Assignment:
Please answer the economics questions below and show how you were able to solve this equation below.
Suppose that the extended (generalized) demand function for good Y is:
Qd Y= 250,000 - 500 PY - 1.5 M + 240 PX
where: Qd Y = quantity demanded of good Y
PY = Price of good Y
M = Average income of consumers
PX = Price of related good X
a) If M = $ 60,000 and PX = $100, what is the reduced demand function for good Y?
b) Continue using the reduced demand equation from part a,
If M = $60,000, PX = $100, and PY = $200 then Qd Y = ________
If M = $60,000, PX = $100, and PY = $300 then Qd Y = ________
Use this information (prices and quantities demanded of good Y) to calculate the price elasticity of demand between these two points on the demand curve of good Y.
c) Use your answer to part b. Between these two points on the demand for good Y, is demand elastic, inelastic or unitary price elastic? Why? What will happen to total revenues if price increases between these two points on the demand curve?
d) In part b, you found that when:
M = $60,000, PX = $100, and PY = $200 then Qd Y = ________
Now let's suppose that the price of the related good X decreases from $100 to $50 but income remains constant (at $60,000). Assume that the price of good Y is also constant at $200.
If M = $60,000, PX = $50, and PY = $200 then Qd Y = ________
Use these prices of good X and the quantities demanded of good Y to calculate the cross-price elasticity of the demand of good Y when the price of good X decreases from $100 to $50.
e) Consider your answer to part d. Based on the value of the cross-price elasticity of demand you just estimated, are goods X and Y substitutes, complements or unrelated? Why?
f) In part b, you found that when:
M = $60,000, PX = $100, and PY = $200 then Qd Y = ________
Now let's suppose that consumer income increases from $60,000 to $80,000 but the price of good X remains constant (at $100). Assume that the price of good Y is also constant at $200.
If M = 80,000 , PX = $100 and PY = $200 then Qd Y = _________
Use these income levels and quantities demanded of good Y to calculate the income elasticity of the demand for good Y when income increases from $60,000 to $80,000.
g) Consider your answer to part f. Based on the value of the income elasticity of demand you just estimated, is good Y normal, inferior or income independent?