Math Problem Statement

The following represents the demand function for a commodity X in a certain market. P = 16 - 5Q 8. Determine the point price elasticity of demand when P = 2.5 A. 1.5 B. 0.25 C. 0.0159 D. 0.59

Solution

To calculate the point price elasticity of demand, we use the formula:

Ep=dQdPPQE_p = \frac{dQ}{dP} \cdot \frac{P}{Q}

Here are the steps to solve:


1. Rearrange the demand function to express QQ in terms of PP:

The given demand function is: P=165QP = 16 - 5Q

Rewriting this: Q=16P5Q = \frac{16 - P}{5}


2. Differentiate QQ with respect to PP:

dQdP=15\frac{dQ}{dP} = -\frac{1}{5}


3. Determine QQ when P=2.5P = 2.5:

Substitute P=2.5P = 2.5 into Q=16P5Q = \frac{16 - P}{5}: Q=162.55=13.55=2.7Q = \frac{16 - 2.5}{5} = \frac{13.5}{5} = 2.7


4. Substitute into the elasticity formula:

Now substitute the values: Ep=152.52.7E_p = \frac{-1}{5} \cdot \frac{2.5}{2.7}

Simplify: Ep=2.513.50.185E_p = -\frac{2.5}{13.5} \approx -0.185

The absolute value of elasticity is: Ep0.185|E_p| \approx 0.185


5. Compare to choices:

None of the listed answers match exactly. Let me double-check for accuracy. Given demand function and values P = 2.5 # Price dQ_dP = -1 / 5 # Derivative of Q with respect to P

Calculate Q when P = 2.5

Q = (16 - P) / 5

Point price elasticity formula

E_p = dQ_dP * (P / Q)

Absolute value of elasticity

abs_E_p = abs(E_p) E_p, abs_E_pThe calculated point price elasticity of demand is approximately 0.185-0.185, with an absolute value of 0.1850.185. None of the provided options match this value exactly, so there may be a discrepancy in the question or its choices.

Would you like to clarify or check for other aspects?


Related Questions:

  1. How is the price elasticity of demand different at other price points for this function?
  2. Can we interpret the meaning of inelastic demand from this calculation?
  3. How does the demand curve's slope affect elasticity?
  4. What happens to EpE_p as PP approaches 00?
  5. Can this concept be applied to real-world markets with nonlinear demand curves?

Tip: Always confirm that the demand equation is correctly provided and consistent with the answer options!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Economics
Demand and Price Elasticity
Calculus

Formulas

E_p = (dQ/dP) * (P/Q)
Q = (16 - P)/5
dQ/dP = -1/5

Theorems

Point Price Elasticity Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 or introductory college level