Elasticity

Demand

¥A relationship between price and quantity demanded (other things constant). Demand describes buyer behavior.

¥Demand shows how much of a good consumers are willing and able to buy at each possible price during a given period of time, other things held constant

Law of Demand

The law of demand states that there is an inverse relationship between price and quantity demanded.

Demand is a relationship between price and quantity demanded.  It shows how one changes when the other changes.

Changes in quantity demanded due to price changes are NOT changes in demand

Demand Curve

Price Elasticity

¥The response of consumers to a change in price is measured by the price elasticity of demand.

 

Price Elasticity

¥The price elasticity of demand is the percentage change in quantity demanded divided by the percentage change in price.

Demand Curve

Price Elasticity

The price of popcorn goes up 20% and the quantity demanded goes down 10%.

Elastic vs. Inelastic Demand

¥Demand can be elastic, inelastic, or unitary elastic.

 

Elasticity Estimates

Price Elasticity and Total Revenue

¥Price elasticity explains why producers cannot charge the highest possible price.

¥Higher prices may actually lower total sales revenue.

Price Elasticity and Total Revenue

¥Total revenue — the price of a product multiplied by the quantity sold in a given time period.

Elasticity and Total Revenue

Elasticity and Total Revenue

Elasticity and Total Revenue

¥Price cuts reduce total revenue if demand is price inelastic.

Determinants of Elasticity

¥Differences in price elasticity are explained by several factors:

Necessities vs. luxuries

Availability of substitutes

Relative price