September 2025

What is an Income consumption curve? Draw the Income consumption curve for an inferior good.

Introduction In consumer theory, the Income Consumption Curve (ICC) is an important tool that shows how a consumer’s demand for goods changes as their income changes, keeping prices constant. It helps us understand the relationship between income and consumption patterns. For different types of goods—normal or inferior—the ICC behaves differently. In this answer, we’ll define […]

What is an Income consumption curve? Draw the Income consumption curve for an inferior good. Read More »

What are externalities? Explain with diagram why is the optimal output not reached under negative externality.

Introduction Externalities are an important concept in microeconomics that explain how the actions of individuals or firms can affect third parties who are not directly involved in the activity. These effects can be either positive or negative. When the impact is harmful, it is called a negative externality. Negative externalities lead to market failure because

What are externalities? Explain with diagram why is the optimal output not reached under negative externality. Read More »

Why do you find variations in the wage-rates across different professions? Give reasons as to why a professor is paid higher salary than a school teacher?

Introduction Wages are the monetary rewards given to labour for their services. However, not all workers earn the same wages. There are significant variations in wage-rates across different professions such as engineers, doctors, teachers, or factory workers. These wage differences exist due to several economic and non-economic factors. In this answer, we will explain why

Why do you find variations in the wage-rates across different professions? Give reasons as to why a professor is paid higher salary than a school teacher? Read More »

The demand for factors is called derived demand. Explain.

Introduction In economics, the term “derived demand” is often used when talking about factors of production such as labour, land, capital, and entrepreneurship. These inputs are not demanded for their own sake, but because they help produce goods and services that people want. Understanding the concept of derived demand helps explain why changes in consumer

The demand for factors is called derived demand. Explain. Read More »

The Paul Sweezy’s kinked demand curve model shows price rigidity under Oligopoly. Explain how.

Introduction Oligopoly is a market structure in which a few large firms dominate the market. One of the key characteristics of oligopoly is price rigidity — prices tend to remain stable even when costs or demand change. Economist Paul Sweezy attempted to explain this phenomenon using the Kinked Demand Curve Model. This model is based

The Paul Sweezy’s kinked demand curve model shows price rigidity under Oligopoly. Explain how. Read More »

In a duopolist market two firms can produce at a constant average and marginal cost of AC = MC = 2. They face the market demand curve P = 14 – Q, where Q = Q1 + Q2, here Q1 is the output of Firm 1, Q2 is the output of Firm 2. In the Cournot’s model: (i) Find the action-reaction functions of the two firms. (ii) What are the profits of the two firms. (iii) Calculate the profit maximizing levels of output (Q1 and Q2) and price.

Introduction In the Cournot model of duopoly, two firms compete by choosing quantities simultaneously and independently. Each firm chooses its output assuming the other firm’s output is fixed. The goal is to maximise profit given the market demand and cost conditions. Let’s solve the numerical parts of this problem step by step. Given: Market demand:

In a duopolist market two firms can produce at a constant average and marginal cost of AC = MC = 2. They face the market demand curve P = 14 – Q, where Q = Q1 + Q2, here Q1 is the output of Firm 1, Q2 is the output of Firm 2. In the Cournot’s model: (i) Find the action-reaction functions of the two firms. (ii) What are the profits of the two firms. (iii) Calculate the profit maximizing levels of output (Q1 and Q2) and price. Read More »

Give reasons for diminishing returns to scale accruing to a firm in the long run.

Introduction In economics, the concept of returns to scale explains how output changes when all inputs are increased in the same proportion. In the long run, all factors of production are variable. Initially, firms may enjoy increasing returns to scale, but beyond a certain point, they often experience diminishing returns to scale. This means that

Give reasons for diminishing returns to scale accruing to a firm in the long run. Read More »

How is Monopoly different from that under Perfect Competition? Explain the long run equilibrium under Monopoly.

Introduction Monopoly and Perfect Competition are two extreme forms of market structures in economics. While Perfect Competition represents a market with many sellers and buyers dealing in identical products, Monopoly stands for a market where a single seller dominates with no close substitutes. Understanding the differences between these two market structures helps us understand how

How is Monopoly different from that under Perfect Competition? Explain the long run equilibrium under Monopoly. Read More »

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