
Figure 2.15 Elasticity of a Linear Demand Curve
The ratio between price and quantity (
P/
Q) and the magnitude of the elasticity of a demand curve decrease as we move down the curve. At point
A, Q = 0,
P/
Q = ∞, and the price elasticity of demand is –∞. Between points
A and
B, the demand curve is elastic with a price elasticity of demand less than –1 (more than 1 in absolute value). At point
B, the demand curve is unit elastic, or the price elasticity of demand equals –1. Between points
B and
C, the demand curve is inelastic with a price elasticity of demand greater than –1 (less than 1 in absolute value). At point
C, P = 0,
P/
Q = 0, and the price elasticity of demand equals zero.