Math Problem Statement

Find the point elasticity of the demand equations 1. find p/q p = 20/q2 for q = 10

Solution

To find the point elasticity of demand for the given equation p=20q2p = \frac{20}{q^2} at q=10q = 10, we will use the formula for point elasticity of demand:

Ed=(pq)dQdpE_d = \left( \frac{p}{q} \right) \cdot \frac{dQ}{dp}

First, we need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Find pp when q=10q = 10

From the demand equation, p=20q2p = \frac{20}{q^2}. Substituting q=10q = 10:

p=20102=20100=0.2p = \frac{20}{10^2} = \frac{20}{100} = 0.2

So, p=0.2p = 0.2 when q=10q = 10.

Step 2: Find dpdq\frac{dp}{dq}

To compute the point elasticity, we also need to find the derivative of pp with respect to qq, which is dpdq\frac{dp}{dq}.

We start with the demand function:

p=20q2p = \frac{20}{q^2}

Taking the derivative with respect to qq:

dpdq=40q3\frac{dp}{dq} = -\frac{40}{q^3}

Step 3: Find the value of dpdq\frac{dp}{dq} when q=10q = 10

Now, substitute q=10q = 10 into the derivative:

dpdq=40103=401000=0.04\frac{dp}{dq} = -\frac{40}{10^3} = -\frac{40}{1000} = -0.04

Step 4: Calculate the point elasticity of demand

Now, we can calculate the point elasticity of demand at q=10q = 10 using the formula:

Ed=(pq)dpdqE_d = \left( \frac{p}{q} \right) \cdot \frac{dp}{dq}

Substitute p=0.2p = 0.2, q=10q = 10, and dpdq=0.04\frac{dp}{dq} = -0.04:

Ed=(0.210)(0.04)=0.02(0.04)=0.0008E_d = \left( \frac{0.2}{10} \right) \cdot (-0.04) = 0.02 \cdot (-0.04) = -0.0008

Thus, the point elasticity of demand at q=10q = 10 is 0.0008-0.0008.


Would you like further details on any of the steps, or do you have any questions?

Further Exploration:

  1. How would the elasticity change if we used a different demand function, such as p=30/qp = 30/q?
  2. How can the concept of elasticity of demand be applied to pricing strategies for firms?
  3. How does elasticity relate to revenue and how can it help firms make optimal decisions?
  4. What does the sign of the elasticity value tell us about the nature of demand?
  5. How does the formula for elasticity change when dealing with linear demand functions?

Tip: Elasticity is a crucial concept in economics because it shows how sensitive the quantity demanded is to changes in price, which can help businesses set prices more effectively.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Elasticity of Demand
Derivatives
Calculus
Economic Mathematics

Formulas

E_d = (p/q) * (dp/dq)
p = 20/q^2
dp/dq = -40/q^3

Theorems

Point Elasticity of Demand Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Economics / Advanced High School Calculus