|
|
PRICE DISCRIMINATION: Charging different prices to different buyers for the same good. This is an age old practice for suppliers who have achieved some degree of market control, especially those with a monopoly. The reason for price discrimination, of course, is higher profit. To be a successful price discriminator you must be able to do three things--(1) have market control and be a price maker, (2) identify two or more groups that are willing to pay different prices, and (3) keep the buyers in one group from reselling the good to another group. In this way, you will be able to charge each group what they, and they alone, are willing to pay.
Visit the GLOSS*arama
|
|
|
|
                           ARC ELASTICITY: The average elasticity for discrete changes in two variables. The distinguishing characteristic of arc elasticity is that percentage changes are calculated based on the average of initial and ending values of each variable, rather than initial values. Arc elasticity is generally calculated using the midpoint elasticity formula. The contrast to arc elasticity is point elasticity. For infinitesimally small changes in two variables, arc elasticity is the same as point elasticity. Arc elasticity is best considered the average elasticity over a range of values for a relation. Like any average, some values within the range are likely to be greater and some less. However, it provides a quick approximation of elasticity when more precise and sophisticated calculation techniques are not possible.Working Through an Example| A Standard Demand Curve |  |
The demand curve displayed to the right can be used to illustrate the measurement of arc elasticity using the midpoint elasticity formula. If the price declines from $12 to $8, the quantity demanded increases from 4 to 6, from point X to point Z. Using this midpoint formula (with price designated as P and quantity designated as Q) average price elasticity of demand is:midpoint
elasticity | = | (Q[Z] - Q[X])
(Q[Z] + Q[X])/2 | ÷ | (P[Z] - P[X])
(P[Z] + P[X])/2 |
midpoint
elasticity | = | (6 - 4)
(6 + 4)/2 | ÷ | (8 - 12)
(8 + 12)/2 | = | (2)
(5) | ÷ | (-4)
(10) |
midpoint
elasticity | = | 0.4 | ÷ | -0.4 | = | -1.0 |
Ignoring the minus sign, the price elasticity of demand over this segment of the demand curve from X to Z is 1.0.An Average ValueThis value of 1.0 is actually an average for the entire range between points X and Z. Precise estimates of point elasticity shows that the elasticity is 0.67 at point X and 1.5 at point Z. Moreover, the elasticity is different at each point on a straight line demand curve such as this one. The only point in which the elasticity is exactly equal to 1.0 is at point Y, the midpoint between X and Z.This last observation is worth emphasizing. The midpoint elasticity formula effectively estimates the point elasticity at the very midpoint of the overall segment. This means that the elasticity of any point on a demand curve (point elasticity) can be obtained by calculating the arc elasticity with the midpoint elasticity formula such that the desired point is dead center in the middle, the midpoint of the arc.
Recommended Citation:ARC ELASTICITY, AmosWEB Encyclonomic WEB*pedia, http://www.AmosWEB.com, AmosWEB LLC, 2000-2025. [Accessed: March 21, 2025].
Check Out These Related Terms... | | | | | |
Or For A Little Background... | | | | | |
And For Further Study... | | | | | |
Search Again?
Back to the WEB*pedia
|
|
|
BROWN PRAGMATOX
[What's This?]
Today, you are likely to spend a great deal of time visiting every yard sale in a 30-mile radius looking to buy either a rechargeable battery for your camera or a coffee cup commemorating the first day of spring. Be on the lookout for attractive cable television service repair people.
Your Complete Scope
This isn't me! What am I?
|
|
|
In the early 1900s around 300 automobile companies operated in the United States.
|
|
|
"When the solution is simple, God is answering." -- Albert Einstein
|
|
BIF
Bank Insurance Fund
|
|
|
Tell us what you think about AmosWEB. Like what you see? Have suggestions for improvements? Let us know. Click the User Feedback link.
User Feedback
|
|
