Math Problem Statement

Assume that the price of a pair of running shoes is $78 and E(78) = 3.1. If the price is increased by $9, then what is the approximate change in demand? Round your answer to the nearest hundredth of a percent.

Solution

The problem involves calculating the approximate change in demand based on a price elasticity of demand (E) and a price increase.

Given:

  • Initial price P=78P = 78 dollars
  • Elasticity E(78)=3.1E(78) = 3.1
  • Price increase ΔP=9\Delta P = 9 dollars

Solution:

The formula to approximate the percentage change in demand based on elasticity is:

Percentage change in demand=E×ΔPP×100%\text{Percentage change in demand} = E \times \frac{\Delta P}{P} \times 100\%

Substitute the values: =3.1×978×100%= 3.1 \times \frac{9}{78} \times 100\%

Calculating step-by-step:

  1. 9780.1154\frac{9}{78} \approx 0.1154
  2. 3.1×0.11540.35773.1 \times 0.1154 \approx 0.3577
  3. Multiply by 100 to get a percentage: 0.3577×10035.77%0.3577 \times 100 \approx 35.77\%

Thus, the demand will decrease by approximately 35.77% when the price is increased by $9.

Would you like further details on this calculation?


  1. What is the concept of price elasticity of demand?
  2. How does a price increase generally affect demand with high elasticity?
  3. What are other methods to calculate elasticity-related changes?
  4. Why is elasticity important in pricing strategy?
  5. How would a decrease in price affect demand in this scenario?

Tip: Remember, elasticity greater than 1 (like 3.1) indicates high sensitivity to price changes.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Elasticity of Demand
Percentage Change
Proportion

Formulas

Percentage change in demand = E × (ΔP / P) × 100%

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12