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 E(p)E(p), we need to use the elasticity formula:

E(p)=(px)(dxdp)E(p) = \left( \frac{p}{x} \right) \cdot \left( \frac{dx}{dp} \right)

Where:

  • pp is the price function in terms of xx,
  • dxdp\frac{dx}{dp} is the derivative of xx with respect to pp.

The demand function given is:

p(x)=60.02xp(x) = \sqrt{6} - 0.02x

Step 1: Express xx in terms of pp

We start by solving the demand function for xx:

p=60.02xp = \sqrt{6} - 0.02x

Rearranging for xx:

x=6p0.02x = \frac{\sqrt{6} - p}{0.02}

Step 2: Compute dxdp\frac{dx}{dp}

Differentiate x(p)x(p) with respect to pp:

dxdp=ddp(6p0.02)=10.02=50\frac{dx}{dp} = \frac{d}{dp} \left( \frac{\sqrt{6} - p}{0.02} \right) = \frac{-1}{0.02} = -50

Step 3: Plug into the Elasticity Formula

Now, substitute dxdp=50\frac{dx}{dp} = -50 into the elasticity formula:

E(p)=(px)(50)E(p) = \left( \frac{p}{x} \right) \cdot (-50)

Step 4: Express xx in terms of pp

From the previous expression for xx:

x=6p0.02x = \frac{\sqrt{6} - p}{0.02}

Step 5: Final Expression for Elasticity

Now substitute xx into the elasticity formula:

E(p)=(p6p0.02)(50)E(p) = \left( \frac{p}{\frac{\sqrt{6} - p}{0.02}} \right) \cdot (-50)

Simplify:

E(p)=(0.02p6p)(50)E(p) = \left( \frac{0.02p}{\sqrt{6} - p} \right) \cdot (-50)

E(p)=500.02p6pE(p) = \frac{-50 \cdot 0.02p}{\sqrt{6} - p}

E(p)=p6p50E(p) = \frac{-p}{\frac{\sqrt{6} - p}{50}}

Thus, the elasticity of demand E(p)E(p) is:

E(p)=p6pE(p) = \frac{-p}{\sqrt{6} - p}


Would you like me to provide further explanation or details? Here are some related questions you might find helpful:

  1. What is the interpretation of the elasticity of demand in this context?
  2. How does the value of E(p)E(p) determine whether the demand is elastic or inelastic?
  3. What happens to elasticity as the price increases?
  4. How can we interpret the demand function geometrically?
  5. 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