize revenue
b) Minimize costs
c) Maximize output
d) Minimize waste
b) Cannot be varied
b) Raw materials
c) Machinery
d) Managerial salaries
c) As more units of a variable input are added, marginal product eventually declines
Answer: c) As more units of a variable input are added, marginal product eventually declines
459. When marginal product is greater than average product, average product:
a) Increases
b) Decreases
c) Remains constant
d) Cannot be determined
Answer: a) Increases
Answer: b) Curves that show the relationship between inputs and outputs
a) All possible combinations of inputs that can be purchased with a given budget
b) All possible combinations of inputs that result in the same level of output
Answer: a) All possible combinations of inputs that can be purchased with a given budget
a) The rate at which the firm can substitute one input for another while keeping output constant
b) The rate at which the firm can increase output by adding one more unit of input
c) The rate at which the firm can decrease output by reducing one unit of input
d) The rate at which the firm can increase costs by adding one more unit of input
Answer: a) The rate at which the firm can substitute one input for another while keeping output
constant
466. The production function represents the:
471. The relationship between marginal cost (MC) and average variable cost (AVC) is such that
when MC is below AVC:
a) AVC is increasing
b) AVC is decreasing
d) AVC is equal to MC
472. The relationship between marginal cost (MC) and average total cost (ATC) is such that
when MC is below ATC:
a) ATC is increasing
b) ATC is decreasing
d) ATC is equal to MC
c) The cost of using the owner's personal car for business travel
485. The relationship between marginal revenue (MR) and average revenue (AR) is such that:
c) MR is equal to AR
d) MR is not related to AR
Answer: c) MR is equal to AR
486. If a firm's marginal cost is less than its average variable cost, then the firm should:
a) Increase production
b) Decrease production
487. If a firm's marginal cost is greater than its average total cost, then the firm:
a) Should increase production
b) Homogeneous products
d) Price-taking behavior
489. In perfect competition, a firm's short-run supply curve is the portion of the:
Answer: a) Marginal cost curve above the average variable cost curve
b) Homogeneous products
d) Product differentiation
492. In monopolistic competition, a firm's short-run supply curve is the portion of the:
Answer: a) Marginal cost curve above the average variable cost curve
495. In oligopoly, firms often engage in strategic behavior, which means they:
d) Is perfectly elastic
Answer: a) Charges different prices to different buyers for the same product
a) Maximize profits
b) Maximize revenue
c) Minimize costs
d) Minimize waste