Chapter 5, Problem 1QFR

(Categories of Price Elasticity of Demand) For each of the following absolute values of price elasticity of demand, indicate whether demand is elastic, inelastic, perfectly elastic, perfectly inelastic, or unit elastic. In addition, determine what would happen to total revenue if a firm raised its price in each elasticity range identified. Absolut Value Elasticity Effect of Price Increase a b c d

In an attempt to increase revenues and profits, a firm is considering a 4 percent increase in price and an 11 percent increase in advertising. If the price elasticity of demand is 1.5 and the advertising elasticity of demand is +0.6, would you expect an increase or decrease in total revenues?

The Stopdecay Company sells an electric toothbrush for $25. Its sales have averaged 8,000 units per month over the past year. Recently, its closest competitor, Decayfigh ter, reduced the price of its electric toothbrush from $35 to $30. As a result, Stopde cays sales declined by 1,500 units per month. What is the arc cross elasticity of demand between Stopdecays toothbrush and Decayfighters toothbrush? What does this indicate about the relationship between the two products? If Stopdecay knows that the arc price elasticity of demand for its toothbrush is 1.5, what price would Stopdecay have to charge to sell the same number of units as it did before the Decayfighter price cut? Assume that Decayfighter holds the price of its toothbrush constant at $30. What is Stopdecays average monthly total revenue from the sale of electric toothbrushes before and after the price change determined in part (b)? Is the result in part (c) necessarily desirable? What other factors would have to be taken into consideration?