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The Law of Supply and Demand

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A market is an environment where buyers and sellers interact to exchange goods, the price for which are determined by both the supply and demand for them. ‘A market uses prices to reconcile decisions about consumption and production’.¹ The supply/demand model helps to explain how the market works and gives a greater understanding of actual market behaviour. Therefore, analysis of this concept can be used to develop economic and business decisions and policies. The purpose of this assignment is to outline the basic elements of the model and discuss its usefulness in understanding actual behaviour in the market place. The supply of goods and resources are limited in comparison to peoples requirements, and individuals must make decisions …show more content…

The supply curve theory shows the potential of what will happen if certain prices are charged. Using this theory, businesses and individuals can make decisions about what quantity to supply to the market to make maximum profits. The theory of demand refers to the quantity of a product required by buyers. The relationship between demand and price assumes the behaviour of buyers and states that if all other things remain equal the demand for a commodity will decline if the price rises and will increase if the price is reduced. The relationship between price and quantity demanded is depicted by the demand curve which slopes downwards. This part of the theory gives a deeper understanding of how the actual market will react if various prices were charged. Thus, to the business community the demand curve is important as a guide to the direction that should be taken in the future. Analysing the supply/demand model and measuring past behaviour can be a good guide to the future. As well as price, other factors can effect the demand for a product. These are: prices of substitute goods, income and preferences of buyers. ‘A rise in the price of one good raises the demand for substitutes for this good, but reduces the demand for complements to the good’.³ When peoples preferences change, the amount of benefit they get from the product will change and in turn will cause them to change the amount of the

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