Principles of Macroeconomics (11th Edition)
Principles of Macroeconomics (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN: 9780133023671
Author: Karl E. Case, Ray C. Fair, Sharon E. Oster
Publisher: PEARSON
Question
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Chapter 5, Problem 1P
To determine

To define inflation and the overall change in price level.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

Inflation is defined as a situation in which the general price level of the economy rises continuously. In the given situation there are only three goods in the economy and hence the overall price level can be calculated as the average of the prices of the three items, using the following equation.

Average priceJanuary 1,2015=Pricecashews+Pricepecans+Pricealmonds3=12.50+4+5.503=223=7.33

The average price in the beginning was $7.33.

It is given that the price of goods changes by the end of the year. The new average index can be calculated as follows,

Average priceend=Pricecashews+Pricepecans+Pricealmonds3=17+4+33=243=8

The average price level by the end of the year is $8. From the calculations it is obvious that the average price level has increased by the end of the year. This is simple method of calculating the overall price level. A better measure of change in price level can be computed if one knows the relative importance or weights of each of these commodities in the consumption basket of individuals.

Economics Concept Introduction

Concept Introduction:

Inflation: Inflation is defined as a phenomenon in which the overall price level of the economy continues to increase for a period of time. Inflation reduces the purchasing power of money.

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An increase of 20 million bicycles demand as a result of a lower p
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. What the heck is this GDP thingy? It is Thursday afternoon, just a few days before the holiday season starts in your region, and you decided to visit your uncle Chao who owns a local delivery company. While sitting in the living room watching the evening news with your uncle, you heard the news reporter stating the following with an optimistic tone: "According to recent studies, gross domestic product (GDP) is rising due to an increase in consumer spending. The increase in spending was due to an increase in consumer confidence because the job market has shown a positive increase in both employment and income." Immediately, your uncle Chao looked at you with some confusion on his face and asked: What the heck is GDP, and why does the news dude seem excited about its increase? Does this “good” change in this GDP thingy have any effect on my delivery business? How? Do I need to do something different to prepare for the rise in GDP? How?
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