In: Economics
Equilibrium, Taxes, and Surplus
The market for cake donuts is given by the following supply and demand functions:
qS = −10 + 2p
qD = 30 − 2p
(a) Graph the supply and demand curves. Make sure to label correctly. )
Now, let’s assume a per unit tax of $2 is charged to the buyer. What is the new equilibrium quantity, new price paid by the buyer, and new price received by the seller? )
Calculate the tax revenue and deadweight loss from this tax.
Initial equilibrium is where QD=QS
30-2P = -10+2P
30+10 = 2P+2P
40 = 4P
P = 40/4 = 10
Q = 30-2*10 = 10
With the tax, the demand equation becomes 30-2(P-2) = 30-2P-4
30-2P-4 = -10+2P
30+10-4 = 2P+2P
P = 36/4 = 9
Q = -10+2*9 = 8
Price consumers pay = 11
Price producers receive = 11-2 = 9
New equilibrium quantity = 8
TR = Tax* quantity = 2*8 = 16
DWL = loss in surplus due to change in consumption = 0.5*(10-8)*2 = 2