📚 Learning Guide
Elasticity Formulas and Relationships
hard

If the cross-price elasticity of demand between two goods is positive, what can be inferred about the nature of the relationship between these goods, and how might this impact market dynamics if the demand for one good becomes unit elastic?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

The goods are substitutes, and an increase in the price of one will lead to a proportional increase in demand for the other.

B

The goods are complements, and an increase in the price of one will decrease the demand for the other.

C

The goods are unrelated, and changes in price will not affect the demand for the other.

D

The goods are perfect substitutes, and demand for one will be perfectly elastic in response to price changes.

Understanding the Answer

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Answer

If the cross-price elasticity of demand between two goods is positive, it means that when the price of one good increases, the demand for the other good also increases. This suggests that the two goods are substitutes, meaning that consumers can replace one with the other. For example, if the price of coffee goes up, people might buy more tea instead, showing how these products compete with each other. If the demand for one of these goods becomes unit elastic, it means that the percentage change in quantity demanded is equal to the percentage change in price, which could lead to significant shifts in market dynamics. As the price of the first good rises, the increased demand for the substitute could lead to higher prices and profits for that good, affecting both producers and consumers in the market.

Detailed Explanation

When two goods have a positive cross-price elasticity, it means they are substitutes. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests that the goods work together, like peanut butter and jelly; This option says the goods don't affect each other at all.

Key Concepts

cross-price elasticity of demand
unit elastic demand
elasticity in market dynamics.
Topic

Elasticity Formulas and Relationships

Difficulty

hard level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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