In: Economics
Table 4
Income |
Quantity of Good X Purchased |
Quantity of Good Y Purchased |
$30,000 | 2 | 20 |
$40,000 | 6 | 10 |
Refer to Table 4. Using the midpoint method, the
income elasticity of demand for good Y is
Select one:
a. -2.33, and good Y is an inferior good.
b. 2.33, and good Y is a normal good.
c. -0.43, and good Y is a normal good.
d. -0.43, and good Y is an inferior good.
Answer : The answer is option a.
Y (Changes in good Y) = New quantity demanded - old quantity demanded = 10 - 20 = - 10
Average of quantities of good Y = (20 + 10) / 2 = 15
In mid-point formula,
% changes in quantity demanded for good Y = Y / Average of quantities of good Y
=> % changes in quantity demanded for good Y = (- 10) / 15 = - 0.666
Now, income = New income - Old income = 40,000 - 30,000 = $10,000
Average of income = (30,000 + 40,000) / 2 = 35,000
% changes in income = income / Average of income
=> % changes in income = 10,000 / 35,000 = 0.285
Income elasticity of demand = % changes in quantity demanded for good Y / % changes in income
=> Income elasticity of demand = (- 0.666) / 0.285 = - 2.33
In case of negative income elasticity of demand for a good the goods is an inferior good. As here the income elasticity of demand for good Y is - 2.33 hence here the good Y is an inferior good. Therefore, option a is correct.