Math Problem Statement

Use the​ price-demand equation p plus 0.002 x equals 28​, 0 less than or equals p less than or equals 28. Find the elasticity of demand when pequals​$21. If the ​$21 price is decreased by 2​%, what is the approximate percentage change in​ demand? Question content area bottom Part 1 The elasticity of demand when pequals21 is    3. ​(Type an integer or a simplified​ fraction.) Part 2 If the price is decreased by 2 %​, the demand ▼ approximately    6​%. ​(Type an integer or a simplified​ fraction.)

Solution

To solve this, we calculate the elasticity of demand using the given price-demand equation and determine the approximate percentage change in demand due to a 2% price decrease.


Part 1: Elasticity of Demand

The elasticity of demand is calculated using the formula:

E(p)=pxdxdpE(p) = \left| \frac{p}{x} \cdot \frac{dx}{dp} \right|

Step 1: Express xx in terms of pp:

The given price-demand equation is: p+0.002x=28p + 0.002x = 28

Solve for xx: 0.002x=28p0.002x = 28 - p x=28p0.002=14,000500px = \frac{28 - p}{0.002} = 14,000 - 500p

Step 2: Differentiate xx with respect to pp:

dxdp=500\frac{dx}{dp} = -500

Step 3: Calculate E(p)E(p) at p=21p = 21:

Substitute p=21p = 21 into the equation for xx: x=14,000500(21)=14,00010,500=3,500x = 14,000 - 500(21) = 14,000 - 10,500 = 3,500

Now calculate E(p)E(p): E(p)=pxdxdpE(p) = \left| \frac{p}{x} \cdot \frac{dx}{dp} \right| E(21)=213,500(500)E(21) = \left| \frac{21}{3,500} \cdot (-500) \right| E(21)=215003,500=10,5003,500=3E(21) = \left| \frac{21 \cdot -500}{3,500} \right| = \left| \frac{-10,500}{3,500} \right| = 3

Thus, the elasticity of demand at p=21p = 21 is 3.


Part 2: Approximate Percentage Change in Demand

If the price decreases by 2%, the approximate percentage change in demand can be calculated as:

%ΔxE(p)%Δp\%\Delta x \approx E(p) \cdot \%\Delta p

Here: E(p)=3and%Δp=2%=0.02E(p) = 3 \quad \text{and} \quad \%\Delta p = -2\% = -0.02

Substitute into the formula: %Δx3(0.02)=0.06\%\Delta x \approx 3 \cdot (-0.02) = -0.06

Convert to percentage: %Δx=6%\%\Delta x = -6\%

Thus, the approximate percentage change in demand is an increase of 6%.


Final Answers:

  1. Elasticity of demand at p=21p = 21: 3.
  2. Approximate percentage change in demand: 6% increase.

Do you want further details or clarifications?
Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What happens to elasticity as the price approaches 28 in this equation?
  2. How is total revenue affected when price decreases in this scenario?
  3. What is the significance of unit elasticity (i.e., when E(p)=1E(p) = 1)?
  4. How can elasticity help determine optimal pricing for maximizing revenue?
  5. How does elasticity change if the slope of the demand curve changes?

Tip: Elasticity greater than 1 (elastic demand) implies demand is sensitive to price changes, so lowering prices can increase total revenue.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Elasticity of Demand
Differentiation
Linear Equations

Formulas

E(p) = |(p / x) * (dx / dp)|
%Δx ≈ E(p) * %Δp

Theorems

Elasticity Formula
Percentage Change Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12