Chapter 4: Problem 20

Whether the product market or the labor market, what happens to the equilibrium price and quantity for each of the four possibilities: increase in demand, decrease in demand, increase in supply, and decrease in supply.

Short Answer

Expert verified

In both product and labor markets, the equilibrium price (P) and quantity (Q) are affected by changes in demand and supply. When demand increases, the equilibrium price and quantity both increase. When demand decreases, the equilibrium price and quantity both decrease. When supply increases, the equilibrium price decreases while the equilibrium quantity increases. Finally, when supply decreases, the equilibrium price increases while the equilibrium quantity decreases.

Step by step solution

Understanding supply and demand

In both product and labor markets, the equilibrium price (P) and quantity (Q) are determined by the interaction of supply and demand. The price at which the quantity demanded equals the quantity supplied is called the equilibrium price, and the corresponding quantity is called the equilibrium quantity. When there is an increase or decrease in supply or demand, the equilibrium price and quantity will shift accordingly.

Analyzing an increase in demand

When demand increases, the demand curve will shift to the right. This could be due to factors such as higher consumer incomes, an increase in the popularity of a product, or an increase in the size of the labor force. The result of an increase in demand is: - In both product and labor markets, the equilibrium price (P) will increase. - In both product and labor markets, the equilibrium quantity (Q) will increase.

Analyzing a decrease in demand

When demand decreases, the demand curve will shift to the left. This could be due to factors such as lower consumer incomes, a decrease in the popularity of a product, or a decrease in the size of the labor force. The result of a decrease in demand is: - In both product and labor markets, the equilibrium price (P) will decrease. - In both product and labor markets, the equilibrium quantity (Q) will decrease.

Analyzing an increase in supply

When supply increases, the supply curve will shift to the right. This could be due to factors such as more efficient production methods, lower costs of production, or increased competition among suppliers. The result of an increase in supply is: - In both product and labor markets, the equilibrium price (P) will decrease. - In both product and labor markets, the equilibrium quantity (Q) will increase.

Analyzing a decrease in supply

When supply decreases, the supply curve will shift to the left. This could be due to factors such as less efficient production methods, higher costs of production, or decreased competition among suppliers. The result of a decrease in supply is: - In both product and labor markets, the equilibrium price (P) will increase. - In both product and labor markets, the equilibrium quantity (Q) will decrease. In conclusion, we have analyzed the four possible changes in the product and labor markets: increase in demand, decrease in demand, increase in supply, and decrease in supply. In each case, we have determined how the equilibrium price and quantity are affected by these changes.