The equilibrium level of real GDP is \(\$ 1,000\) billion, the full-employment level of real GDP is \(\$ 1,250\) billion, and the marginal propensity to consume \((M P C)\) is \(0.60 .\) The fullemployment target can be reached if government spending is a. increased by \(\$ 60\) billion. b. increased by \(\$ 100\) billion. c. increased by \(\$ 250\) billion. d. held constant.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The correct increase in government spending required to reach the full-employment target is \(b. increased by \$100\ billion\), as calculated using the spending multiplier and the given equilibrium level of real GDP, full-employment level of real GDP, and the marginal propensity to consume (MPC).

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Problem

We are given the equilibrium level of real GDP (\$1,000 billion), the full-employment level of real GDP (\$1,250 billion) and the marginal propensity to consume (MPC = 0.60). The problem asks us to find the increase in government spending that would bring the economy to its full-employment level of real GDP.
02

Calculate the Spending Multiplier

The spending multiplier is a measure of the impact a change in government spending will have on real GDP. It is calculated as follows: Spending multiplier = \(\frac{1}{1 - MPC}\) Plugging in the given MPC value: Spending multiplier = \(\frac{1}{1 - 0.60} = \frac{1}{0.40} = 2.5\)
03

Calculate the Required Increase in Government Spending

Now that we have the spending multiplier, we can calculate the required increase in government spending to reach the full-employment level of real GDP. To do this, we will use the following formula: Increase in government spending = \(\frac{Full\ employment\ level\ of\ real\ GDP - Current\ equilibrium\ level\ of\ real\ GDP}{Spending\ multiplier}\) Plugging in the given values: Increase in government spending = \(\frac{\$1,250\ billion - \$1,000\ billion}{2.5} = \frac{\$250\ billion}{2.5} = \$100\ billion\)
04

Choose the Correct Answer

Now, we will compare our answer with the given options to find the correct answer. a. increased by \$60 billion b. increased by \$100 billion c. increased by \$250 billion d. held constant Our calculated increase in government spending is \$100 billion, which matches with option b. Therefore, the correct answer is: b. increased by \$100 billion.

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