Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a good that a consumer might choose not to buy if its price increases, illustrating the concept of willingness to pay and consumer surplus?
A
Basic food staples
B
A luxury car
C
Prescription medication for a chronic illness
D
Tap water
0 Comments
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of willingness to pay, which reflects the maximum amount a consumer is ready to pay for a good or service based on the utility or satisfaction it provides.
Step 2: Recognize that consumer surplus is the difference between what a consumer is willing to pay and the actual price paid; when price increases, consumer surplus typically decreases.
Step 3: Identify goods that are necessities or have inelastic demand (like basic food staples, prescription medication, and tap water), where consumers are less likely to reduce consumption despite price increases.
Step 4: Identify goods that are luxury or non-essential items (like a luxury car), where consumers have more flexibility to forgo purchase if the price rises, illustrating a decrease in willingness to pay.
Step 5: Conclude that a luxury car is the good that a consumer might choose not to buy if its price increases, effectively demonstrating the concepts of willingness to pay and consumer surplus.