Question 5.17

3. The accompanying table gives part of the supply schedule for personal computers in the United States.

Price of computer Quantity of computers supplied
$1,100 12,000
900 8,000
  1. Calculate the price elasticity of supply when the price increases from $900 to $1,100 using the midpoint method.

  2. Suppose firms produce 1,000 more computers at any given price due to improved technology. As price increases from $900 to $1,100, is the price elasticity of supply now greater than, less than, or the same as it was in part a?

  3. Suppose a longer time period under consideration means that the quantity supplied at any given price is 20% higher than the figures given in the table. As price increases from $900 to $1,100, is the price elasticity of supply now greater than, less than, or the same as it was in part a?