Math Problem Statement

Answer the following questions for the​ price-demand equation. p plus 0.002 x equals 50 Question content area bottom Part 1 ​(A) Express the demand x as a function of the price p. xequals    enter your response here ​(B) Find the elasticity of​ demand, Upper E left parenthesis p right parenthesis . ​E(p)equals    enter your response here ​(C) What is the elasticity of demand when pequals30​? The elasticity of demand when pequals30 is    enter your response here. ​(Type an integer or a simplified​ fraction.) If the price is increased by 10 %​, how will revenue​ change? A. Revenue will decrease B. Revenue will remain the same C. Revenue will increase

Solution

Let's solve the given price-demand equation step by step.

The price-demand equation is:

p+0.002x=50p + 0.002x = 50

Part A: Express the demand xx as a function of the price pp.

To find xx as a function of pp, solve for xx:

p+0.002x=50p + 0.002x = 50

Subtract pp from both sides:

0.002x=50p0.002x = 50 - p

Now, divide by 0.002:

x=50p0.002x = \frac{50 - p}{0.002}

Simplify the denominator:

x=50000500px = 50000 - 500p

So, the demand function is:

x(p)=50000500px(p) = 50000 - 500p

Part B: Find the elasticity of demand, E(p)E(p).

The elasticity of demand formula is given by:

E(p)=(px)dxdpE(p) = \left( \frac{p}{x} \right) \cdot \frac{dx}{dp}

First, we need to compute dxdp\frac{dx}{dp}. From the function x(p)=50000500px(p) = 50000 - 500p, the derivative of xx with respect to pp is:

dxdp=500\frac{dx}{dp} = -500

Now substitute dxdp\frac{dx}{dp}, pp, and xx into the elasticity formula:

E(p)=(p50000500p)(500)E(p) = \left( \frac{p}{50000 - 500p} \right) \cdot (-500)

Simplify the expression:

E(p)=500p50000500pE(p) = \frac{-500p}{50000 - 500p}

Part C: Find the elasticity of demand when p=30p = 30.

Substitute p=30p = 30 into the elasticity formula:

E(30)=500(30)50000500(30)E(30) = \frac{-500(30)}{50000 - 500(30)}

Simplify:

E(30)=150005000015000=1500035000=37E(30) = \frac{-15000}{50000 - 15000} = \frac{-15000}{35000} = -\frac{3}{7}

So, the elasticity of demand when p=30p = 30 is:

E(30)=37E(30) = -\frac{3}{7}

Interpretation of Elasticity and Revenue Change

The value E(30)=37E(30) = -\frac{3}{7} is less than 1 in absolute value, meaning that the demand is inelastic at this price. When the demand is inelastic, increasing the price will increase total revenue.

If the price is increased by 10%, the revenue will:

Answer:
C. Revenue will increase.


Would you like to see further details or explanations on any part of this?

Here are five follow-up questions for you:

  1. How do you interpret the elasticity when E(p)=1E(p) = 1?
  2. What happens to revenue when demand is elastic?
  3. How would you calculate the new demand if the price increased by 10%?
  4. What is the significance of the sign of elasticity?
  5. How do we classify demand when E(p)=0E(p) = 0?

Tip: When elasticity is less than 1 in absolute value, demand is inelastic, meaning consumers are less sensitive to price changes.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Calculus
Elasticity of Demand

Formulas

Price-demand equation: p + 0.002x = 50
Demand function: x = 50000 - 500p
Elasticity of demand: E(p) = (p/x) * (dx/dp)
Elasticity formula: E(p) = (-500p) / (50000 - 500p)

Theorems

Elasticity of demand theorem: If |E(p)| < 1, demand is inelastic, and increasing price increases revenue.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12 (or College-level for Economics or Applied Calculus)