Question

An increase in the price of cheese crackers from $2.25 to $2.45 per box causes suppliers of cheese crackers to increase their quantity supplied from 125 boxes per minute to 145 boxes per minute. Using the midpoint method, supply is a. inelastic, and the price elasticity of supply is 1.74. b. elastic, and the price elasticity of supply is 0.57. c. elastic, and the price elasticity of supply is 1.74. d. inelastic, and the price elasticity of supply is 0.57.

Answer 1

The correct answer is C) "elastic, and the price elasticity of supply is 1.74"

Step-by-step explanation:

Formula:

( (Qf - Qi) ÷ ((Qf + Qi) ÷ 2) ) ÷ ( (Pf - Pi) ÷ ((Pf + Pi) ÷ 2) )

Quantity Price

Lets remplace:

Qi = Initial Quantity = 125 boxes

Qf = Final Quantity = 145 boxes

Pi = Initial Price = $2.25

Pf= Final Price = $2.45

Quantity Price

(145 - 125) ÷ ((145 + 125) ÷ 2) ÷ (2.45-2.25) ÷ ((2.45+2.25)÷ 2)

= (20) ÷ (270÷ 2) = (0.2) ÷ (4.7 ÷ 2)

= 20 ÷ 135 = 0.2 ÷ 2.35

= 0.148 = 0.085

Finally: we divide the result of quantity into the result of price

= 0.148 ÷ 0.085

= 1.74

To classify into elastic or inelastic:

When Pes > 1, then supply is price elastic

When Pes < 1, then supply is price inelastic

When Pes = 0, supply is perfectly inelastic

Answer: Elastic, and the price elasticity of supply is 1.74