Math Problem Statement

A retailer has been selling2000tablet computers a week at $350each. The marketing department estimates that an additional 80 tablets will sell each week for every $10 that the price is lowered.

(a)

Find the demand function.

Solution

To find the demand function, we can define a few variables and use the information given.

  1. Let pp represent the price of the tablet.
  2. Let qq represent the quantity of tablets sold.

We know that:

  • At a price of $350, the retailer sells 2000 tablets each week. So, p=350p = 350 and q=2000q = 2000.
  • For each $10 decrease in price, an additional 80 tablets are sold.

Step 1: Set up the linear relationship

We assume a linear demand function, which we can write as: q=mp+bq = mp + b where mm is the slope and bb is the intercept.

Step 2: Determine the slope mm

Since every $10 decrease in price results in an additional 80 tablets sold, we can use this to find mm.

For a $10 decrease:

  • Change in pp: 10-10
  • Change in qq: +80+80

The slope mm is: m=ΔqΔp=8010=8m = \frac{\Delta q}{\Delta p} = \frac{80}{-10} = -8

Step 3: Substitute known values to find bb

Now that we know m=8m = -8, we can use the point (p,q)=(350,2000)(p, q) = (350, 2000) to solve for bb.

2000=8(350)+b2000 = -8(350) + b 2000=2800+b2000 = -2800 + b b=4800b = 4800

Step 4: Write the demand function

The demand function is: q=8p+4800q = -8p + 4800

Final Answer

The demand function is: q=8p+4800q = -8p + 4800

Would you like a detailed explanation of any part of this solution?

Here are some related questions to explore further:

  1. What is the inverse of the demand function, and how is it useful?
  2. How would you calculate revenue based on the demand function?
  3. How does elasticity of demand factor into this function?
  4. What if the price increase rather than decrease? How does it impact the function?
  5. Can we determine the price that maximizes revenue using this function?

Tip: To find revenue, multiply the demand function by price: R=pq(p)R = p \cdot q(p).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Equations
Demand Function
Slope-Intercept Form

Formulas

Slope formula: m = Δq / Δp
Linear demand function: q = mp + b

Theorems

Linear Equation Properties

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12