JAMB UTME - Economics - 2022
Question 1 Report
A price floor is usually fixed
Answer Details
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.
Question 2 Report
Economics problems arise in all societies because
Answer Details
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.
Question 3 Report
A possible factor which limits the extent of growth of a firm is the
Answer Details
One possible factor that limits the extent of growth of a firm is the unwillingness to share ownership and control. When a firm is controlled by a single owner or a small group of owners who are not willing to share ownership or decision-making power, it can limit the firm's ability to raise capital, make strategic partnerships, or expand into new markets. In contrast, allowing outside investors or partners to have a stake in the company can provide the firm with access to more resources, expertise, and new opportunities for growth.
Question 4 Report
The mining sector of an economy contributes 60% to the Gross Domestic Product(GDP). If the GDP is $540, what is the contribution of the mining sector?
Answer Details
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.
Question 5 Report
Developments outside a given firm that reduce the firm’s costs are called
Answer Details
Developments outside a given firm that reduce the firm's costs are called "external economies." External economies refer to the benefits that firms receive from positive externalities generated by other firms or industries in the same geographic area. For example, if a new technology park is established nearby, the firms in the area may benefit from lower input costs, better transportation links, or access to skilled workers. These benefits can result in lower production costs, higher productivity, and improved competitiveness for the firms in the area. The opposite of external economies is external diseconomies, which occur when external factors increase the costs of production for firms in a particular area.
Question 6 Report
An important factor hindering the rapid development of the industrial sector in Nigeria.
Answer Details
Question 7 Report
Fixing the prices of agricultural products can be a problem because of the
Answer Details
Fixing the prices of agricultural products can be a problem because of the unpredictable output of farmers. Agricultural output can vary due to a variety of factors including weather, pests, disease, and other unpredictable factors. This variability can make it difficult to accurately predict the supply of agricultural products and set prices accordingly. While the instability of government policies, activities of marketing boards, and the size of agricultural exports can also have an impact on the pricing of agricultural products, the unpredictable output of farmers is a primary factor that can create challenges in setting prices. Instability of government policies can create uncertainty in the market, while the activities of marketing boards can sometimes lead to distortions in supply and demand. The size of agricultural exports can also influence prices by affecting the balance of supply and demand in domestic and international markets.
Question 8 Report
Which of the following cannot be classified as a natural resource?
Answer Details
An iron rod cannot be classified as a natural resource. A natural resource is a material or substance that occurs naturally in the environment and can be used for economic gain. Natural resources can be classified into renewable and non-renewable resources. Renewable resources are those that can be replenished over time, such as solar energy, wildlife, and forests. Non-renewable resources are those that cannot be replenished, such as minerals and fossil fuels, including gold. An iron rod is not a natural resource because it is a manufactured item made from iron, which is a natural resource. The iron has been extracted from the earth and processed to make the rod, which is then used for various purposes. So, while the raw material (iron) may be a natural resource, the finished product (the iron rod) is not.
Question 9 Report
The major role of multi-national companies in the petroleum industry in Nigeria is
Answer Details
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.
Question 11 Report
IBRD as an international monetary institution is concerned with the
Answer Details
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.
Question 12 Report
In perfectly elastic supply, the supply curve
Answer Details
In perfectly elastic supply, the supply curve is a horizontal line. This means that the quantity of a good that a supplier is willing to sell is not affected by changes in the price of the good. The supplier will sell any quantity of the good at the market price, no matter how high or low it is. In other words, the supply is perfectly responsive to changes in the price, so the supply curve is flat.
Question 13 Report
One benefit a country can derive from the extraction of crude oil is increase in
Question 14 Report
The use of the bank rate, cash ratio and open market operations constitute
Answer Details
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.
Question 16 Report
Which of the following factors may not affect the efficiency of labour?
Answer Details
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.
Question 17 Report
Under a floating exchange rate regime, the determinant of the exchange rate is
Answer Details
Under a floating exchange rate regime, the determinant of the exchange rate is "demand for and supply of foreign goods." In a floating exchange rate system, the exchange rate between two currencies is determined by the market forces of supply and demand. Factors such as interest rates, inflation rates, and trade flows can influence the demand for and supply of currencies, which in turn can affect the exchange rate. Unlike fixed exchange rate systems, where the exchange rate is determined by government policy, in a floating exchange rate system, the exchange rate can fluctuate based on market conditions.
Question 18 Report
A major disadvantage of a capitalist economy is that it
Answer Details
The major disadvantage of a capitalist economy is that it worsens income inequality among the citizens. In a capitalist system, the means of production and distribution of goods and services are privately owned and operated for profit, leading to a concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a small group of people who own the most productive resources. This results in a situation where the rich get richer, while the poor get poorer, and there is a growing gap between the incomes and living standards of the wealthy and the less well-off members of society. This can create social unrest and political instability, as well as limit opportunities for social mobility and economic growth.
Question 19 Report
A country's budget allocation to various sectors of the economy is shown in the pie chart above...
Use it to answer this question.
If the budget of the country was $7,200, how much is allocated to Education?
Answer Details
Based on the pie chart, the Education sector is represented by 1/3 of the total budget allocation. To find out how much is allocated to Education, we can calculate 1/3 of the total budget: 1/3 x $7,200 = $2,400 Therefore, the answer is $2,400.00.
Question 20 Report
The price mechanism
Answer Details
The price mechanism is a system in an economy where the prices of goods and services are determined by the forces of supply and demand. This mechanism is responsible for regulating the balance between what consumers want to buy and what producers want to sell. As the demand for a particular item increases, the price of the item will rise, causing producers to increase supply to meet the demand. On the other hand, if the demand decreases, the price will fall, and producers will decrease their supply. In this way, the price mechanism helps allocate scarce resources by ensuring that the goods and services that are in high demand are produced and distributed more, while those that are not in high demand are produced and distributed less. In conclusion, the price mechanism does all of the above - regulates supply and demand, rations the consumers, rewards the producers, and allocates scarce resources - to ensure an efficient and effective allocation of resources in an economy.
Question 21 Report
An effect of inflation is that it
Answer Details
An effect of inflation is that it "favors debtors at the expense of creditors." Inflation reduces the real value of money over time, which means that the value of debt also decreases. This can be an advantage for debtors, who are able to repay their debts with money that is worth less than when they borrowed it. In contrast, creditors are disadvantaged by inflation, as the value of the money they receive in repayment is worth less than the money they loaned out. Inflation can also have other effects, such as reducing the purchasing power of consumers, increasing uncertainty, and distorting economic decision-making.
Question 22 Report
Nation engage in external trade because of difference in
Answer Details
Nations engage in external trade because of the differences in comparative cost, also known as comparative advantage. Comparative advantage is the ability of a country to produce goods or services at a lower opportunity cost than another country. Opportunity cost is the cost of one choice in terms of the best alternative that must be given up. In other words, it's the cost of producing one product in terms of the number of other products that could have been produced instead. For example, let's say that Country A can produce both cars and computers, but it can only produce one of them at a time. If Country A devotes all its resources to producing cars, it can produce 100,000 cars per year. If it devotes all its resources to producing computers, it can produce 50,000 computers per year. Meanwhile, Country B can produce 60,000 cars per year or 30,000 computers per year. In this case, Country A has a comparative advantage in producing cars because it has a lower opportunity cost of producing cars compared to computers. As a result, Country A can produce cars at a lower cost and sell them to Country B, which can in turn produce computers at a lower cost and sell them to Country A. This allows both countries to benefit from trade and improve their overall welfare. In summary, nations engage in external trade because of the differences in comparative cost, which allow countries to specialize in producing goods and services that they can produce more efficiently and trade with other countries for goods and services that they cannot produce efficiently. This creates mutual benefits for all countries involved.
Question 23 Report
If units of a variable factor are increasingly added to a fixed factor and the marginal physical product keeps increasing, production is said to be taking place under condition of
Answer Details
The production process described in the question, where the marginal physical product of the variable factor increases as more units of it are added to a fixed factor, is referred to as increasing returns to the variable factor. In this case, the variable factor is becoming increasingly productive as more units of it are added, which results in an increase in the marginal physical product. Increasing returns to scale, on the other hand, refer to the situation where an increase in all factors of production leads to a more than proportionate increase in output. Constant returns to the variable factor occur when increasing the variable factor by a certain percentage leads to a proportional increase in output. Finally, external economies of scale refer to the cost advantages that a firm experiences as a result of factors outside of its control, such as the growth of an industry or the development of infrastructure.
Question 24 Report
Scale of preference shows
Answer Details
The scale of preference refers to a list of a consumer's wants or desires arranged in order of importance or priority. It shows the consumer's preferences or choices among different options. The scale of preference is subjective and varies from person to person. For instance, if a person is given the choice to buy a new smartphone, a new pair of shoes, or a ticket to a concert, they may rank these options in order of priority. If they value communication more than entertainment, they may choose the smartphone as their top priority. Conversely, if they value entertainment more than communication, they may choose the concert ticket. Thus, the scale of preference is a way to understand how consumers make choices based on their preferences and priorities, and it helps in predicting their behavior in the market.
Question 26 Report
Palm oil and palm kernel are in
Answer Details
Palm oil and palm kernel are in joint supply. Joint supply refers to a situation in which two or more products are produced together as a result of a single production process. In the case of palm oil and palm kernel, both products are obtained from the same fruit of the oil palm tree. When the fruit is processed, it produces two distinct products: palm oil and palm kernel. Palm oil is obtained from the fleshy outer part of the fruit, while palm kernel is obtained from the inner seed or kernel. Since both products are obtained from the same production process, the quantity of one product that is produced is directly related to the quantity of the other product that is produced. As a result of being in joint supply, the prices of palm oil and palm kernel are interdependent. If the demand for one product increases, this will increase the supply of the other product, which can lower its price. For example, if the demand for palm oil increases, more oil palm fruit will be processed, leading to an increase in the supply of palm kernel and a potential decrease in its price. To summarize, palm oil and palm kernel are in joint supply because they are both obtained from the same production process and the quantity of one product produced is directly related to the quantity of the other product produced. The prices of both products are interdependent, and a change in demand for one product can affect the supply and price of the other product.
Question 27 Report
If a demand curve that intersects a perfectly inelastic supply shifts rightward, then
Answer Details
If a demand curve that intersects a perfectly inelastic supply shifts rightward, the equilibrium price will increase, but the quantity supplied will remain the same. In this scenario, a shift in the demand curve to the right indicates that there is an increase in demand for the product at every price level, leading to a new equilibrium price and quantity. However, the supply is perfectly inelastic, meaning that the quantity supplied cannot increase to meet the new demand. Therefore, the equilibrium quantity remains the same, while the equilibrium price increases. So, only the price will increase in this scenario.
Question 28 Report
Answer Details
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.
Question 30 Report
The distinction between capital and recurrent expenditure lies in the
Answer Details
Question 31 Report
The demand for labour is an example of
Answer Details
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.
Question 32 Report
The main objective of marketing boards is to
Answer Details
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.
Question 33 Report
The stock exchange is an example of the
Answer Details
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.
Question 34 Report
Holding money to take care of contingencies is
Answer Details
Holding money to take care of contingencies is a precautionary motive. This means that people keep money saved in case of unexpected events or emergencies, such as a sudden illness, job loss, or car repair. By having money set aside, they are better prepared to handle these situations and can avoid going into debt or facing financial hardship. In short, holding money for precautionary reasons is a way to protect one's financial security and peace of mind.
Question 35 Report
Fiscal policy measures imply a change in
Answer Details
Fiscal policy measures imply a change in government revenue and expenditure to regulate an economy. Fiscal policy is a tool used by governments to influence the economy by adjusting their spending levels and tax rates. This can be done by either increasing or decreasing government spending and taxes in order to achieve specific economic goals, such as controlling inflation, boosting employment, or promoting economic growth. For example, if the government wants to stimulate economic growth, it may increase its spending on infrastructure projects or offer tax incentives to businesses. Conversely, if the government wants to control inflation, it may decrease government spending and increase taxes to reduce the amount of money circulating in the economy. Therefore, fiscal policy measures involve making changes to both government revenue and expenditure in order to achieve specific economic objectives.
Question 36 Report
A disadvantage of a jont-stock company is
Answer Details
A disadvantage of a joint-stock company is limited control in management by shareholders. In a joint-stock company, shareholders own a portion of the company and can make money by selling their shares for a profit or receiving dividends. However, shareholders do not typically have direct control over the day-to-day management of the company. Instead, a board of directors and executive management team make decisions on behalf of the company. This lack of control in management can be seen as a disadvantage for shareholders who may have different ideas about how the company should be run or who may not agree with the decisions made by the board or executive management team. Additionally, shareholders may not be able to influence the direction of the company as much as they would like. Overall, while joint-stock companies offer benefits such as limited liability for shareholders, this disadvantage in control over management may be a concern for some investors.
Question 37 Report
A firm's average cost decreases in the long-run because of
Answer Details
A firm's average cost can decrease in the long-run due to increasing returns to scale. This means that as the firm increases its production, it experiences a decrease in its average cost. This can be due to various factors such as specialization, economies of scale, and better utilization of resources. For example, a firm that produces 100 units of a product might have an average cost of $10 per unit. However, if it increases its production to 200 units, it might be able to reduce its average cost to $8 per unit. This could be due to the fact that the firm can take advantage of bulk discounts on raw materials, use more efficient production methods, and spread its fixed costs over a larger number of units. Therefore, when a firm experiences increasing returns to scale, it can reduce its average cost in the long-run, which can lead to higher profits and a competitive advantage in the market.
Question 38 Report
If the cost of production for a firm continues to increase as its output rises, the firm is said to be experiencing
Answer Details
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.
Question 39 Report
Cooperative societies are formed mainly to
Answer Details
Cooperative societies are primarily formed to promote and maintain the welfare of their members. This means that the members of a cooperative society come together to work towards achieving common goals that benefit everyone in the society. Cooperative societies are usually formed by a group of individuals who share a common interest, such as farming, housing, or credit. By working together, members can access resources that they may not have been able to on their own, such as bulk purchasing of materials, access to credit, or sharing of knowledge and skills. In a cooperative society, the focus is not on maximizing profits for individual members, but rather on achieving benefits that are shared by the entire group. By working together, members can create a sustainable and mutually beneficial organization that can help to address the needs of the community. Therefore, the main purpose of cooperative societies is to promote the welfare of members by providing a platform for collective action and collaboration.
Question 40 Report
A major function of the retailer is to
Answer Details
A major function of the retailer is to break bulk and sell products in small units to consumers. This means that retailers purchase goods in large quantities from wholesalers or manufacturers and then sell them in smaller quantities to individuals or households. By doing so, retailers make it easier for consumers to access a wide range of products, as they do not have to buy in bulk or directly from the manufacturer. Additionally, retailers often play a key role in generating demand for products through advertising and marketing efforts. By showcasing products in stores and online, and through various forms of advertising, retailers can help to build brand awareness and encourage consumers to purchase products. While some retailers may offer credit to wholesalers or consumers, this is not a primary function of retailing. Similarly, while retailers can help to reduce the cost of distribution by consolidating products and shipping them in bulk, this is a secondary function of retailing that supports the primary function of breaking bulk and selling products in small units.
