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

The effect of this immigration on wages, An Economy consists of two regions...

An Economy consists of two regions, the North & the South. The short-run elasticity of labor demand in every region is -0.5. Labor supply is perfectly inelastic within both regions

Proportional tax, PROPORTIONAL TAX Is where whatever the size of incom...

PROPORTIONAL TAX Is where whatever the size of income, the same rate or same percentage is charged.  Examples are commodity taxes like customs, excise duties and sales tax.

Nominal rigidities versus real rigidities, NOMINAL RIGIDITIES VERSUS REAL R...

NOMINAL RIGIDITIES VERSUS REAL RIGIDITIES    Nominal rigidities are said to exist when nominal prices and wages  do  not change in  the  face  of  conditions that call for thei

Short run cost , What will be the table of total cost function?

What will be the table of total cost function?

Quantity demanded and supplied , a.  A major freeze destroys a large number...

a.  A major freeze destroys a large number of orange trees in Florida Ans- Since the freeze destroyed a large number of orange trees in Florida the number of oranges the selle

Budget Constraint line, 1. The price of a CD (PC) is $10 and the price of a...

1. The price of a CD (PC) is $10 and the price of a DVD (PD) is $20. Philip has his income (M) of $100 to spend on the two goods. Consider three consumption bundles: (C, D) = (2, 3

Economic theory, How does economic theory contribute to managerial decision...

How does economic theory contribute to managerial decisions?

Contributions of economic theory to business economics, Contributions of ec...

Contributions of economic theory to business economics According to Baumol, there are 3 key contributions of economic theory to business economics. 1.  Practice of building

Insurance Premiums, Green Shield Insurance gives NEMO Corporation with cove...

Green Shield Insurance gives NEMO Corporation with coverage for prescriptions, dental work, and extended health services. Every subscriber uses $435 worth of dental services per ye

Determine the market demand curve, Determine the Market demand curve Ma...

Determine the Market demand curve Market demand curve is the horizontal summation of individual demand curves. The individual demand schedules plotted graphically and summed up

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