JAMB UTME - Economics - 2023

Economics is often described as a science because it

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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.

Given the table demonstrating the law of diminishing marginal utility below, what is the value of X?

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The Marginal Utility is the additional satisfaction a consumer gains from consuming one more unit of a good or service. It can be calculated by subtracting the total utility of the previous consumption from the total utility of the current consumption. In this case, the total utility of consuming 2 oranges is 16 and the total utility of consuming 1 orange is 9. Therefore, the marginal utility (X) of the second orange is 16 - 9 = 7.

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

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

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

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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

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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.

Agriculture accounts for about 60% of the

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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.

One major criticism of foreign aid to developing countries is that it

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The loans help to create poverty, as capital that could have been invested instead was channeled into debt repayment.

One major problem facing West African countries is

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

Multiplier can be described as

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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.

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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.

Real cost is

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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.

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

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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.

Indicator of underdevelopment is

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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.

The maximum price is

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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**.

What is the lowest price the monopolist can charge

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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.

Which of the following Age group belongs to active Labour force?

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The age group that belongs to the active labor force is the **18 - 64 years** category. This age range is generally considered to be the working-age population, as it encompasses individuals who are old enough to work and have not yet reached the age of retirement. People in this age group are typically in their prime working years, where they have the physical ability and the necessary skills and knowledge to actively participate in the labor market. They are often seeking employment, working in various industries or sectors, and contributing to the economic growth and development of their country. It is important to note that the specific age range considered as the working-age population may vary slightly across different countries or regions. However, in most cases, it generally falls within the **18 - 64 years** age bracket. On the other hand, the other age groups mentioned in the options are not typically considered as part of the active labor force: - The **0 - 17 years** age group consists of individuals who are below the legal working age and are typically attending school or dependent on others for their livelihood. - The **15 - 25 years** age group partially overlaps with the working-age population, but it includes individuals who may still be in school or pursuing higher education. While some individuals within this age range may be actively seeking employment or working part-time, they are generally not considered as the core active labor force. - The **65 years and above** age group represents individuals who have reached the retirement age or are eligible for retirement benefits. While some individuals in this age range may continue to work, either out of choice or due to financial circumstances, they are not considered as the primary active labor force. In summary, the **18 - 64 years** age group is the one that belongs to the active labor force, consisting of individuals who are in their prime working years and actively participating in the labor market.

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

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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.

The decision to consume more of one product under normal circumstances will apply

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The decision to consume more of one product under normal circumstances will **result in less consumption of another product**. When we have a limited amount of resources, we can only allocate them in certain ways. This is true for both individuals and businesses. If we choose to consume more of one product, it means we are using some of our resources to produce more of that product. As a result, we have less resources available to produce or consume other products. Let's take an example to understand this concept better. Suppose you have $10 to spend on food, and you can either choose to buy more fruits or more vegetables. If you decide to buy more fruits, it means you are allocating more of your budget towards fruits. As a result, you will have less money left to buy vegetables. On the other hand, if you decide to buy more vegetables, it means you are allocating more of your budget towards vegetables, and you will have less money left to buy fruits. Similarly, in a market economy, if consumers decide to buy more of one product (like smartphones), the demand for that product increases. This leads to an increase in production and consumption of smartphones. However, the resources used to produce smartphones are limited. Therefore, the production of other products (like laptops or tablets) may decrease because fewer resources are available to produce them. In conclusion, when the decision is made to consume more of one product, it generally means that less of another product will be consumed. This is because resources are limited and need to be allocated among different options.

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

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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

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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.

The diagram above represent

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The diagram above represents the production possibility curve.
The production possibility curve shows the different combinations of goods and services that can be produced given the available resources and technology.
On the curve, each point represents a specific combination of goods and services that can be produced. Points on the curve are considered efficient because all available resources are fully utilized. Points inside the curve represent inefficient production because resources are not fully utilized. Points outside the curve represent combinations that are currently unattainable given the available resources and technology.
In summary, the production possibility curve helps us understand the trade-offs and limitations in production based on available resources and technology. It is a visual representation of the production possibilities in an economy.

Money could be defined as

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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.

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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 economies of West African Countries depend majorly on

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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.

Public corporation is financed with

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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.

Which of the following would not be a reason for a government to impose a quota on imports?

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A quota on imports is a restriction imposed by a government on the quantity of goods that can be imported into a country. It is typically done to protect domestic industries and promote economic growth.

Out of the given options, a government imposing a quota on imports would not be done to decrease tax revenue. In fact, the purpose of implementing import quotas is quite the opposite – to increase tax revenue by protecting domestic industries and promoting their growth.

Let's understand this further:

1. To support strategic industry: One of the main reasons governments impose import quotas is to protect and support domestic industries that are considered strategically important for the country's economy. By limiting imports, the government aims to give domestic industries an advantage by reducing competition from foreign firms.

2. To prevent dumping: Dumping refers to the practice of selling goods in another country at prices lower than their production costs or market value. This undermines domestic industries and poses a threat to their survival. By imposing import quotas, the government can control the influx of dumped products and protect domestic industries from unfair competition.

3. To decrease tax revenue: This option is incorrect because imposing import quotas does not aim to decrease tax revenue. When imports are restricted, domestic industries have less competition, which allows them to charge higher prices. As a result, the government can collect more tax revenue from these higher-priced goods, thus increasing its overall revenue.

4. Employment opportunity: Another reason governments may impose import quotas is to create employment opportunities. By limiting imports, domestic industries can expand their production and hire more workers to meet the local demand. This helps in reducing unemployment and improving the overall economic conditions of the country.

In conclusion, the correct answer is that a government would not impose a quota on imports to decrease tax revenue. Import quotas are intended to protect strategic industries, prevent dumping, and create employment opportunities, while also increasing tax revenue.

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

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

An increase in nominal income without increase in price will result to

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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.

Calculate the equilibrium level of national income (Y) where Y = C + I + G; C = 100 + 0.75Y; I = 50; G = 200

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To calculate the equilibrium level of national income (Y), we start with the equation Y = C + I + G. In this equation, C represents consumption spending, I represents investment spending, and G represents government spending. Now, let's substitute the given values into the equation: C = 100 + 0.75Y I = 50 G = 200 Substituting these values, we get: Y = (100 + 0.75Y) + 50 + 200 To solve for Y, we need to simplify the equation: Y = 100 + 0.75Y + 50 + 200 Combining like terms, we have: Y = 350 + 0.75Y Next, we can solve for Y by isolating it on one side of the equation. To do this, we can subtract 0.75Y from both sides: Y - 0.75Y = 350 Simplifying further, we have: 0.25Y = 350 Finally, we can solve for Y by dividing both sides of the equation by 0.25: Y = 350 / 0.25 Calculating this, we find: Y = 1400 So, the equilibrium level of national income (Y) is 1400.

------------- is NOT the cause of balance of payments (BOP) deficits in Nigeria

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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.

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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.

From the graph below, Point "E" shows--------------

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Point 'E" inside the graph indicates it is technologically inefficient" , Underemployed" or wide spread unemployent" or resources are not fully utilized or production inefficient"

A major factor contributing to productivity is

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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.

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

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

Business cycle is associated with

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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.

In a two by two model of international trade, it is assumed that

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In a two by two model of international trade, it is assumed that **both countries could gain from trade at the same time, but the volume of the gains depends on terms of trade**. This means that both countries can benefit from engaging in trade with each other. Trade allows both countries to specialize in producing and exporting the goods in which they have a comparative advantage, while importing goods that they are less efficient at producing. This leads to increased efficiency and overall economic gains for both countries. However, the volume of the gains from trade depends on the terms of trade between the two countries. The terms of trade refer to the ratio at which the countries exchange their goods. If one country has a higher bargaining power or can produce goods at a lower cost, they may negotiate more favorable terms of trade, leading to a larger volume of gains for that country. On the other hand, if the terms of trade are less favorable, the volume of gains for both countries may be smaller. In summary, while both countries can benefit from trade, the extent of the gains will vary depending on the terms of trade negotiated between them.

The demand for money will fall if

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

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The measure that represents the natural growth rate of a population is the **Birth rate minus the Death rate**, which is the second option. The natural growth rate of a population refers to the rate at which the population increases or decreases due to births and deaths, without taking into account migration. It solely focuses on the difference between the number of births and the number of deaths occurring within a population during a specific period of time. When the birth rate exceeds the death rate, it results in a positive natural growth rate, meaning the population is increasing. On the other hand, if the death rate is higher than the birth rate, it leads to a negative natural growth rate, indicating a decrease in the population. The first option, "Natural increase - Birth rate + Net migration," takes into account both the birth rate and the net migration (the difference between the number of people migrating into and out of a population in a specific period). This measure considers factors beyond just births and deaths, so it does not accurately represent the natural growth rate. The third option, "Birth rate/Death rate," is a ratio of the birth rate to the death rate. It does not give a measure of the natural growth rate itself, but rather shows the relationship between the number of births and the number of deaths. The fourth option, "Birth + Net migration = Death," suggests an equality between the sum of births and net migration and the number of deaths. This equation does not accurately represent the natural growth rate since it assumes that the number of births and net migration should exactly match the number of deaths, which is unlikely in most populations. Therefore, the most appropriate measure for the natural growth rate of a population is the **Birth rate minus the Death rate**.

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

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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.

The following are economic agents in any economy EXCEPT

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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.