The price elasticity of demand

The price elasticity of demand is people’s responsiveness of quantity demanded (or consumption) when there is a change in price.

Respond to the following:

  1. Identify the determinants of the price elasticity of demand. Explain each one.
  2. Determine whether each of the following items is elastic or inelastic: bottled water, gourmet coffee, Apple cell phones, and gasoline. Explain your reasoning.
  3. Distinguish between a necessity and a luxury.
    How are the price elasticity of demand and total revenue related? Why is the price elasticity of demand important to pricing?

Sample Solution