Question

​Economists' estimates of price elasticities can differ​ somewhat, depending on the time period and on the markets in which the price and quantity data used in the estimates were gathered. An article in the New York Times contained the following statement from the Centers for Disease Control and​ Prevention: ​"A 10 percent increase in the price of cigarettes reduces consumption by 3 to 5​ percent." Given this​ information, compute the range of price elasticity of demand for cigarettes.

Answer 1

Answer:

Range of price elasticity of demand for cigarettes is from (-0.5) to (-0.3).

Explanation:

Percentage increase in price = 10%

Percentage reduction in quantity demanded = 3% to 5%

We are taking percentage change in the quantity demanded is equal to 3% for now.

Initial price elasticity of demand for cigarettes:

= Percentage change in quantity demanded ÷ Percentage change in price

= -3 ÷ 10

= -0.3

Now, we are taking percentage change in the quantity demanded is equal to 5%.

price elasticity of demand cigarettes:

= Percentage change in quantity demanded ÷ Percentage change in price

= -5 ÷ 10

= -0.5

Therefore, the range of price elasticity of demand for cigarettes is from (-0.5) to (-0.3).