JAMB UTME - Economics - 2022

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Even if a firm closes down, it will still incur some fixed costs. Fixed costs are expenses that must be paid regardless of the level of production or whether the business is operating or not. These costs include things like rent, insurance, salaries of employees on long-term contracts, and equipment leases. Variable costs, on the other hand, are expenses that vary depending on the level of production or business activity. For example, the cost of materials or labor directly related to producing goods or services. If the firm closes down, it will not incur variable costs because it will not be producing any goods or services. Total cost is the sum of fixed and variable costs, so if the firm is not producing anything, the total cost will be equal to the fixed cost. Marginal cost is the cost of producing one additional unit of a good or service. If the firm is closed down, there is no production, so there is no marginal cost.

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A price floor is typically set above the equilibrium price, and it creates a surplus of goods or services. When the price is set above the equilibrium level, it causes suppliers to offer more products than buyers are willing to purchase at that higher price. This leads to a surplus, where there are more goods available than there are buyers willing to buy them. Therefore, a price floor usually causes surpluses, and not shortages.

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Massive importation of consumer goods will not lead to economic growth. Economic growth refers to an increase in the capacity of an economy to produce goods and services over a period of time. It is measured by the growth in the gross domestic product (GDP) of a country. Massive importation of consumer goods may lead to an increase in consumption, but it does not lead to an increase in the productive capacity of an economy. This is because consumer goods are used for immediate consumption and do not contribute to the production of other goods and services. On the other hand, capital goods like machinery, equipment, and infrastructure are used to produce other goods and services, and their importation can lead to economic growth by increasing the productive capacity of an economy. Intensive capital formation and the use of modern technology also contribute to economic growth by increasing the efficiency and productivity of an economy.

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If the mining sector contributes 60% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), then its contribution can be calculated by multiplying the GDP by 60% (or 0.60, which is the decimal equivalent of 60%).

So, the contribution of the mining sector to the GDP is:

Contribution of mining sector = GDP x 60%

= $540 x 0.60

= $324

Therefore, the contribution of the mining sector to the GDP is $324. 

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The ordinary partner in a partnership typically has unlimited liability in case of business failure. This means that they can be held personally liable for any debts or obligations of the business that are not satisfied by the assets of the partnership. This is a major disadvantage of a partnership, as it exposes the personal assets of the partners to the risk of loss in the event of business failure. While the extent of the involvement of the ordinary partner in the management of the business may vary, they are typically expected to take an active part in the management and decision-making of the partnership. As such, they cannot be said to take no active part in the management of the business. Furthermore, as a general rule, partners are jointly and severally liable for the actions of the partnership, which means that they can be sued personally on matters relating to the business. Limited liability, on the other hand, is a characteristic of some types of business entities such as limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations.

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The demand for labor is an example of "derived demand." Derived demand refers to the demand for a factor of production or a good that arises as a result of the demand for another good or service. In the case of labor, it is not demanded for its own sake but rather because it is needed to produce goods and services that consumers demand. The demand for labor is therefore derived from the demand for the goods and services that labor helps to produce.

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The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) as an international monetary institution is concerned with the development of infrastructure in member nations. The IBRD, also known as the World Bank, was established to help finance the reconstruction and development of war-torn and developing countries after World War II. The bank provides loans, technical assistance, and other financial services to support projects in a variety of sectors, including infrastructure development, such as transportation, energy, and communication networks, among others. While the IBRD is concerned with the economic development of member nations, it is not primarily focused on financing private business or improving trade among member nations, although these may be outcomes of its operations. Additionally, the IBRD may also provide assistance to member nations facing balance of payments problems, but this is not its primary objective.

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The term "Gross National Product (GNP) less the provision for the wear and tear of assets" refers to the Net National Product (NNP). The Net National Product (NNP) is a measure of the total economic output of a country, which takes into account the depreciation or wear and tear of the country's capital assets. Capital assets are things like buildings, machinery, and other long-term investments that contribute to a country's economic output. When we subtract the depreciation from the Gross National Product (GNP), which is the total value of goods and services produced by a country's residents, we arrive at the Net National Product (NNP). The reason we need to subtract depreciation from the GNP is that capital assets, such as buildings and machinery, wear out over time and lose value. If we didn't account for this loss of value, we would overestimate the country's economic output. For example, suppose the GNP of a country is $1 trillion, and the depreciation or wear and tear on its capital assets is $100 billion. In that case, the NNP of the country would be $900 billion ($1 trillion - $100 billion). In summary, the Net National Product (NNP) is the Gross National Product (GNP) minus the provision for the wear and tear of assets or depreciation. It gives us a more accurate measure of a country's economic output by accounting for the loss of value in capital assets over time.

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The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that provides loans, technical assistance, and other services to developing countries. Out of the options provided, the IBRD does not reduce tariffs among its members. Its main focus is on granting long-term loans to member countries for development projects, providing technical expertise to help those countries implement those projects successfully, and developing human resources in those countries. Tariff reduction is not one of its main functions.

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If W stands for wages/salaries, P for profits, R for interest, and Z for rent on land and real estate, then the national income is given by:

W + P + R + Z

This is because national income is the total amount of income earned by individuals and firms within a country's borders, and it includes all four components of W, P, R, and Z.

Wages and salaries are earned by employees, profits are earned by business owners, interest is earned by lenders, and rent is earned by landlords. When we add up all of these components, we get the total national income.

Therefore, "W+P+R+Z," is the correct answer.

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The firm is said to be experiencing diseconomies of scale if the cost of production continues to increase as its output rises. Diseconomies of scale occur when the firm becomes too large, and the increased complexity and coordination costs of managing a large organization outweigh the benefits of increased production. This can result in a decrease in efficiency, productivity, and profitability for the firm.

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If workers at the school canteen cannot sell during the holidays, this is an example of seasonal unemployment. This means that the workers are temporarily out of work due to changes in demand for their labor, in this case because the school is not in session. Seasonal unemployment is a common occurrence in industries that are heavily influenced by the time of year, such as agriculture, tourism, and retail. While the workers may have other employment options, they are currently without work due to the seasonality of the school canteen.

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To compare the standard of living among nations, the most widely used economic indicator is the real per capita income. This is a measure of the average income per person in a given country, adjusted for inflation to reflect the purchasing power of that income. It is calculated by dividing the real gross domestic product (GDP) of a country by its population, which gives a sense of the economic output per person. While per capita nominal income and real gross national income are also used as economic indicators, they do not take into account inflation or differences in the cost of living across countries, which can make them less useful for comparing living standards. Real domestic output is not as widely used as real per capita income as it does not take into account the size of the population, which is an important factor in determining the standard of living.

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The industry that adds more value to primary products is the processing industry. The processing industry takes raw materials, such as those produced by the mining industry, and turns them into finished products through various manufacturing processes. This added value comes from transforming the raw materials into something that is more useful and valuable to consumers. The service industry, on the other hand, provides services to individuals and businesses, such as consulting, financial advice, or customer support. While the service industry is important for the economy, it does not add value to primary products in the same way that the processing industry does. The construction industry involves the building of structures and infrastructure, such as buildings, roads, and bridges. While the construction industry uses materials produced by the mining industry, it does not add value to these materials in the same way that the processing industry does. In conclusion, the processing industry is the industry that adds the most value to primary products by transforming raw materials into finished goods that are more useful and valuable to consumers.

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The factor that is not a cause of diminishing returns is "Technological innovations". Diminishing returns refers to the decrease in marginal output or production as more units of a variable input (such as labor or capital) are added to a fixed amount of other inputs (such as land or machinery). This occurs because the fixed inputs become increasingly scarce relative to the variable inputs, which can lead to inefficiencies and reduced productivity. The other three factors listed - an increase in variable inputs, land fragmentation, and constant technology - can all contribute to diminishing returns. For example, adding more workers to a fixed amount of land may lead to overcrowding and reduced productivity (land fragmentation). Similarly, if technology remains constant while more inputs are added, the additional inputs may not be fully utilized and may even become redundant. In contrast, technological innovations can actually help to overcome diminishing returns by allowing for more efficient use of inputs and increasing productivity. New technologies can improve the efficiency of production processes, reduce waste, and create new products or services, all of which can lead to increased output and economic growth.

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Among the given options, the factor that may not affect the efficiency of labor is the race and color of the workforce. The efficiency of labor refers to the amount of output that a worker can produce within a given time frame. Education and training can enhance workers' skills and knowledge, improving their ability to perform their jobs efficiently. Providing welfare services such as healthcare, childcare, and paid time off can also increase worker satisfaction and well-being, which can positively impact their productivity. The quality of other factor inputs, such as machinery, raw materials, and technology, can also have a significant impact on labor efficiency. High-quality inputs can facilitate and enhance workers' ability to produce more output in less time, increasing their efficiency. However, the race and color of the workforce do not inherently affect the efficiency of labor. A worker's productivity is determined by their individual skills, knowledge, and work ethic, regardless of their race or color. Discrimination based on race or color can negatively impact worker morale, job satisfaction, and opportunities, which can indirectly affect labor efficiency. Still, race or color itself is not a direct determinant of worker efficiency.

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The stock exchange is an example of a capital market. A capital market is a market where individuals and institutions trade financial securities, such as stocks and bonds, with the goal of raising capital. In other words, the capital market is where businesses can go to raise money by selling ownership in the company (stocks) or borrowing money (bonds) from investors. The stock exchange is a specific type of capital market where publicly-traded companies can sell ownership in the form of stocks to the public. Investors can buy and sell these stocks on the exchange, and the value of the stocks can rise or fall based on various factors, such as the company's financial performance, overall market conditions, and investor sentiment. Overall, the stock exchange and other capital markets play an important role in facilitating the flow of capital and resources throughout the economy, helping businesses raise funds to invest in growth and development, and providing investors with opportunities to earn a return on their investment.

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Economics problems arise in all societies because of the fundamental concept of scarcity. Scarcity means that the resources available to society are limited, while the wants and needs of individuals are virtually unlimited. This leads to a situation where individuals, businesses, and governments have to make choices about how to allocate scarce resources in the most efficient and effective way possible. For example, a society may want to provide free healthcare to all its citizens, but it may not have the resources to do so. Alternatively, a business may want to produce more products, but it may not have the resources to expand its production line. These are just two examples of the countless economic choices that are made every day. Mismanagement of resources by leaders, lack of planning, inadequate supply of resources, and underutilization of economists are some of the factors that can exacerbate economic problems in a society. However, the underlying cause of economic problems is the scarcity of resources, which requires individuals and institutions to make difficult choices about how to allocate those resources.

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The type of unemployment found among workers who leave their jobs in search of other jobs is called frictional unemployment. This occurs when individuals are between jobs and are actively searching for new employment opportunities. Frictional unemployment is typically short-term and is a natural part of the job search process. It can occur due to various reasons such as workers seeking better job opportunities, moving to a new location, or recently graduating from school. Although frictional unemployment may be a temporary situation for individuals, it can have an impact on the economy if the time taken to find a new job is prolonged. However, it is generally seen as a less problematic form of unemployment than other types, such as structural or cyclical unemployment, which can have more severe and long-lasting effects on the economy.

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If the government imposes a minimum price on a commodity, it means that sellers cannot sell the commodity for a price lower than the minimum price set by the government. This is done to ensure that the producers of the commodity are getting a fair price for their goods. When a minimum price is set, it may result in excess supply (market surplus) of the commodity, as producers may be incentivized to produce more of the commodity at the higher price. However, the surplus can be reduced if the government buys the excess supply or if producers reduce their production. In the short-run, the market may be cleared, which means that all of the available supply of the commodity is sold at the minimum price set by the government. However, in the long-run, excess demand may occur as the minimum price may discourage buyers from purchasing the commodity. Therefore, government regulation may still be needed to ensure that the market operates efficiently, even with the minimum price in place.

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A positive effect of a rapid population increase is a wider market for goods and services. When there are more people in a country, there is a higher demand for goods and services, which can lead to economic growth and development. As more people are born and immigrate to a country, they will need housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and other goods and services, which can lead to an increase in jobs and businesses. This wider market for goods and services can stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, and ultimately improve the standard of living for individuals in the country. However, it is important to note that rapid population growth can also bring challenges such as pressure on resources and infrastructure, which can lead to other negative effects.

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The major role of multi-national companies in the petroleum industry in Nigeria is oil prospecting. These companies typically invest heavily in exploration, drilling, and production of crude oil in Nigeria, which is one of the largest oil-producing countries in Africa. The multi-national companies also play a significant role in the development of Nigeria's oil and gas infrastructure, including pipelines, storage facilities, and export terminals, which are necessary for getting the oil to international markets. While some of these companies are also involved in downstream activities such as oil marketing and refining, their primary role in Nigeria's petroleum industry is oil exploration and production.

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Marginal cost refers to the cost of producing one additional unit of a good or service. It is the cost of producing the last or extra unit of output. This cost includes the variable costs of producing the additional unit, such as the cost of materials and labor, but it does not include fixed costs like rent or salaries, which do not change with the level of production. The concept of marginal cost is important in economics because it helps businesses and policymakers make decisions about how much to produce, what price to set for their goods or services, and whether to enter or exit a market. By analyzing their marginal costs, businesses can determine whether producing an additional unit of a good will be profitable or not.

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The use of the bank rate, cash ratio, and open market operations are tools used in monetary policy. Monetary policy is a set of actions taken by a country's central bank to manage the supply of money and credit in the economy to achieve specific economic goals, such as controlling inflation, stabilizing prices, and promoting economic growth. The bank rate is the interest rate at which commercial banks can borrow money from the central bank. When the central bank increases the bank rate, it becomes more expensive for commercial banks to borrow money, which reduces the amount of money in circulation in the economy. Conversely, when the central bank lowers the bank rate, it becomes cheaper for commercial banks to borrow money, which increases the amount of money in circulation in the economy. The cash ratio is the percentage of deposits that commercial banks are required to hold in reserve with the central bank. When the central bank increases the cash ratio, it reduces the amount of money that commercial banks have available to lend, which reduces the amount of money in circulation in the economy. Conversely, when the central bank lowers the cash ratio, it increases the amount of money that commercial banks have available to lend, which increases the amount of money in circulation in the economy. Open market operations refer to the buying and selling of government securities by the central bank in the open market. When the central bank buys government securities, it injects money into the economy, which increases the amount of money in circulation. Conversely, when the central bank sells government securities, it withdraws money from the economy, which reduces the amount of money in circulation. So, the use of bank rate, cash ratio, and open market operations are all tools used in monetary policy to manage the amount of money in circulation in the economy, with the aim of achieving specific economic goals.

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In the event of bankruptcy, owners of joint-stock companies (also known as shareholders) typically only lose the capital they have invested in the company. They do not lose their private properties or personal assets. When an individual buys shares in a joint-stock company, they become a partial owner of the company. As a shareholder, they are entitled to receive a share of the company's profits in the form of dividends. However, if the company goes bankrupt and cannot meet its financial obligations, the shareholders may lose the value of their investment, meaning the shares they hold in the company become worthless. Therefore, shareholders may lose the capital they invested in the company, but they are not responsible for any additional debts or liabilities the company may have. Shareholders are only liable to lose the value of their shares and do not have to worry about losing their personal assets or private properties.

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To solve this problem, we need to first understand what a pie chart is and how it works. A pie chart is a circular graph that is divided into sectors, with each sector representing a proportion of the whole. The size of each sector is proportional to the quantity it represents, so we can use it to determine the percentage or fraction of the whole that each quantity represents.

In this case, the city's population is represented by 45 degrees of the pie chart. If we assume that the pie chart represents the entire country's population, which is 10 million people, then the fraction of the country's population represented by the city is:

45 degrees / 360 degrees = 1/8

This means that the city's population is 1/8 of the entire country's population. To find out the actual population of the city, we can multiply the fraction by the total population:

(1/8) x 10 million = 1.25 million

Therefore, the correct answer is 1.25 million.

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An exceptional demand curve can result from an expectation of future price increase. When people think that the price of a good or service is going to increase in the future, they may start buying more of it now in order to avoid paying the higher price later. This increase in demand can cause the price of the good or service to go up in the present, creating an exceptional demand curve that deviates from the typical downward-sloping demand curve. The other factors, such as an increase in the price of raw materials, increase in the size of the population, or change in taste of consumers, can also impact the demand for a good or service, but an expectation of future price increase is a unique factor that can result in an exceptional demand curve.

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The main objective of marketing boards is to stabilize the incomes of cash crop farmers. Marketing boards help to regulate the supply and demand of cash crops, ensuring stable prices and incomes for farmers. They also provide support services to farmers, such as warehousing facilities and education on pricing, to help them sell their crops more effectively. While marketing boards may generate revenue for the government, their primary focus is on supporting and protecting the livelihoods of farmers.

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A major characteristic of natural resources is that they are free gifts of nature. This means that they are not produced by humans, but are found naturally in the environment. Examples of natural resources include water, air, forests, minerals, and fossil fuels. However, although natural resources are free in the sense that they are not created by humans, their extraction, production, and transportation often involve costs. Additionally, some natural resources may become scarce over time due to overuse or depletion, leading to increased prices and a greater focus on sustainability and conservation efforts.

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In the long run, all production factors are "variable." This means that in the long run, a firm can adjust all of its production inputs, including labor, capital, and technology, to change the scale of its operations. In the short run, some inputs may be fixed, such as the size of the factory, which can only be changed in the long run. But in the long run, all inputs can be varied to optimize production and increase efficiency. The ability to adjust all inputs in the long run is what distinguishes the long run from the short run in the theory of production.

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In developing countries, the largest component of national income is typically wages and salaries. This means that the majority of the income earned in these countries comes from the money that people make from their jobs or employment. Wages and salaries are paid to workers in exchange for their labor, and they are typically the main source of income for most people in developing countries. This income can come from a variety of sources, including working in factories, farming, providing services, or working in other industries. While profits and rent can also be important sources of income in some cases, they generally make up a smaller proportion of national income in developing countries. Profits are the earnings that businesses make after deducting their expenses, while rent is the income that comes from owning property or other assets. In summary, the largest component of national income in developing countries is typically wages and salaries, which are earned by workers in exchange for their labor.

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A major obstacle to economic development is low farm productivity. Agriculture is a significant sector in many developing countries, and low farm productivity can have a significant impact on economic growth and development. Low productivity in agriculture can result from a range of factors, including inadequate access to credit, poor infrastructure, low-quality inputs, and limited knowledge of modern farming techniques. This can limit the production of food and raw materials for industrial processes, resulting in higher prices, reduced exports, and lower economic growth. Increasing farm productivity is often a key focus of development programs and policies aimed at promoting economic development in developing countries.

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Wholesalers play an important role in the distribution of goods and services because they act as intermediaries between producers and retailers. Wholesalers buy goods in large quantities from producers and then sell them in smaller quantities to retailers. This enables producers to focus on their production process without worrying about marketing and distribution. On the other hand, retailers can buy smaller quantities of goods from wholesalers, which allows them to stock a variety of products without having to buy in bulk. Wholesalers also provide other important services, such as financing and logistics. They may provide credit to both producers and retailers, allowing them to manage their cash flow and invest in their businesses. Additionally, wholesalers can handle the transportation and storage of goods, which can be a complex and expensive task for smaller businesses. Therefore, wholesalers play a crucial role in the distribution process, providing valuable services and enabling the smooth flow of goods and services from producers to retailers, and ultimately to consumers.

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The concept described in the given scenario is called "double coincidence of wants." It refers to the situation where two parties have goods or services that the other party desires and are willing to exchange, and both parties are able to meet each other's wants at the same time. In the example, the housewife wants tomatoes, and she has meat that she can offer in exchange. However, she can only trade with someone who has tomatoes and also wants meat. The double coincidence of wants occurs when both parties have what the other wants, and both are willing and able to trade. This concept is important in understanding how bartering works, which is an exchange of goods and services without the use of money.

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