Elasticity

What does it Mean? A measure of a variable's sensitivity to a change in another variable. In economics, elasticity refers the degree to which individuals (consumers/producers) change their demand/amount supplied in response to price or income changes.

Calculated as:

Investopedia Says... Elasticity is used to assess the change in consumer demand as a result of a change in the good's price. When the value is greater than 1, this suggests that the demand for the good/service is affected by the price, whereas a value that is less than 1 suggest that the demand is insensitive to price. 

Businesses often strive to sell/market products or services that are or seem inelastic in demand because doing so can mean that few customers will be lost as a result of price increases.

Terms Related Links

Cross Elasticity Of Demand
Demand
Economics
Equilibrium
Inelastic
Normal Good
Price Elasticity Of Demand
Substitute
Supply

Terms Related Links
Economics Basics: Elasticity - Learn how changes in price and quantity affect supply and demand.

Understanding Supply-Side Economics - Does the amount of goods and services produced set the pace for economic growth? Here are the arguments.

Hairline Fractures: Exploring The Dismal Science - Learning about the study of economics can help you understand why you face contradictions in the market.




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