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Question 18M.3.HL.TZ0.1

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Date May 2018 Marks available [Maximum mark: 25] Reference code 18M.3.HL.TZ0.1
Level HL Paper 3 Time zone TZ0
Command term Calculate, Draw, Explain, Label, Outline, State Question number 1 Adapted from N/A
1.
[Maximum mark: 25]
18M.3.HL.TZ0.1

Note that widgets and pidgets are imaginary products.

In the country of Burbia, the demand and supply of widgets are given by the functions

Qd = 249 − 4P
  Qs = 150 + 14P

where Qd is the quantity demanded per month, Qs is the quantity supplied per month and P is the price per widget in dollars ($).

(a)

Calculate the equilibrium price and quantity per month.

[2]

Markscheme

249 − 4P = 150 + 14P
99 = 18P 

Any valid working is sufficient for [1].

P = $5.50, Q = 227 

An answer of 5.50, 227 (without working) is sufficient for [1].

(b)

Calculate the excess demand/excess supply (state which of these) at a price of $8.50.

[2]

Markscheme

Qd = 249 − 4 × 8.50 = 215
Qs = 150 + 14 × 8.50 = 269

Any valid working is sufficient for [1].

There will be excess supply or a surplus of 54.

An answer of 54 (without working) is sufficient for [1].

(c)

Calculate the price at which excess demand of 18 widgets would result.

[2]

Markscheme

249 − 4P = 150 + 14P + 18
81 = 18P

Any valid working is sufficient for [1].

P = $4.50

An answer of 4.50 (without working) is sufficient for [1].

(d)

A demand curve is drawn under the assumption of ceteris paribus.

Using an example, outline why the assumption of ceteris paribus is necessary when analysing the effect of a change in price on the quantity demanded of a product.

[2]

Markscheme

(e)

Widgets and Pidgets have negative cross price elasticity of demand (XED).
Explain how the demand function for Widgets, Qd = 249 − 4P, is likely to change as a result of an increase in the price of Pidgets.

[2]

Markscheme

(f)

The demand for widgets is considered to be unit elastic at the current price.

Outline the meaning of the term unit elastic demand.

[2]

Markscheme

(g)

Explain two determinants of the price elasticity of demand (PED).

[4]

Markscheme

(h)

Two products are in competitive supply. Using an example, outline how the supply for one of them is likely to be affected by an increase in the price of the other.

[2]

Markscheme

The final of the 2018 Football World Cup is expected to be held in the Luzhniki stadium, Moscow.
The capacity of the stadium is 80 000. The expected cost of holding the final is US$12 million, which is not dependent on the number of people attending the match. All tickets will be sold for the same price.

(i)

State the value of the price elasticity of supply (PES) for tickets to the 2018 Football World Cup final.

[1]

Markscheme

Price elasticity of supply = 0

(j)

On the diagram draw and label the supply curve for tickets at the 2018 Football World Cup final.

[1]

Markscheme

For a vertical supply curve, labelled, at 80 000 tickets.

(k)

Draw and label the marginal revenue (MR) curve for the 2018 Football World Cup final.

[1]

Markscheme

For an accurate, labelled MR curve.

(l)

Using the diagram and your answers to parts (j) and (k), explain how the organizers could achieve their goal of profit maximisation.

[4]

Markscheme

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