Question

Based on Roberts and Schlenker​ (forthcoming), the corn demand elasticity is ε =0.3​, and the supply elasticity is eη= 0.15. According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, the United States has 347,760 corn farms. Assuming that the farms are of roughly equal size, what is the elasticity of demand facing a single farm?

Answer 1

Answer: 52,164.15

Explanation:

The price Elasticity of demand for corn refers to how much the quantity demanded of corn changes as a result of a change in price.

When given the elasticity for a group and need to calculate for a single unit, use the formula;

εi = nε - (n -1)eη

Demand elasticity for single unit = (Number of units * entire demand elasticity) - ( number of units - 1) * supply elasticity of each firm

= (347,760 * 0.3) - (347,760 - 1) * 0.15

= 104,328 - 52,163.85

= 52,164.15

Note: Do confirm that the figures you provided are the correct ones. If yes then no problems.