Problems in using arc elasticity, Managerial Economics

Assignment Help:

The use of arc elasticity in economic analysis involves a good deal of chariness since it is capable of being misinterpreted. Arc elasticity coefficients vary between the same two finite points on a demand curve if direction of change in price is reversed. Arc elasticity for a decrease in price would be different from that for same increase in price between the same to points on a demand curve. For instance, the price elasticity between points J and K - moving from J to K - is equal to 1.11. This is the elasticity for decrease in price from 25$ to 10$. Though a reverse movement on the demand curve, which is from point K to J implies an increase in price from 10$ to 25$ that will give a different elasticity coefficient. In the case of movement from point K to J, P = 10, Δ P = 10 - 25 = - 15, Q = 50 and ΔQ = 50 - 30 = 20. Substituting these values in elasticity formula, we get

EP = (20/-15)(10/50) = 0.26

Measure of arc elasticity co-efficient in equation I for the reverse movement in price is obviously different from the one given in equation II. So, while measuring the arc elasticity, direction of price change must be carefully noted, otherwise it may yield misleading conclusions.

A method recommended to resolve this problem is to use average of lower and upper values of P and Q in fraction, P/Q, so that formula is

Ep = (δQ/δP). {(P1+P2)/2} / {(Q1+Q2)/2}

   = (Q1-Q2/P1-P2). {(P1+P2)/2} / {(Q1+Q2)/2}

Substituting the values from this illustration, we get

= (30-50/25-10). {(10+25)/2} / {(30+50)/2} = 0.58

This method has its own disadvantages as elasticity co-efficient calculated through this formula, refers to elasticity of demand at mid-point between points J and K (Fig. below). Elasticity co-efficient (0.58) isn't applicable for the whole range of price-quantity combinations at different points between J and K on the demand curve (Fig. below). It gives only mean of the elasticity between the two points. It is vital to note that elasticity between mid-point and the upper point J or lower point K will be different. So this method doesn't give one measure of elasticity.

672_Problems in Using Arc Elasticity.png

Figure: Measuring Arc Elasticity


Related Discussions:- Problems in using arc elasticity

Wage determination, WAGE DETERMINATION, POLICY AND THEORIES Wages and ...

WAGE DETERMINATION, POLICY AND THEORIES Wages and salaries are rewards to labour as a factor of production of goods and services.  In ordinary speech a distinction is frequent

Derivation of smooth convex isoquant, It is presumed that every of the diff...

It is presumed that every of the different combinations of capital and labour displayed in Table produces the same level of output, which is, 20 units. Combinations are such that i

Equilibrium national income in a frugal economy, Equilibrium National Incom...

Equilibrium National Income in a Frugal Economy Saving and investment are examples of two categories of expenditure called withdrawals and injections.  A WITHDRAWAL is any inc

Disposable income, Disposable Income This is the income which househol...

Disposable Income This is the income which households actually have available to spend or to save.  To calculate disposal income, which is indicated by Ya, the statistician mu

Describe rule based forecasting, Q. Describe Rule based forecasting? R...

Q. Describe Rule based forecasting? Rule based forecasting: Rule-based forecasting (RBF) is a proficient method which incorporates judgment as well as statistical techniques

Implications for the shape of cost function, Q. Implications for the shape ...

Q. Implications for the shape of cost function? A cost function is also a mathematical relationship, one which relates the expenses an organisation incurs on the quantity of ou

Structure, structure of managerial economics

structure of managerial economics

Explain the short run production function, Q. Explain the Short run product...

Q. Explain the Short run production function? Discussion of production up to now has ignored the time required to build production facilities. There is a requirement to take in

Explain the term- takes the help of macroeconomics, Takes the help of macro...

Takes the help of macroeconomics Managerial economics incorporates certain aspects of macroeconomic theory. These are important to comprehending the circumstances and environme

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd