Math Problem Statement
The demand function for a certain make of exercise bicycle sold exclusively through cable television is p = squreroot 6 − 0.02x (0 ≤ x ≤ 300) where p is the unit price in hundreds of dollars and x is the quantity demanded/week. Compute the elasticity of demand E(p). E(p) =
Solution
To compute the elasticity of demand , we need to use the elasticity formula:
Where:
- is the price function in terms of ,
- is the derivative of with respect to .
The demand function given is:
Step 1: Express in terms of
We start by solving the demand function for :
Rearranging for :
Step 2: Compute
Differentiate with respect to :
Step 3: Plug into the Elasticity Formula
Now, substitute into the elasticity formula:
Step 4: Express in terms of
From the previous expression for :
Step 5: Final Expression for Elasticity
Now substitute into the elasticity formula:
Simplify:
Thus, the elasticity of demand is:
Would you like me to provide further explanation or details? Here are some related questions you might find helpful:
- What is the interpretation of the elasticity of demand in this context?
- How does the value of determine whether the demand is elastic or inelastic?
- What happens to elasticity as the price increases?
- How can we interpret the demand function geometrically?
- What is the significance of elasticity in setting prices for a product?
Tip: Elasticity greater than 1 means the product is elastic, while elasticity less than 1 indicates inelastic demand.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Elasticity of Demand
Differentiation
Algebra
Formulas
E(p) = (p/x) * (dx/dp)
Demand function: p = sqrt(6) − 0.02x
Rearranged for x: x = (sqrt(6) - p) / 0.02
Derivative: dx/dp = -50
Theorems
Elasticity of demand
Suitable Grade Level
College-level Economics or Advanced High School Calculus
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