Math Problem Statement
Find the demand equation using the given information. (Let x be the number of items.) A company finds that at a price of $90 each it can sell 110 items. If the price is raised $60, then 40 fewer items are sold.
Solution
To find the demand equation, we can assume a linear relationship between the price and the number of items sold , in the form:
where:
- is the number of items sold,
- is the price per item,
- is the slope of the line (change in price per change in quantity sold),
- is the y-intercept.
Step 1: Identify the points
From the problem, we have two points:
- At a price of $90, 110 items are sold:
- When the price is raised by $60 (making it $150), 40 fewer items are sold (making it 70 items):
Step 2: Calculate the slope
The slope is given by the formula:
Substitute the values from the two points:
Step 3: Substitute a point to solve for
Now, use one of the points to solve for . Using :
Step 4: Write the demand equation
The demand equation is:
Final Answer:
The demand equation is:
Would you like more details on the steps or have any questions?
Here are some follow-up questions related to this topic:
- What is the significance of the slope in the demand equation?
- How does the demand equation change if the price decreases instead of increases?
- Can this demand equation help in forecasting future demand if prices are adjusted again?
- How would you find the quantity sold if a specific price is given?
- What is the maximum price at which no items will be sold based on this demand equation?
Tip: In a linear demand equation, a negative slope means that as the price increases, the quantity demanded decreases—a fundamental principle in economics.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Algebra
Linear Equations
Demand Function
Formulas
Linear equation formula: p = mx + b
Slope formula: m = (p2 - p1) / (x2 - x1)
Theorems
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Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12