📚 Learning Guide
Substitutes and Complements in Economics
hard

If the price of a substitute for a good increases, what is the likely effect on the equilibrium price and quantity of the original good, assuming demand is elastic?

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Learning Path
Learning Path

Question & Answer
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Choose the Best Answer

A

Equilibrium price increases, quantity decreases

B

Equilibrium price decreases, quantity increases

C

Equilibrium price increases, quantity increases

D

No change in equilibrium price or quantity

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

When the price of a substitute good increases, consumers tend to buy more of the original good because it becomes relatively cheaper. This increased demand for the original good leads to a rise in both its equilibrium price and quantity. For example, if the price of butter goes up, people might buy more margarine instead, driving up the demand for margarine. Since demand is elastic, even a small change in price can result in a significant change in the quantity demanded. Overall, the original good benefits from the increase in demand, leading to higher prices and sales.

Detailed Explanation

When the price of a substitute goes up, people will buy more of the original good instead. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests that the price goes up but quantity goes down; This option says the price decreases and quantity increases.

Key Concepts

demand elasticity
market equilibrium
elasticity of demand
Topic

Substitutes and Complements in Economics

Difficulty

hard level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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