JAMB UTME - Economics - 2023

The following are economic agents in any economy EXCEPT

Detalles de la respuesta

Economic agents are entities that make economic decisions. They include households, firms, and the government. The Central Bank, while an important institution, is not considered an economic agent as it does not make decisions about what, how, and for whom to produce. It is responsible for monetary policy and regulating the financial system.

Which of the following is NOT one of the characteristics of developing countries?

Detalles de la respuesta

Mono- product economy ( an economy that produces one product or commodity) is not a characteristics of developing country. The characteristics are: high level of illiteracy, dependence on agriculture, low savings and investment, low standard of living, population explosion, high death rate etc.

A persistence rise in the prices of inputs will lead to

Detalles de la respuesta

A persistence rise in the prices of inputs, such as raw materials or labor, can lead to **cost push inflation**. Cost push inflation occurs when the increased costs of production for firms are passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services. This can happen when the prices of inputs used in production rise over a sustained period. When input costs increase, businesses often have two options: absorb the increased costs and accept lower profit margins, or pass on the higher costs to consumers by raising prices. If firms choose to raise prices, it can lead to a general increase in the overall price level in the economy. Here's a simple example to help illustrate this concept: Let's say there is a town where the main industry is manufacturing shoes. The cost of leather, which is a key input in shoe production, starts to rise due to factors like high demand or scarcity. In response, shoe manufacturers have to pay more for leather, and this increases their production costs. To maintain their profit margins, the manufacturers decide to increase the prices of shoes they sell to retailers. Now, if the retailers decide to pass on the higher costs to the consumers, the prices of shoes will increase. This can create a ripple effect throughout the economy because consumers will have to spend more money on shoes, reducing their purchasing power for other goods and services. As a result, the overall price level in the economy increases, and this is what we call cost push inflation. It is important to note that cost push inflation is different from demand pull inflation. Demand pull inflation occurs when there is an increase in aggregate demand, leading to an excess of demand over supply. In contrast, cost push inflation is driven by increased production costs. Hyperinflation, on the other hand, is an extreme form of inflation characterized by an uncontrollable increase in prices. It is typically caused by factors like rapid money supply growth or loss of confidence in the currency. Stagflation refers to a situation where there is a combination of high inflation and high unemployment, typically accompanied by low economic growth. This can occur when an economy experiences a supply-side shock, such as a significant increase in the prices of key inputs. In summary, a persistence rise in the prices of inputs can lead to cost push inflation, as firms pass on the increased costs to consumers by raising prices.

Macroeconomics focuses on the following units in an aggregative manner

Detalles de la respuesta

Macroeconomics focuses on the units of an economy in an aggregative manner, meaning it looks at the economy as a whole rather than focusing on individual units. This helps us understand how different parts of the economy interact and influence each other.
The correct option is **household, firms, government, corporate sector, and external sector**. Macroeconomics analyzes the behavior and interactions of these units to understand the overall performance of the economy.
1. **Households**: These are the individual consumers who make up the economy. They play a vital role in determining the consumption and saving patterns that influence economic activities.
2. **Firms**: Firms are the businesses that produce goods and services in the economy. Macroeconomics looks at their investment decisions, production levels, and employment to understand the overall economic growth and productivity.
3. **Government**: The government plays a significant role in macroeconomics. It collects taxes, provides public goods and services, regulates the economy, and influences economic policies such as fiscal and monetary measures to stabilize the economy.

4. **External sector**: The external sector represents international trade and the flow of goods, services, and capital across borders. Macroeconomics considers factors like exports, imports, exchange rates, and foreign investment to understand the impact of global interactions on the economy.
By examining these units in an aggregative manner, macroeconomics helps us understand how changes in one sector affect the others and ultimately impact the overall performance of the economy.

Real cost is

Detalles de la respuesta

Real cost is the cost of producing a good or service, including the cost of all resources used and the cost of not employing those resources in alternative uses.

The development of an economic hypothesis through intuition, insight, or logic is associated with

Detalles de la respuesta

Normative economics is a perspective on economics that reflects normative, or ideologically prescriptive judgments toward economic development, investment projects, statements, and scenarios. It expresses ideological judgments about what may results in economic activity if public policy changes are made.

Detalles de la respuesta

The demand for a good is price inelastic if the price elasticity is less than one. Price elasticity measures how responsive the quantity demanded of a good is to a change in its price. If the price elasticity is less than one, it means that the quantity demanded is not very responsive to changes in price. In other words, a change in price will have a relatively small impact on the quantity demanded. Even if the price increases or decreases, people will still buy a similar amount of the good. This can happen when the good is a necessity or when there are limited substitutes available. For example, if the price of water increases, people will still need to buy a similar amount because water is essential for survival. Similarly, if the price of a specific medication increases, people with no alternative options will still purchase it regardless of the price. Therefore, when the price elasticity is less than one, we say that the demand for the good is price inelastic.

Detalles de la respuesta

The short run can be defined as the period of time during which at least one of the firm's inputs is fixed. In other words, it is a time frame in which the firm cannot easily or quickly adjust all of its inputs. This means that some resources, such as the size of a factory or the number of employees, cannot be changed in the short run.
During the short run, firms can only adjust their production levels by varying the amount of variable inputs, such as raw materials or utilities. The fixed input, which remains constant in this period, imposes limitations on the firm's ability to increase or decrease its output. This constraint on adjusting all inputs is what distinguishes the short run from the long run, where all inputs can be varied.
It is important to note that the length of the short run can vary depending on the industry and the specific circumstances of the firm. For some businesses, the short run may be a few months, while for others it could be several years. However, what remains consistent is that during the short run, the firm is restricted in its ability to modify certain inputs, which can impact its production and overall performance.

The diagram above represent

Detalles de la respuesta

The dotted line in the graph above represent the upturn and downturn of the econonmy. Therefore, the diagram is cyclical unemployment.

.............is presently used in Nigeria to measure inflation

Detalles de la respuesta

The measure that is presently used in Nigeria to measure inflation is the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI is a commonly used indicator worldwide to track changes in the cost of living over time.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the average price changes of a basket of goods and services typically purchased by households in a specific country or region. It reflects the price movements of essential items such as food, housing, transportation, healthcare, education, and many other goods and services that people consume regularly.
The CPI is calculated by collecting price data for various items in the basket and assigning them weights based on their relative importance in household spending. The prices are then compared to a base period, which is usually a specific year. The percentage change in the CPI from the base period indicates the rate of inflation or deflation.
In Nigeria, the CPI is used to monitor and analyze changes in the cost of goods and services, allowing policymakers and economists to assess the impact on consumers' purchasing power and make informed decisions. It helps in determining the effectiveness of government policies, evaluating the performance of the economy, and adjusting wages and prices.
By tracking the CPI, the government can identify if there is an increase in the general level of prices, indicating inflation, or a decrease, indicating deflation. This information helps in formulating monetary and fiscal policies to control inflation rates and maintain price stability.
Overall, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the measure currently used in Nigeria to gauge inflation and is crucial in understanding how the cost of living changes over time, impacting the economy and the daily lives of individuals and businesses.

If a business' total economic cost of producing 10,000 units of a product is N750,000 and this output is sold to consumers for N1,000,000, then the firm would earn

Detalles de la respuesta

Economic profit = Total revenue(Output) - Opportunity cost of input
= 1,000,000 - 750,000
= 250,000

Detalles de la respuesta

Investment multiplier (K) is a function of two factors; The MPS and MPC. If MPC is high, K will also be high but if MPC is low, K will also be low. on the other hand, If MPS is high, K will be low and if MPS is low, K will be high ( since there is an inverse relationship between MPS and K).

From the graph above, the consumer is at equilibrium at point

Detalles de la respuesta

Based on the graph, the consumer is at equilibrium at point k.

Equilibrium is when the quantity demanded by the consumer is equal to the quantity supplied by the market. At equilibrium, there is no shortage or surplus of the goods or services.

Point k on the graph represents the intersection of the demand curve (D) and the supply curve (S). At this point, the quantity demanded (Qd) and the quantity supplied (Qs) are equal.

If the consumer is at any other point on the graph, either to the left or to the right of point k, there would be either a shortage or a surplus of the goods or services. This would mean that the demand and supply are not in balance and the market is not at equilibrium.

Therefore, point k is the correct answer as it represents the position where the consumer is at equilibrium.

All of the following describes conditions necessary for existence of a perfect market EXCEPT

Detalles de la respuesta

A perfect market is a theoretical concept that represents an idealized scenario where certain conditions are met. In this market, there is an equilibrium between supply and demand, and no single buyer or seller has the power to influence prices. In order for a perfect market to exist, there are several conditions that need to be met. These conditions include: - **Lack of homogeneity of goods**: In a perfect market, goods are assumed to be identical and indistinguishable from one another. This means that there are no variations in quality, features, or brand identity. Buyers are indifferent to which seller they purchase from since the goods are the same. - **Perfect knowledge**: Another crucial condition is that all buyers and sellers in the market have access to complete and accurate information. This means they know the current market prices, availability of goods, and all relevant factors influencing the buying and selling decisions. No hidden or asymmetric information exists that could give an advantage to any market participant. - **Large buyers and sellers**: A perfect market assumes that there are a significant number of buyers and sellers in the market. This ensures that no single buyer or seller has enough market power to influence prices or control the market conditions. Each participant is a price taker, meaning they accept the prevailing market price and cannot change it on their own. - **Portability of goods**: The final condition for a perfect market is the ease with which goods can be transported from one place to another. This means that there are no significant barriers to trade, such as transportation costs, tariffs, or restrictions. Goods can freely move between buyers and sellers, allowing for efficient market operations. Now, looking at the given options, we need to identify the one that does NOT describe a condition necessary for the existence of a perfect market. And that would be **"lack of homogeneity of goods"**. In a perfect market, goods are assumed to be identical and indistinguishable. This means that there are no variations in quality or features. Homogeneity is a vital characteristic of a perfect market, so the lack of it would hinder the existence of a perfect market. In summary, the conditions required for a perfect market are: perfect knowledge, large buyers and sellers, and portability of goods. While homogeneity of goods is a necessary condition for a perfect market, it is not described in the options as a condition necessary for the existence of a perfect market.

Among all the determinants of economic growth, the most important one is

Detalles de la respuesta

The Gross Domestic Product is the total monetary or market value of all the goods and services produced within a country. It is used to measure the rate of growth in an economy.

What is the lowest price the monopolist can charge

Detalles de la respuesta

The monopolist can charge P2 price and still make profit as long as he covers his AVC. Any price below price P2, the monopoly will run at loss or shut down.

Detalles de la respuesta

An example of a free good is water in the ocean.

A free good is a good that is available in unlimited supply and does not require any payment or exchange to obtain it.

In the case of water in the ocean, it is freely available and accessible to anyone. It is not owned by anyone and does not require any payment to access or use it. Therefore, it can be considered a free good.

On the other hand, free education, dinner you did not pay for, and your rented apartment are not examples of free goods.

Free education typically refers to education that is provided without direct payment by the student. While it may be free for the student, someone is still paying for it, such as the government or private institutions.

A dinner that you did not pay for may seem free to you, but someone, such as a friend or a host, is still paying for it. The cost of that dinner is borne by someone else, even if it is not you.

Similarly, a rented apartment is not a free good because it involves a transaction where you pay for the use of the apartment. You enter into a contractual agreement with the landlord and pay rent in exchange for living in the apartment.

Agriculture accounts for about 60% of the

Detalles de la respuesta

Agriculture accounts for about 60% of the active labour force in West Africa. This is because a large portion of the population in West Africa is engaged in farming and other agricultural activities for their livelihood. The other options are incorrect as agriculture does not account for 60% of the arable land, service sector activities, or the commodity market in West Africa.

Government uses all of the following ways to redistribute income, except

Detalles de la respuesta

The government uses various methods to redistribute income in society. Three of these ways are market intervention, transfer earnings, and taxation. Market intervention involves the government stepping in and regulating certain aspects of the economy to ensure fairness and reduce income inequality. For example, the government may set a minimum wage so that workers are guaranteed a certain level of income. Transfer earnings refer to government programs that provide financial assistance to individuals or families who are in need. These programs include welfare, unemployment benefits, and social security. The goal is to provide support to those who may have lower incomes or are facing financial difficulties. Taxation is another method used by the government to redistribute income. Through taxes, the government collects money from individuals and businesses based on their income or profits. This revenue is then used to fund public services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social programs. However, the answer to the question is that the government does not use limited liability as a way to redistribute income. Limited liability is a legal concept that protects individuals from being personally liable for the debts and liabilities of a company. It is not directly related to income redistribution. In summary, the government redistributes income through market intervention, transfer earnings, and taxation. These methods aim to promote fairness and provide support to those in need. However, limited liability is not a method used for income redistribution.

Public corporation is financed with

Detalles de la respuesta

Public corporations are run by the government through the tax paid by the people. They are established by an act of parliament or decree and it is controlled by the board of directors, appointed by the government.

An increase in money income with constant price results in

Detalles de la respuesta

When there is an increase in money income but the prices of goods and services remain the same, it will result in an outward shift in the budget line. To understand this, let's imagine a simple scenario where a person has a fixed amount of money to spend on different goods and services. This fixed amount of money represents their income. Now, if their income increases but the prices of goods and services they want to buy stay the same, they will have more money to spend. This means they can afford to buy more of each item. As a result, the budget line, which shows the different combinations of goods and services that can be bought with a given income, will shift outward. This indicates that they can now afford to buy a greater quantity of goods and services than before. Therefore, the correct answer is an "outward shift in the budget line" when there is an increase in money income with constant prices.

Economics is often described as a science because it

Detalles de la respuesta

Economics is often described as a science because it uses scientific methods to explain observed phenomena. Just like other scientific fields, economics relies on gathering data, formulating hypotheses, and conducting experiments to test these hypotheses. However, unlike fields such as physics or chemistry, economics does not rely on laboratory experiments or controlled experiments. Instead, economists analyze real-world data to understand how individuals, businesses, and governments make choices and interact with each other. They use statistical methods to analyze this data and make predictions about how changes in various factors will affect economic outcomes. While it is difficult to accurately predict the behavior of individual human beings, economics aims to make accurate predictions on aggregate behavior, or how groups of people will respond to changes in factors such as prices, taxes, or policies. These predictions are based on the analysis of historical data and the use of economic models, which simplify complex economic interactions. In summary, economics is considered a science because it employs scientific methods to explain observed phenomena, although it does not rely on laboratory experiments or controlled experiments. It uses data analysis, hypothesis testing, and economic models to understand and predict how individuals and groups make economic decisions and interact with each other.

The maximum price is

Detalles de la respuesta

The maximum price is **P4**. To explain why, we need to understand that the prices are listed in ascending order. This means that **P1** is the lowest price and **P4** is the highest price. When we say "maximum price," we are referring to the highest possible price among the given options. In this case, **P4** is the highest price listed. Therefore, the maximum price is **P4**.

40 men were employed in a farm, and they produced an average of 30 tonnes of cassava per person. Calculate the total product.

Detalles de la respuesta

To calculate the total product of cassava, we need to multiply the average production per person by the number of people.
In this scenario, we know that there were 40 men employed in the farm, and each person produced an average of 30 tonnes of cassava.
So, to find the total product, we need to multiply 40 by 30.
40 x 30 = 1200
Therefore, the total product of cassava is 1,200 tonnes.

The demand for money will fall if

Detalles de la respuesta

If GDP falls, then people demand less money for transactions. As interest rate rise (fall), the demand for money will fall(rise).

Detalles de la respuesta

- Monetary policy is implemented by reducing the interest rates in the economy in order to increase the supply of money to enhance growth.

- The fiscal policy is implemented by the reduction of taxes and increasing government spending in order to boost demand.

- Policymakers may choose to implement a stabilization policy to close the recessionary gap and increase real GDP.

A major factor contributing to productivity is

Detalles de la respuesta

Labour is by far the most common of the factors used in measuring productivity. One reason for this is, of course, the relatively large share of labour costs in the value of most products.

Business cycle is associated with

Detalles de la respuesta

Business cycle are intervals of expansion followed by recession in economic activity. It is characterized by general upswings and downturns in a span of macroeconomics variable.

Which of the following shows why individual demand curve for a good usually slopes downward from left to right?

Detalles de la respuesta

A normal demand curve slopes downward from left to right indicating at higher price, less quantity will be demanded and vice versa.

The principle that specified that the amount, when and how to pay tax should be made known to tax payer is known as

Detalles de la respuesta

The principle that specifies that the amount, when, and how to pay tax should be made known to the taxpayer is known as the Principle of Certainty. This principle ensures that taxpayers have a clear understanding of their tax obligations, which includes knowing the amount of tax they owe, the deadline for payment, and the method of payment.
The Principle of Certainty is important because it promotes transparency and accountability in the tax system. By providing clear and specific information to taxpayers, it enables them to accurately calculate and plan for their tax obligations. This helps to avoid confusion or misunderstandings between the taxpayer and the tax authorities.
Furthermore, the Principle of Certainty also ensures fairness and consistency in the tax system. By clearly stating the rules and requirements, it ensures that all taxpayers are treated equally and that there is no ambiguity or room for arbitrary decisions in the tax assessment process.
Overall, the Principle of Certainty provides a solid foundation for the relationship between taxpayers and tax authorities. It establishes clear expectations, promotes compliance, and adds credibility to the tax system.

The part of income after tax that is not consumed is defined as

Detalles de la respuesta

The part of income after tax that is not consumed is defined as saving. Saving refers to the portion of income that is not spent on immediate consumption and is instead put aside for future use.
When we receive our income, we typically have various expenses to cover, such as bills, groceries, and entertainment. After deducting these expenses and taxes, we are left with a certain amount of money. If we choose not to spend this remaining amount and instead keep it for later, we are saving that money.
Saving is important because it allows us to build up financial security and prepare for unexpected expenses or future goals. It can also be used for long-term investments, such as buying a house or planning for retirement.
In summary, saving is the part of our income that we choose to set aside rather than using it immediately for consumption.

The term 'investment' in macroeconomics means

Detalles de la respuesta

Investment is an activity of spending resources on creating assets that can generate income over a long period of time. It is flow of expenditures developed to projects producing goods which are intended for immediate consumption.

Indicator of underdevelopment is

Detalles de la respuesta

An indicator of underdevelopment is low per capita income. Per capita income refers to the average income earned by individuals in a country. In underdeveloped countries, the per capita income is generally low, meaning that people have lower incomes on average compared to developed countries.
Low per capita income is a significant indicator of underdevelopment because it directly affects the standard of living of people within a country. With low income, individuals have limited purchasing power, making it difficult for them to afford basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. This can lead to overall poor living conditions and a lack of access to essential services like healthcare and education.
Additionally, low per capita income also implies limited economic opportunities and a weak economy. It suggests that the country's productivity and industrial development are low, leading to low wages and limited job opportunities. This can result in high levels of poverty and unemployment, further hindering the country's development.
In summary, low per capita income is a crucial indicator of underdevelopment because it reflects the overall economic situation of a country and directly impacts the living conditions and opportunities available to its citizens.

Which of the following will cause an increase in cost of production?

Detalles de la respuesta

Cost push inflation occurs when overall prices increase(inflation) due to increases in the cost of wages and raw materials. It can also occur when higher costs of production decrease the aggregate supply in the economy.

One major problem facing West African countries is

Detalles de la respuesta

One of the major problem of West African state is the relation of West African states with the colonial masters.

Money could be defined as

Detalles de la respuesta

Money can be defined as a medium of exchange that is universally accepted for buying goods and services. It enables people to easily trade with one another, without the need for bartering or trading directly with goods. In simpler terms, money is like a common language that everyone understands and uses to exchange things they want or need.

Money also serves as a settlement of debt because it allows individuals, businesses, and even governments to repay what they owe. When someone borrows money or takes a loan, they can later use money to pay back the lender. Similarly, if someone owes money to another person, they can use money to settle that debt.

Additionally, money is a medium of payment. It is used to complete transactions and make payments for goods and services. Whether you are buying groceries, paying for a movie ticket, or purchasing a new gadget, money is the common method of payment.

To summarize, money is a medium of exchange, settlement of debt, and medium of payment. It simplifies trade, enables the repayment of debts, and facilitates transactions in our daily lives.

Economists refer to private goods as

Detalles de la respuesta

Private goods are referred to as rivalrous and excludable by economists. Let me explain what this means in a simple and comprehensive way.
When a good is rivalrous, it means that one person's use or consumption of the good diminishes its availability for others. For example, if you eat an orange, there is now one less orange for someone else to consume. The consumption of the orange by one person reduces the availability of the orange for others.
On the other hand, when a good is excludable, it means that it is possible to prevent someone from using or consuming that good if they do not pay for it. For instance, if you go to a movie theater and buy a ticket, you are allowed entry to watch the movie. However, if you do not buy a ticket, you will be excluded from watching the movie.
Private goods possess both of these characteristics. They are rivalrous because one person's use or consumption of the good reduces its availability for others. For example, if you buy a car, only you can use it at any given time, and someone else cannot simultaneously use it. Private goods are also excludable because it is possible to prevent others from using or consuming the good if they do not pay for it. For instance, if you purchase a book, you have exclusive access to read it unless you choose to share it with someone.
In summary, private goods are referred to as rivalrous and excludable because their consumption diminishes their availability for others, and it is possible to exclude others from using or consuming them if they do not pay for them.

Economic problem occurs when

Detalles de la respuesta

The economic problem occurs when there is scarcity relative to demand. Scarcity means that resources are limited, while demand refers to people's desires and needs for goods and services. In simple terms, the economic problem arises when there are not enough resources to satisfy everyone's wants and needs. This is because resources, such as land, labor, and capital, are finite, while people's desires are infinite. For example, imagine a small community with a limited amount of food available. If everyone in the community wants to eat, but there is not enough food for everyone, it creates an economic problem. This scarcity can lead to competition, as individuals and businesses try to obtain the limited resources. The economic problem is not caused by raw materials being imported or people being out of work. These factors can contribute to a country's economic challenges, but they are not the direct cause of the economic problem. Similarly, the absence of buyers for goods is a symptom of the economic problem, rather than the cause. If people cannot afford or do not want to buy goods, it indicates a mismatch between supply and demand. However, this does not explain why the economic problem exists in the first place. In summary, the economic problem occurs when there is scarcity relative to demand, meaning there are not enough resources to fulfill everyone's wants and needs. This scarcity leads to competition and the need for individuals and businesses to make choices regarding resource allocation.

The "velocity" of money is

Detalles de la respuesta

Velocity of money is the total amount of money in circulation in an economy. It is calculated as Velocity of money = GDP/Money Supply

An increase in total production (real GDP) causes the demand for money to ______and the interest rate to _________

Detalles de la respuesta

An increase in the real GDP will increase the demand for money and also the interest rate will also increase.