Math Problem Statement

A beverage company works out a demand function for its sale of soda and finds it to be q=D(x)=3900-30x where q=the quantity of sodas sold when the price per can, in cents, is x. At what price, x, is the elasticity of demand elasticity?

Solution

The elasticity of demand is calculated using the formula:

E(x)=dD(x)dxxD(x)E(x) = -\frac{dD(x)}{dx} \cdot \frac{x}{D(x)}

Here, D(x)=390030xD(x) = 3900 - 30x, so the steps are as follows:

Step 1: Differentiate D(x)D(x) with respect to xx

dD(x)dx=30\frac{dD(x)}{dx} = -30

Step 2: Substitute D(x)D(x) and dD(x)dx\frac{dD(x)}{dx} into the elasticity formula

E(x)=(30)x390030xE(x) = -(-30) \cdot \frac{x}{3900 - 30x} E(x)=30x390030xE(x) = 30 \cdot \frac{x}{3900 - 30x}

Step 3: Solve for unit elasticity (E(x)=1E(x) = 1)

Set E(x)=1E(x) = 1 and solve for xx: 1=30x390030x1 = 30 \cdot \frac{x}{3900 - 30x}

Multiply through by 390030x3900 - 30x to eliminate the denominator: 390030x=30x3900 - 30x = 30x

Simplify: 3900=60x3900 = 60x

Solve for xx: x=390060=65x = \frac{3900}{60} = 65

Final Answer:

The price at which the elasticity of demand is 1 (unit elasticity) is 65 cents.


Do you want further details or examples of similar calculations? Here are five related questions to consider:

  1. How does elasticity affect total revenue for the company?
  2. What happens to demand when the price is set above or below 65 cents?
  3. Can you explain how to determine the price elasticity of demand in real-world scenarios?
  4. What is the interpretation of elasticity values greater or less than 1?
  5. How could this beverage company optimize pricing based on elasticity?

Tip: Always calculate elasticity at different price points to assess how sensitive demand is to price changes!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Elasticity of Demand
Differentiation
Algebra

Formulas

Elasticity of Demand Formula: E(x) = -(dD(x)/dx) * (x/D(x))

Theorems

Definition of Elasticity of Demand

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12