JAMB UTME - Economics - 2023

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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.

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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.

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The theory of absolute advantage was propounded by Adam Smith while the theory of comparative advantage was propounded by David Ricardo.

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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.

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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.

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The type of price elasticity of demand for a commodity whose quantity demanded remains unchanged despite changes in the price is **perfectly inelastic**. When the demand for a commodity is perfectly inelastic, it means that the quantity demanded does not respond at all to changes in price. This usually occurs when there are no close substitutes for the commodity, or when the commodity is a necessity that people cannot easily do without. To understand it in a simple way, imagine a situation where the price of a life-saving medication for a critical illness increases significantly. In such a case, even if the price increases, the quantity demanded for the medication will remain the same because the individuals who need it have no other option but to purchase it at any cost. Therefore, the demand for such a medication is perfectly inelastic, as it does not change with variations in price. In summary, when the demand for a commodity is perfectly inelastic, it means that consumers are willing to pay any price for it, and the quantity demanded does not change despite fluctuations in price.

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The correct term for the number of people who are qualified to work and who offer themselves for employment is the working population.
The working population refers to the subset of the total population that is actively engaged or seeking employment. It includes individuals who are qualified, available, and willing to work. This encompasses both employed individuals and those who are actively looking for work, such as job seekers.
The working population is an important measure for understanding the labor market. It helps policymakers, businesses, and economists in assessing the job market's health and determining factors such as employment rates, labor force participation, and unemployment rates.
Options like "mobility of labor" and "migrant labor" focus on the movement of workers between different locations, which is a related concept but not the same as the total number of qualified individuals available for employment. "Labor turnover" refers to the rate at which workers leave and join a particular company or industry, which is also not synonymous with the working population as a whole.
Therefore, the working population is the term that correctly describes the number of qualified individuals who are available for employment.

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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.

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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.

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

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Q = 14, P = 4

Qd = 30 - 4p

∆q/∆p = - 4
 

Ed = ΔqΔp×pq $\frac{<br>}{}$

= - 4 x 4/14

= Ed = -1.14
since price elasticity is positive, then Ed = 1.14

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An example of expansionary monetary policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria is "buying Treasury securities from commercial banks." Expansionary monetary policy is a type of policy implemented by the central bank to stimulate economic growth and increase the supply of money in the economy. This policy is typically used during times of economic downturn or recession to encourage spending and investment. When the Central Bank of Nigeria buys Treasury securities from commercial banks, it injects money into the economy. This increases the amount of money available in the banking system, making it easier for banks to lend to businesses and individuals. By increasing the money supply, the central bank aims to lower interest rates, which in turn encourages borrowing and spending. Lower interest rates mean that businesses and individuals can access credit more easily, leading to increased investment, consumer spending, and economic growth. This expansionary policy can help support economic activity, boost employment, and stimulate overall economic recovery.

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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.

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- 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.

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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.

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Currency depreciation is a fall in the value of a currency in a floating exchange rate system. Therefore, a decrease in the price of the domestic currency in terms of a foreign currency is referred to as depreciation.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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"

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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.

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To find the value of L when the supply (s) is equal to 20, we can use the given supply curve equation: S = 4L + 8.
The supply curve equation represents how much labor (L) will be supplied at a given wage rate (s). In this case, the equation tells us that the supply of labor is equal to 4 times the quantity of labor (L) plus 8.
To find L when s = 20, let's substitute s = 20 into the equation:
20 = 4L + 8
Next, let's isolate L by subtracting 8 from both sides of the equation:
20 - 8 = 4L
Simplifying further:
12 = 4L
Now, we need to solve for L. We can do this by dividing both sides of the equation by 4:
12/4 = 4L/4
Simplifying again:
3 = L
Therefore, when the supply (s) is equal to 20, the value of L is 3.
So the correct answer is 3.

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The causes of overpopulation are: falling mortality rate, underutilized contraception, lack of female education etc.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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An industry is a group of firms producing similar products and under separate administration or management.

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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.