Question

Consider public policy aimed at smoking. Studies indicate that the price elasticity of demand for cigarettes is about 0.2. If a pack of cigarettes currently costs $5 and the government wants to reduce smoking by 10%, it should increase the price by. If the government permanently increases the price of cigarettes, the effect on smoking 1 year from now will be_________ than the effect 5 years from now

Answer 1

Answer:

$7.5

Greater

Explanation:

Price elasticity of demand = percentage change in quantity demanded/ percentage change in price

0.2 = 10%/ percentage change in price

percentage change in quantity demanded = 50% = 0.5

0.5 = (New price - $5) / $5

New price = (5 × 0.5) + 5 = $7.5

In the short run, demand is relatively inelastic because consumers need time to find suitable substitutes but in the long run, demand is usually more elastic.

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