JAMB UTME - Economics - 2023
Question 1 Report
Public corporation is financed with
Answer Details
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.
Question 2 Report
Business cycle is associated with
Answer Details
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.
Question 3 Report
The part of income after tax that is not consumed is defined as
Answer Details
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.
Question 4 Report
Suppose the public expenditure as a percentage of GDP of four countries is shown in the table below
| A | 40% |
| B | 50% |
| C | 33% |
| D | 36% |
Which type of economy exists in these countries?
Answer Details
The type of economy that exists in these countries is Mixed economy.
A mixed economy is an economic system that combines elements of both market and planned economies. It includes both private and public sectors, and the government plays a significant role in regulating and defining the structure of the economy.
In the given scenario, the fact that the countries have different levels of public expenditure as a percentage of GDP indicates that the government plays a role in the economy and is involved in spending a portion of the national income.
While the exact percentage of public expenditure varies between the countries, the presence of any public expenditure suggests government intervention and regulation in the economy. This means that these countries have a mixed economy, where both public and private sectors coexist and contribute to economic activities.
The government's involvement can take various forms, such as funding public goods and services, implementing social programs, and regulating industries. The level of government intervention may vary, but the presence of public expenditure indicates that the government has an active role in shaping the economy.
Therefore, based on the information provided, it can be concluded that the countries mentioned in the table have a mixed economy.
Question 5 Report
An increase in nominal income without increase in price will result to
Answer Details
An increase in nominal income without an increase in prices will result in an **increased real income**. Nominal income refers to the amount of money a person earns or receives in a given period, without taking into account changes in prices. On the other hand, real income takes into consideration the effects of inflation by adjusting for changes in prices. When nominal income increases but prices remain constant, it means that the purchasing power of an individual's income has increased. In other words, they can afford to buy more goods and services with the same amount of money. This increase in purchasing power leads to an increase in real income. For example, let's say a person's nominal income is $1,000 per month, and the prices of goods and services they consume also remain constant. If their nominal income increases to $1,200 per month, without any increase in prices, they now have an additional $200 to spend on other things. This additional purchasing power translates to an increase in their real income. It is important to note that an increase in nominal income without an increase in prices does not necessarily lead to an **increased GDP** or a **decreased GNP**. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) measures the total value of goods and services produced within a country's borders, while GNP (Gross National Product) measures the total value of goods and services produced by a country's residents, including those produced abroad. The increase in real income of individuals does not automatically impact the overall production levels captured by GDP or GNP.
Question 6 Report
If commodities X and Y are substitute, their cross elasticity of demand will be
Answer Details
If commodities X and Y are substitutes, the cross elasticity of demand between them will be positive.
Cross elasticity of demand measures how the quantity demanded of one commodity changes in response to a change in the price of another commodity. When two commodities are substitutes, they serve similar purposes and are considered as alternatives to each other. For example, if the price of commodity X increases, some consumers may switch to commodity Y as a substitute, causing an increase in the quantity demanded of commodity Y.
The positive cross elasticity of demand reflects this relationship. It means that an increase in the price of commodity X will lead to an increase in the demand for commodity Y, and vice versa. On the other hand, if the cross elasticity of demand were negative, it would indicate that the two commodities are complements, meaning that they are used together and a change in the price of one would result in an opposite change in the demand for the other.
Therefore, in the case of substitute commodities, the cross elasticity of demand will be positive.
Question 7 Report
An increase in total production (real GDP) causes the demand for money to ______and the interest rate to _________
Answer Details
An increase in the real GDP will increase the demand for money and also the interest rate will also increase.
Question 8 Report
The theory of ............... was propounded by ..................
Answer Details
The theory of absolute advantage was propounded by Adam Smith while the theory of comparative advantage was propounded by David Ricardo.
Question 9 Report
Indicator of underdevelopment is
Answer Details
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.
Question 10 Report
Institutions serving as links between surplus and deficit units can be identified as
Answer Details
Financial intermediaries serve as links between surplus and deficit units in an economy. These intermediaries include banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. When there is surplus money in the economy, individuals and businesses deposit the excess funds with financial intermediaries. These intermediaries then pool these funds together and make them available to deficit units, such as individuals or businesses in need of loans or financing. Financial intermediaries play a crucial role in the economy by efficiently allocating funds from surplus units to deficit units. They match the needs of borrowers with the resources of savers, helping to facilitate economic growth and development. Tax officers and pension offices, on the other hand, do not serve as direct links between surplus and deficit units. Tax officers collect taxes for the government, while pension offices manage pension funds for retired individuals. Although these entities may indirectly impact the allocation of funds in the economy, their primary roles are different from that of financial intermediaries. Acceptance houses are also not direct links between surplus and deficit units. Acceptance houses provide short-term financing through the purchase of bills of exchange. While they play a role in facilitating trade between businesses, their function is more specific and limited compared to the broader role of financial intermediaries. In summary, financial intermediaries such as banks and credit unions serve as the primary links between surplus and deficit units in an economy. They gather surplus funds from savers and make them available to borrowers, thereby promoting the efficient allocation of resources.
Question 11 Report
The development of an economic hypothesis through intuition, insight, or logic is associated with
Answer Details
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.
Question 12 Report
Part-time workers who desire full-time employment are:
Answer Details
Part-time workers who desire full-time employment are classified as underemployed and contribute to the unemployment statistic.
Underemployment refers to a situation where individuals are working fewer hours than they would like or in jobs that do not utilize their skills and qualifications fully. In this case, part-time workers who desire full-time employment are considered underemployed because they are not able to secure the desired amount of work hours.
These underemployed workers contribute to the unemployment statistic because they are actively seeking additional work hours to meet their employment needs. They are considered part of the labor force because they are willing and available to work more hours, but they have not been able to find full-time employment.
It is important to note that not all underemployed workers contribute to the unemployment statistic. Some may choose to work part-time for personal reasons, such as family responsibilities or pursuing education. These individuals, although underemployed, are not actively seeking additional work hours and therefore do not contribute to the unemployment statistic.
However, in the case of individuals who are part-time workers and desire full-time employment, their underemployment status reflects the inadequacy of available job opportunities. They increase the count of unemployed individuals because they are willing and actively searching for additional work.
It is worth mentioning that cyclical unemployment is a different type of unemployment. It occurs when there is a downturn in the economy, causing a decrease in overall demand for goods and services, and subsequently, a decrease in the demand for labor. Cyclical unemployment is not directly related to the part-time workers' desire for full-time employment.
Question 13 Report
------------- is NOT the cause of balance of payments (BOP) deficits in Nigeria
Answer Details
The causes of balance of payment deficit are: low level of agriculture, low level of technological development, inadequacies in export promotion strategy, political instability, poor social and economic infrastructure, servicing of huge external debts, existence of import dependent industries etc.
Question 14 Report
An industry is
Answer Details
An industry is a group of firms producing similar products and under separate administration or management.
Question 15 Report
Which of the following is an example of free good?
Answer Details
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.
Question 16 Report
The demand for money will fall if
Answer Details
If GDP falls, then people demand less money for transactions. As interest rate rise (fall), the demand for money will fall(rise).
Question 17 Report
One major problem facing West African countries is
Answer Details
One of the major problem of West African state is the relation of West African states with the colonial masters.
Question 18 Report
40 men were employed in a farm, and they produced an average of 30 tonnes of cassava per person. Calculate the total product.
Answer Details
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.
Question 19 Report
A tariff is a tax imposed on
Answer Details
A tariff is a tax that is imposed on imported goods. It is a financial charge that a government puts on goods that are being brought into the country. The purpose of a tariff is to protect domestic industries and businesses from competition from imported goods. By placing a tax on imported goods, it becomes more expensive for consumers to buy those goods, making them less appealing compared to domestic alternatives. This gives domestic industries a competitive advantage and helps support local businesses and jobs. So, the correct answer is imported goods.
Question 20 Report
The economies of West African Countries depend majorly on
Answer Details
The economies of West African countries primarily depend on primary products.
Primary products refer to raw materials or natural resources that are extracted directly from the earth or sea. These resources typically include agricultural products such as crops, livestock, and fisheries, as well as minerals and natural resources like oil, gas, and minerals.
West African countries, like many developing nations, tend to have economies that are heavily reliant on these primary products. This reliance is due to a combination of factors such as the abundance of natural resources in the region and historical patterns of economic development.
Agriculture plays a significant role in the economies of West African countries, with a large percentage of the population engaged in farming activities. These countries export a variety of agricultural products, including cocoa, coffee, palm oil, cotton, and timber. These exports generate significant revenue and contribute to the overall economic growth of these nations.
Additionally, West Africa is rich in mineral resources such as gold, diamonds, bauxite, and iron ore. The extraction and export of these minerals also contribute to the economic development of these countries.
While some West African countries have started to diversify their economies and develop secondary and tertiary sectors, the primary sector remains a vital component of their economies. However, it is important for these countries to also focus on diversification and value addition to their primary products to reduce their vulnerability to fluctuations in global commodity prices and achieve sustainable growth.
Question 21 Report
Which of the following is the resultant effect of a fall in the profit margin of producers in an economy?
Answer Details
A fall in the profit margin of producers in an economy will likely result in an increase in unemployment.
When the profit margin of producers decreases, it means that they are earning less profit from their business activities. As a result, they may struggle to cover their costs, sustain their operations, or expand their businesses. To manage their financial situation, producers may need to cut costs, reduce production, or even close down their business altogether.
Reduced production and business closures lead to a decrease in job opportunities and an increase in unemployment. When businesses are not making enough profit, they may need to lay off workers or reduce their workforce in order to cut costs. This means that fewer people will have jobs, resulting in higher unemployment rates.
Additionally, a fall in profit margins can also deter new businesses from entering the market or existing businesses from expanding. This further limits job creation and can exacerbate the unemployment problem.
In summary, a fall in the profit margin of producers in an economy leads to reduced production, business closures, job cuts, and a decrease in job opportunities. Therefore, the most likely resultant effect of such a decline in profit margin is an increase in unemployment.
Question 22 Report
Agriculture accounts for about 60% of the
Answer Details
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.
Question 23 Report
When a generalization is made based on observed facts, it is
Answer Details
When a generalization is made based on observed facts, it is called inductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning involves drawing conclusions from specific instances or examples to come up with a general statement or theory. This means that we observe a pattern or trend from the evidence we have and then make a generalization or inference based on that pattern. Inductive reasoning is different from deductive reasoning, which involves starting with a general statement or theory and then using it to predict or explain specific instances. In inductive reasoning, we start with specific observations and use them to make a broader generalization. It is important to note that while inductive reasoning can often lead to accurate conclusions, it is not always guaranteed to be correct. However, it is a common and useful method used in many fields such as science, sociology, and psychology.
Question 24 Report
Multiplier can be described as
Answer Details
A multiplier is a factor of proportionality that measures how much an endogenous variable changes in response to a change in some exogenous variable such as investment, consumption, government expediture etc.
Question 25 Report
The law of supply states that, other things being constant, as price increases
Answer Details
The law of supply states that, other things being constant, as price increases, the quantity supplied also increases. Basically, when the price of a good or service goes up, suppliers have an incentive to produce and sell more of that item. This is because they can earn more profit by selling at the higher price. So, as the price rises, suppliers are motivated to increase their production and offer more of the product to the market. On the other hand, when the price of a good or service decreases, suppliers have less motivation to produce and sell it. This is because they can earn less profit or even incur losses at the lower price. As a result, they will reduce the quantity supplied. In summary, the law of supply tells us that there is a direct relationship between price and quantity supplied. When the price increases, suppliers respond by increasing the quantity they are willing to supply to the market. Conversely, when the price decreases, the quantity supplied decreases.
Question 26 Report
Overpopulation is caused by
Answer Details
The causes of overpopulation are: falling mortality rate, underutilized contraception, lack of female education etc.
Question 27 Report
The demand for a good is price inelastic if
Answer Details
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.
Question 28 Report
One major criticism of foreign aid to developing countries is that it
Answer Details
The loans help to create poverty, as capital that could have been invested instead was channeled into debt repayment.
Question 29 Report
Economics is often described as a science because it
Answer Details
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.
Question 30 Report
Answer Details
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).
Question 31 Report
From the graph below, Point "E" shows--------------
Answer Details
Point 'E" inside the graph indicates it is technologically inefficient" , Underemployed" or wide spread unemployent" or resources are not fully utilized or production inefficient"
Question 32 Report
The rate of output per worker (or group of workers) per unit time is called
Answer Details
The correct answer is labour productivity.
Labour productivity refers to the rate at which output is produced by a worker or a group of workers in a given amount of time. It measures how efficiently and effectively workers are using their skills, time, and resources to produce goods or services.
To understand this concept, let's imagine a scenario where we have two workers producing bicycles. Worker A is able to produce 5 complete bicycles in one hour, while Worker B can only produce 3 complete bicycles in the same amount of time.
In this case, Worker A has a higher labour productivity because they are able to produce more output (bicycles) per unit of time (one hour) compared to Worker B.
Labour productivity is an essential measure for companies and economies because it directly impacts their profitability and competitiveness. Higher labour productivity means that more goods or services can be produced using the same amount of resources or in less time. This leads to lower costs per unit and can result in higher profits or the ability to lower prices for customers.
In summary, labour productivity is a measure of how efficiently workers are producing goods or services and is calculated by dividing the total output by the number of workers or the amount of time it took to produce that output.
Question 33 Report
From the graph above, the consumer is at equilibrium at point
Answer Details
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.
Question 34 Report
An increase in money income with constant price results in
Answer Details
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.
Question 35 Report
A persistence rise in the prices of inputs will lead to
Answer Details
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.
Question 36 Report
The fundamental problem of economics is
Answer Details
The fundamental problem of Economics is Scarcity. Scarcity explains the basic economic problem that the world has limited or scarce resources to meet seemingly unlimited wants, and this reality forces people to make decisions about how to allocate resources in the most efficient way.
Question 37 Report
The quantity of commodity a consumer is willing and able to buy at a particular time is called
Answer Details
The quantity of a commodity that a consumer is willing and able to buy at a particular time is called demand.
Demand refers to the consumer's desire or willingness to purchase a specific product or service at a given price and at a given time. It represents the customer's intent to buy and the amount they are willing to buy at various price levels.
It is important to note that demand is not just about the desire for a particular item, but also the consumer's ability to pay for it. For example, someone may wish or desire to buy a luxury car, but if they do not have the financial means to afford it, their demand for that car is limited.
In summary, demand is the quantity of a commodity that a consumer is both willing and able to buy at a given time, reflecting their desire for the product and their ability to pay for it.
Question 38 Report
Economic problem occurs when
Answer Details
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.
Question 39 Report
The term 'investment' in macroeconomics means
Answer Details
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.
Question 40 Report
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
Answer Details
Economic profit = Total revenue(Output) - Opportunity cost of input
= 1,000,000 - 750,000
= 250,000
