) , which calculates consumer sensitivity to price variations. The Point Elasticity Formula
Understanding how one variable responds to another (e.g., the Law of Demand).
Using the above examples: $$100 - 2P = 10 + 3P$$ $$100 - 10 = 3P + 2P$$ $$90 = 5P$$ $$P^* = 18$$ Plug $P^ $ back into either equation: $$Q^ = 100 - 2(18) = 64$$ Price = $18, Quantity = 64 units.
: The extra cost incurred from producing one more item. Optimization Rule : Net benefits are maximized when 2. Demand, Supply, and Market Equilibrium
, substitute it back into either the demand or supply equation to calculate the equilibrium quantity ( Q*cap Q raised to the * power
Consumer choice theory explores how individuals spend their limited income to achieve maximum satisfaction. The Utility Function and Indifference Curves
$$E_d = \frac% \Delta Q_d% \Delta P = \frac(Q_2 - Q_1) / ((Q_2 + Q_1)/2)(P_2 - P_1) / ((P_2 + P_1)/2)$$
Before diving into supply and demand curves, let’s address the elephant in the room: Why avoid advanced calculus?
Microeconomics is the study of how individuals and firms make decisions to allocate scarce resources. While the subject can become highly theoretical, using —such as basic algebra and introductory calculus—makes these concepts concrete and measurable.
Rather than just drawing intersecting lines, you can find the precise price and quantity where a market naturally "clears." For example, you can solve a system of equations:
cap P raised to the * power equals the fraction with numerator a minus c and denominator b plus d end-fraction 4. Solve for the Equilibrium Quantity ( cap Q raised to the * power
Maximize U(x,y) subject to PxX+PyY=BMaximize cap U open paren x comma y close paren subject to cap P sub x cap X plus cap P sub y cap Y equals cap B
: Analyzing how individuals make choices to maximize utility based on their budget constraints.
Market equilibrium occurs at the exact price where the quantity demanded equals the quantity supplied (
To get the most value from a budget, a consumer must allocate spending so that the marginal utility per dollar spent is equal for all goods:
, the consumer can afford 10 units of X (100/10) or 20 units of Y (100/5), or a combination in between. Utility Maximization
Once you have the price, plug it back into either the original demand or supply equation to find the total quantity traded: