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Multiple Choice
If a one percent decrease in the price of a pound of pound cake causes a three percent decrease in the quantity of pound cake supplied:
A
Demand is inelastic
B
Demand is elastic
C
Supply is inelastic
D
Supply is elastic
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of elasticity: Elasticity measures how much the quantity supplied or demanded responds to changes in price. If the quantity changes significantly with a small change in price, it is considered elastic.
Identify the given information: A 1% decrease in price leads to a 3% decrease in the quantity supplied. This indicates a relationship between price change and quantity change.
Calculate the price elasticity of supply: Use the formula for price elasticity of supply, which is the percentage change in quantity supplied divided by the percentage change in price. In this case, it would be (-3% / -1%).
Interpret the elasticity value: If the absolute value of the elasticity is greater than 1, supply is considered elastic. This means the quantity supplied is responsive to price changes.
Conclude based on the elasticity value: Since the calculated elasticity is greater than 1, the supply of pound cake is elastic, meaning suppliers are responsive to price changes.