If two demand curve intersects, at their point of intersection which demand curve will be more elastic.

ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
14th Edition
ISBN:9780190931919
Author:NEWNAN
Publisher:NEWNAN
Chapter1: Making Economics Decisions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1QTC
icon
Related questions
Question
**Understanding Elasticity at the Intersection of Demand Curves**

In the study of economics, it's important to understand demand elasticity, which refers to how the quantity demanded of a good responds to changes in price. A question that often arises is: *If two demand curves intersect, which demand curve is more elastic at their point of intersection?*

### Explanation

When two demand curves intersect, the elasticity of each curve at the intersection can be compared. The demand curve that is flatter, or less steep, at the point of intersection is considered to be more elastic. This is because a small change in price leads to a larger change in quantity demanded along a flatter curve, indicating greater sensitivity to price changes.

### Key Points

1. **Elastic Demand**: More responsive to price changes. Consumers will buy significantly more or less as the price decreases or increases, respectively.
   
2. **Inelastic Demand**: Less responsive to price changes. Consumers' buying habits are not as affected by price changes.

Understanding the elasticity can help businesses and policymakers make better decisions regarding pricing strategies and anticipate changes in consumer behavior.
Transcribed Image Text:**Understanding Elasticity at the Intersection of Demand Curves** In the study of economics, it's important to understand demand elasticity, which refers to how the quantity demanded of a good responds to changes in price. A question that often arises is: *If two demand curves intersect, which demand curve is more elastic at their point of intersection?* ### Explanation When two demand curves intersect, the elasticity of each curve at the intersection can be compared. The demand curve that is flatter, or less steep, at the point of intersection is considered to be more elastic. This is because a small change in price leads to a larger change in quantity demanded along a flatter curve, indicating greater sensitivity to price changes. ### Key Points 1. **Elastic Demand**: More responsive to price changes. Consumers will buy significantly more or less as the price decreases or increases, respectively. 2. **Inelastic Demand**: Less responsive to price changes. Consumers' buying habits are not as affected by price changes. Understanding the elasticity can help businesses and policymakers make better decisions regarding pricing strategies and anticipate changes in consumer behavior.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Recommended textbooks for you
ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Economics
ISBN:
9780190931919
Author:
NEWNAN
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134078779
Author:
Karl E. Case, Ray C. Fair, Sharon E. Oster
Publisher:
PEARSON
Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134870069
Author:
William G. Sullivan, Elin M. Wicks, C. Patrick Koelling
Publisher:
PEARSON
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:
9781305585126
Author:
N. Gregory Mankiw
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Economics
ISBN:
9781337106665
Author:
Luke M. Froeb, Brian T. McCann, Michael R. Ward, Mike Shor
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Managerial Economics & Business Strategy (Mcgraw-…
Managerial Economics & Business Strategy (Mcgraw-…
Economics
ISBN:
9781259290619
Author:
Michael Baye, Jeff Prince
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education