Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Measurement of Elasticity of Supply:


Definition and Explanation:


Elasticity of supply can be measured on the very same lines as we measured the elasticity of demand. Elasticity of supply can either be equal to unity or greater than unity or less than unity.

Equal to Unity:


If a, change in the quantity supplied, and a change in the price vary in equal proportion, the ratio will be equal to one and the elasticity of supply will be equal to unity.

Diagram/Figure and Schedule:


This is shown with the help of the schedule and the diagrams given below:

Price ($)Quantity Supplied (Kg)
110
220
330


If the supply curve is a straight line and is also equal to unity, it will pass through the origin as is shown in Fig. 7.6. If the point on the arc supply curve is such that the tangent passes through the origin, the elasticity at the point will also be equal to unity as is shown in Fig. 7.7.

Greater than Unity:


If a change of 1 percent in price leads to more than 1 percent change in supply, the elasticity is said to be greater than unity.

This is shown with the help of the schedule and the diagrams given below:

Price ($)Quantity Supplied (Kg)
110
225
345


In Fig. 7.8, the supply curve SS/ cuts the Y-axis, the elasticity is greater than unity. If the supply curve is an arc, then the point on the curve whose tangent cuts the price axis will have elasticity greater than unity as is shown in diagram 7.9.

Less than Unity:


If a 1 percent change in price is accompanied by less than 1 percent change in supply, the elasticity of supply is said to be less than unity.

Price ($)Quantity Supplied (Kg)
110
215
317

If the supply curve cuts the X-axis, the elasticity will be less that unity as is shown in fig. 7.10, and Fig. 7.11. The tangent at point C intersects the X-axis at the point d. This means elasticity of supply is less than one.

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