If two negatively sloped demand curves intersect thena)Elasticity will...
Intersecting Demand Curves: If any two straight line demand curves intersect each other, then, at any particular price of the good concerned, the steeper line would have a lower e and the flatter line would have a higher e.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all Commerce courses
If two negatively sloped demand curves intersect thena)Elasticity will...
Negatively sloped demand curves indicate an inverse relationship between price and quantity demanded. When two negatively sloped demand curves intersect, it means that at a certain price, the quantity demanded is the same for both curves. In this scenario, the correct answer is option 'D' - the flatter demand curve will have higher elasticity.
Explanation:
1. Understanding Elasticity:
Elasticity measures the responsiveness of quantity demanded to changes in price. It indicates the percentage change in quantity demanded for a given percentage change in price. Elasticity can be classified into three categories:
- Elastic demand: Quantity demanded is highly responsive to price changes (Elasticity > 1).
- Inelastic demand: Quantity demanded is not very responsive to price changes (Elasticity < />
- Unitary elastic demand: Quantity demanded changes proportionally to price changes (Elasticity = 1).
2. Intersecting Demand Curves:
When two negatively sloped demand curves intersect, it means that there is a common price at which the quantity demanded is the same for both curves. At this price, both demand curves have the same quantity demanded.
3. Determining Elasticity:
To determine the elasticity, we need to consider the slope (steepness) of the demand curves. The steeper the demand curve, the less responsive quantity demanded is to price changes, indicating a lower elasticity. On the other hand, the flatter the demand curve, the more responsive quantity demanded is to price changes, indicating a higher elasticity.
4. Applying the Concept:
In the given scenario, when two negatively sloped demand curves intersect, their slopes will differ. The steeper demand curve will have a lower elasticity because it is less responsive to price changes. Conversely, the flatter demand curve will have a higher elasticity because it is more responsive to price changes.
Therefore, option 'D' is correct - the flatter demand curve will have higher elasticity.
To summarize, when two negatively sloped demand curves intersect, the flatter demand curve will have a higher elasticity because it is more responsive to price changes, while the steeper demand curve will have a lower elasticity as it is less responsive to price changes.
If two negatively sloped demand curves intersect thena)Elasticity will...
A
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Commerce study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Commerce.