ATAR Notes: Forum

VCE Stuff => VCE Business Studies => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Economics => Topic started by: lnaa19 on November 11, 2012, 11:00:39 pm

Title: Heeeelp.
Post by: lnaa19 on November 11, 2012, 11:00:39 pm
Hey guys.
From VCTA's 2011 exam, there's this MC question:

If the absolute value of the price elasticity of demand was added to the value of price elasticity of supply, which would have the highest total?
A.   heroin
B.   a fig
C.   Coca Cola
D.   a new Mini Cooper

The answer is 'D' but I don't understand what the question is asking. Can someone please explain to me? Thanks.
Title: Re: Heeeelp.
Post by: lolwutxx on November 11, 2012, 11:37:13 pm
-Price elasticity of demand measures the responsive of changes in quantity demand when price changes
-Price elasticity of supply measures the responsive of changes in quantity supplied when price changes

*Heroin - highly addictive (therefore, low demand elasticity), low PES (takes a while to produce, scarce - i assume) --- X
*A fig - low PED (consumes small proportion of income), low PES (lengthy production period)  - - - X
*Coca Cola - low PED (addictive - may be a necessity in some cases, small proportion of income), High PES (durable, short production process) --- x
*Mini cooper - High PED (not a necessity, plenty of subs (MANY SMALL CARS ON MARKET) and if the price changes it consumes greater proportion of income)... High PES (durable) --- :)

D