Ch03-HW

1) In Chapter 1, we learned that all economic systems must define a method of determining how scarce resources are allocated.

A) Generally speaking, what determines who gets to consume goods and services in a market economy?

B) Some people argue that healthcare provision should be different (note the normative tone of this statement). Is healthcare scarce? If so, we must create a system to determine who gets to consume it. Suppose the US enacts a national plan that prohibits individuals from paying for healthcare. List several alternative mechanisms for determining who gets to consume healthcare, and describe the costs and benefits of each option.

 

2) China is industrializing rapidly, and its citizens are earning higher incomes than ever.

          A) Draw a supply and demand diagram to illustrate what is happening to the market for automobiles.

          B) What do you suppose this is doing to the market for gasoline?

 

3) Most US states offer tax breaks for firms specializing in research and development. Draw a diagram to show how this affects the market for high-tech goods.

 

4) My wife and I have different demand schedules for hair products (below).

Me:

 

 

Her:

 

Price ($)

Quantity

 

Price ($)

Quantity

20

3

 

20

15

30

2

 

30

10

40

1

 

40

5

50

0

 

50

2

 

A)   Aggregate these to show our household contribution to market demand. Graph it.

B)   What is my willingness to pay for a second product? How many products does my wife buy if the price is $40?

 

5) This is a challenging but important problem. Suppose the market for televisions is described by a supply curve (P = 3 * Q) and a demand curve (P = 1000 – Q).

          A) Graph the supply and demand curves, and calculate the equilibrium price and quantity sold.

          B) Suppose the government imposes a $200 tax on SELLERS. Shift the supply curve to reflect this policy. What is the equilibrium quantity sold? What price do consumers pay? What price do sellers earn after paying the tax?

          C) Suppose the government imposes a $200 tax on CONSUMERS. Shift the demand curve to reflect this policy. What is the equilibrium quantity sold? What price do consumers pay after paying the tax? What price do sellers earn?

          D) When the government institutes a tax, does it matter if it is imposed upon firms or consumers?