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Multiple Choice
An increase in the supply of a good will increase the total revenue producers receive if:
A
The demand curve is inelastic
B
The demand curve is elastic
C
The supply curve is inelastic
D
The supply curve is elastic
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of elasticity: Elasticity measures how much the quantity demanded or supplied responds to changes in price. If demand is elastic, a small change in price leads to a large change in quantity demanded.
Analyze the relationship between supply and demand: When supply increases, the quantity available in the market increases, which typically leads to a decrease in price.
Consider the effect of elasticity on total revenue: Total revenue is calculated as price multiplied by quantity. If demand is elastic, a decrease in price leads to a proportionally larger increase in quantity demanded, potentially increasing total revenue.
Evaluate the impact of an elastic demand curve: With an elastic demand curve, the percentage change in quantity demanded is greater than the percentage change in price, meaning total revenue can increase even if the price decreases.
Conclude that an increase in supply will increase total revenue if the demand curve is elastic: This is because the increase in quantity demanded due to the lower price outweighs the decrease in price, leading to higher total revenue.