Math Problem Statement

Suppose that legalizing the use of heroin would decrease its price by 95 percent. If the price elasticity of demand for heroin is ​-2.50​, what would be the percentage increase in the quantity of heroin demanded from legalizing heroin​?
   enter your response here percent.

Solution

To calculate the percentage increase in the quantity of heroin demanded, we can use the price elasticity of demand formula:

Price Elasticity of Demand (PED)=% change in quantity demanded% change in price\text{Price Elasticity of Demand (PED)} = \frac{\% \text{ change in quantity demanded}}{\% \text{ change in price}}

Given:

  • PED = -2.50
  • Percentage change in price = -95% (since the price decreases by 95%)

Now, solving for the percentage change in quantity demanded:

2.50=% change in quantity demanded95%-2.50 = \frac{\% \text{ change in quantity demanded}}{-95\%}

% change in quantity demanded=2.50×(95%)\% \text{ change in quantity demanded} = -2.50 \times (-95\%)

% change in quantity demanded=237.5%\% \text{ change in quantity demanded} = 237.5\%

So, the percentage increase in the quantity of heroin demanded would be 237.5%.

Do you need further explanation or have any questions?


Here are 5 related questions to expand on this topic:

  1. What factors might affect the price elasticity of demand for a drug like heroin?
  2. How does a highly elastic demand influence government policy decisions about drugs?
  3. What are other potential social effects of reducing the price of illegal drugs?
  4. How does the price elasticity of demand for other substances like alcohol or tobacco compare to heroin?
  5. What are the implications of elasticity for drug rehabilitation programs?

Tip: Inelastic goods, like essential medicines, typically see smaller changes in demand when prices change.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Price Elasticity of Demand
Percentage Change

Formulas

Price Elasticity of Demand = % change in quantity demanded / % change in price

Theorems

Price Elasticity of Demand Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

College Level (Economics)