Math Problem Statement

Equilibrium Price: Skateboards The demand for your hand-made skateboards, in weekly sales, is q = −6p + 600 if the selling price is $p. You are prepared to supply q = 4p − 300 per week at the price $p. What price should you sell your skateboards for so that there is neither a shortage nor a surplus? $ per skateboard

Solution

To find the equilibrium price, we need to set the quantity demanded qdq_d equal to the quantity supplied qsq_s, as at equilibrium, the quantity demanded is equal to the quantity supplied.

Given:

  • Demand function: qd=6p+600q_d = -6p + 600
  • Supply function: qs=4p300q_s = 4p - 300

At equilibrium: qd=qsq_d = q_s 6p+600=4p300-6p + 600 = 4p - 300

Now, solve for pp:

  1. Add 6p6p to both sides: 600=10p300600 = 10p - 300

  2. Add 300300 to both sides: 900=10p900 = 10p

  3. Divide by 10: p=90p = 90

Therefore, the equilibrium price is $90 per skateboard.

Would you like further details on how equilibrium works, or do you have any questions?


Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. How would a change in the supply function affect the equilibrium price?
  2. What happens to the equilibrium quantity if the demand increases?
  3. How do you calculate the equilibrium quantity once you know the price?
  4. How does a price above the equilibrium affect the market?
  5. What is the role of elasticity in determining the equilibrium price?

Tip: Always double-check your functions when setting them equal at equilibrium, as small algebraic errors can lead to incorrect solutions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Equilibrium in Supply and Demand
Linear Equations

Formulas

Demand function: q_d = -6p + 600
Supply function: q_s = 4p - 300
Equilibrium condition: q_d = q_s

Theorems

Law of Supply and Demand
Equilibrium Price Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12