JAMB UTME - Economics - 2022

In a free market economy, the rationing of scarce goods is done principally by?

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In a free market economy, the rationing of scarce goods is principally done by the price mechanism. The price of a good is determined by the forces of supply and demand in the market. When the supply of a good is limited and demand for it is high, the price of that good will increase. This higher price will serve as an incentive for producers to increase their supply of the good, and for consumers to reduce their demand for it. As a result, the scarce good will be rationed among consumers based on their willingness to pay the higher price. This process occurs naturally without the need for government intervention or control, and is a key feature of a free market economy.

An electrical engineer who is teaching physics in a secondary school is said to be

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Cooperative societies are formed mainly to

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Cooperative societies are primarily formed to promote and maintain the welfare of their members. This means that the members of a cooperative society come together to work towards achieving common goals that benefit everyone in the society. Cooperative societies are usually formed by a group of individuals who share a common interest, such as farming, housing, or credit. By working together, members can access resources that they may not have been able to on their own, such as bulk purchasing of materials, access to credit, or sharing of knowledge and skills. In a cooperative society, the focus is not on maximizing profits for individual members, but rather on achieving benefits that are shared by the entire group. By working together, members can create a sustainable and mutually beneficial organization that can help to address the needs of the community. Therefore, the main purpose of cooperative societies is to promote the welfare of members by providing a platform for collective action and collaboration.

The demand for labour is an example of

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The demand for labor is an example of "derived demand." Derived demand refers to the demand for a factor of production or a good that arises as a result of the demand for another good or service. In the case of labor, it is not demanded for its own sake but rather because it is needed to produce goods and services that consumers demand. The demand for labor is therefore derived from the demand for the goods and services that labor helps to produce.

In the long run, all production factors are

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In the long run, all production factors are "variable." This means that in the long run, a firm can adjust all of its production inputs, including labor, capital, and technology, to change the scale of its operations. In the short run, some inputs may be fixed, such as the size of the factory, which can only be changed in the long run. But in the long run, all inputs can be varied to optimize production and increase efficiency. The ability to adjust all inputs in the long run is what distinguishes the long run from the short run in the theory of production.

An important factor hindering the rapid development of the industrial sector in Nigeria.

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A firm that closes down will still incur

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Even if a firm closes down, it will still incur some fixed costs. Fixed costs are expenses that must be paid regardless of the level of production or whether the business is operating or not. These costs include things like rent, insurance, salaries of employees on long-term contracts, and equipment leases. Variable costs, on the other hand, are expenses that vary depending on the level of production or business activity. For example, the cost of materials or labor directly related to producing goods or services. If the firm closes down, it will not incur variable costs because it will not be producing any goods or services. Total cost is the sum of fixed and variable costs, so if the firm is not producing anything, the total cost will be equal to the fixed cost. Marginal cost is the cost of producing one additional unit of a good or service. If the firm is closed down, there is no production, so there is no marginal cost.

Budget deficit is the amount by which

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Budget deficit is the amount by which total expenditure exceeds revenue. A budget deficit occurs when a government or organization spends more money than it takes in through revenue, such as taxes or other sources of income. This can result in the accumulation of debt over time, which can have long-term implications for the financial health of the government or organization. While recurrent expenditure and capital expenditure are both types of expenditures that can contribute to a budget deficit, neither of these terms captures the full picture of a budget deficit. Recurrent expenditure refers to ongoing or routine expenses such as salaries, utilities, and other operating costs, while capital expenditure refers to spending on assets such as buildings, equipment, and infrastructure. A budget deficit can result from either type of expenditure, as well as from other sources of spending such as debt servicing or unexpected events that require emergency spending.

Privatization and commercialization of public enterprises in Nigeria is necessitated by

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The privatization and commercialization of public enterprises in Nigeria is necessitated by their operational inefficiency. Public enterprises in Nigeria, like in many other countries, have often been criticized for poor management, corruption, and inefficiency, which have resulted in heavy financial losses for the government. Privatization and commercialization are seen as a way to introduce more competition, increase efficiency, and reduce the financial burden on the government. While the IMF and the World Bank have encouraged privatization in many countries as a condition for receiving loans, in Nigeria, the privatization and commercialization policies were largely driven by domestic factors, including the need to improve the performance of public enterprises.

A positive effect of a rapid population increase is

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A positive effect of a rapid population increase is a wider market for goods and services. When there are more people in a country, there is a higher demand for goods and services, which can lead to economic growth and development. As more people are born and immigrate to a country, they will need housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and other goods and services, which can lead to an increase in jobs and businesses. This wider market for goods and services can stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, and ultimately improve the standard of living for individuals in the country. However, it is important to note that rapid population growth can also bring challenges such as pressure on resources and infrastructure, which can lead to other negative effects.

Gross National Product (GNP) less the provision for the wear and tear of assets is the

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The term "Gross National Product (GNP) less the provision for the wear and tear of assets" refers to the Net National Product (NNP). The Net National Product (NNP) is a measure of the total economic output of a country, which takes into account the depreciation or wear and tear of the country's capital assets. Capital assets are things like buildings, machinery, and other long-term investments that contribute to a country's economic output. When we subtract the depreciation from the Gross National Product (GNP), which is the total value of goods and services produced by a country's residents, we arrive at the Net National Product (NNP). The reason we need to subtract depreciation from the GNP is that capital assets, such as buildings and machinery, wear out over time and lose value. If we didn't account for this loss of value, we would overestimate the country's economic output. For example, suppose the GNP of a country is $1 trillion, and the depreciation or wear and tear on its capital assets is $100 billion. In that case, the NNP of the country would be $900 billion ($1 trillion - $100 billion). In summary, the Net National Product (NNP) is the Gross National Product (GNP) minus the provision for the wear and tear of assets or depreciation. It gives us a more accurate measure of a country's economic output by accounting for the loss of value in capital assets over time.

Which of the following factors is not a cause of diminishing returns?

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The factor that is not a cause of diminishing returns is "Technological innovations". Diminishing returns refers to the decrease in marginal output or production as more units of a variable input (such as labor or capital) are added to a fixed amount of other inputs (such as land or machinery). This occurs because the fixed inputs become increasingly scarce relative to the variable inputs, which can lead to inefficiencies and reduced productivity. The other three factors listed - an increase in variable inputs, land fragmentation, and constant technology - can all contribute to diminishing returns. For example, adding more workers to a fixed amount of land may lead to overcrowding and reduced productivity (land fragmentation). Similarly, if technology remains constant while more inputs are added, the additional inputs may not be fully utilized and may even become redundant. In contrast, technological innovations can actually help to overcome diminishing returns by allowing for more efficient use of inputs and increasing productivity. New technologies can improve the efficiency of production processes, reduce waste, and create new products or services, all of which can lead to increased output and economic growth.

Fixing the prices of agricultural products can be a problem because of the

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Fixing the prices of agricultural products can be a problem because of the unpredictable output of farmers. Agricultural output can vary due to a variety of factors including weather, pests, disease, and other unpredictable factors. This variability can make it difficult to accurately predict the supply of agricultural products and set prices accordingly. While the instability of government policies, activities of marketing boards, and the size of agricultural exports can also have an impact on the pricing of agricultural products, the unpredictable output of farmers is a primary factor that can create challenges in setting prices. Instability of government policies can create uncertainty in the market, while the activities of marketing boards can sometimes lead to distortions in supply and demand. The size of agricultural exports can also influence prices by affecting the balance of supply and demand in domestic and international markets.

Developments outside a given firm that reduce the firm’s costs are called

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Developments outside a given firm that reduce the firm's costs are called "external economies." External economies refer to the benefits that firms receive from positive externalities generated by other firms or industries in the same geographic area. For example, if a new technology park is established nearby, the firms in the area may benefit from lower input costs, better transportation links, or access to skilled workers. These benefits can result in lower production costs, higher productivity, and improved competitiveness for the firms in the area. The opposite of external economies is external diseconomies, which occur when external factors increase the costs of production for firms in a particular area.

The major role of multi-national companies in the petroleum industry in Nigeria is

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The major role of multi-national companies in the petroleum industry in Nigeria is oil prospecting. These companies typically invest heavily in exploration, drilling, and production of crude oil in Nigeria, which is one of the largest oil-producing countries in Africa. The multi-national companies also play a significant role in the development of Nigeria's oil and gas infrastructure, including pipelines, storage facilities, and export terminals, which are necessary for getting the oil to international markets. While some of these companies are also involved in downstream activities such as oil marketing and refining, their primary role in Nigeria's petroleum industry is oil exploration and production.

Commercial banks are different from development banks in that the latter

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Commercial banks and development banks serve different functions within the financial system. Commercial banks are focused on providing financial services to individuals and businesses, such as deposit accounts, loans, and credit cards. They generally lend on a short-term basis and deal in a variety of currencies, including foreign currencies. In contrast, development banks are focused on promoting economic development and supporting long-term projects that may not be attractive to commercial banks. They typically provide financing for large infrastructure projects, such as highways, railways, and power plants, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. Development banks may be government-owned, private, or a combination of both, and their main goal is to support economic growth and development. Development banks may also offer technical assistance and advisory services to help businesses and governments develop the skills and expertise needed to manage large-scale projects effectively. Unlike commercial banks, development banks may not pay interest on current accounts and may have different lending terms and requirements based on the specific needs of the project or business being financed.

Local firms can help in reducing unemployment in a country when

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Scale of preference shows

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The scale of preference refers to a list of a consumer's wants or desires arranged in order of importance or priority. It shows the consumer's preferences or choices among different options. The scale of preference is subjective and varies from person to person. For instance, if a person is given the choice to buy a new smartphone, a new pair of shoes, or a ticket to a concert, they may rank these options in order of priority. If they value communication more than entertainment, they may choose the smartphone as their top priority. Conversely, if they value entertainment more than communication, they may choose the concert ticket. Thus, the scale of preference is a way to understand how consumers make choices based on their preferences and priorities, and it helps in predicting their behavior in the market.

If the Central Bank increases its bank rate

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If the Central Bank increases its bank rate, it means that it has increased the interest rate at which commercial banks can borrow money from the Central Bank. This, in turn, makes it more expensive for commercial banks to borrow money, which can have several effects on the economy. Firstly, since it is more expensive for banks to borrow money, they may become more cautious about lending money to their customers. This means that customers may find it more difficult to obtain loans or credit from banks, and the amount of borrowing may decrease. So, is not correct. Secondly, if banks find it more expensive to borrow money, they may also try to increase the interest rates they charge on loans and mortgages to maintain their profits. This could make borrowing more expensive for customers, and the interest charges by banks may rise rather than fall. So, is not correct. Thirdly, if the cost of borrowing money for commercial banks increases, they may not want to borrow as much money, which could reduce the supply of money in the economy. So, is correct. Lastly, an increase in the Central Bank's bank rate may not cause many banks to shut down their operations. However, some smaller banks or financial institutions that heavily rely on borrowing may struggle to stay afloat. So, is not correct. In conclusion, an increase in the Central Bank's bank rate can reduce the supply of money in the economy and increase the cost of borrowing for banks, which could result in higher interest rates for customers.

The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development(IBRD) performs the following functions except-------

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The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that provides loans, technical assistance, and other services to developing countries. Out of the options provided, the IBRD does not reduce tariffs among its members. Its main focus is on granting long-term loans to member countries for development projects, providing technical expertise to help those countries implement those projects successfully, and developing human resources in those countries. Tariff reduction is not one of its main functions.

A major characteristic of natural resources is they

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A major characteristic of natural resources is that they are free gifts of nature. This means that they are not produced by humans, but are found naturally in the environment. Examples of natural resources include water, air, forests, minerals, and fossil fuels. However, although natural resources are free in the sense that they are not created by humans, their extraction, production, and transportation often involve costs. Additionally, some natural resources may become scarce over time due to overuse or depletion, leading to increased prices and a greater focus on sustainability and conservation efforts.

If at 10K per kg, 1000kg of yam were purchased, the resultant point elasticity of demand is

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If the cost of production for a firm continues to increase as its output rises, the firm is said to be experiencing

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The firm is said to be experiencing diseconomies of scale if the cost of production continues to increase as its output rises. Diseconomies of scale occur when the firm becomes too large, and the increased complexity and coordination costs of managing a large organization outweigh the benefits of increased production. This can result in a decrease in efficiency, productivity, and profitability for the firm.

An important factor hindering the rapid development of the industrial sector in Nigeria.

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An important factor hindering the rapid development of the industrial sector in Nigeria is inadequate infrastructure facilities. This includes factors such as inadequate transportation systems, unreliable electricity supply, poor communication networks, and insufficient access to water and sanitation facilities. These factors can increase the cost of production, reduce productivity and efficiency, and make it difficult for industries to compete with other countries. The dominance of the oil sector has also been a significant factor, as it has led to a neglect of other sectors, including manufacturing and industry. Excessive demand for finished products and rural-urban migration may have some impact on industrial development but are not as significant as inadequate infrastructure and the dominance of the oil sector.

Economic goods are termed scarce when they are?

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Economic goods are termed scarce when they are "not available in sufficient quantities to satisfy all wants for them." Scarce resources are those that have a limited supply relative to the demand for them. This scarcity means that choices must be made about how the resources are allocated, and that not all wants or needs can be fully satisfied. The concept of scarcity is fundamental to the study of economics, as it is the basis for understanding the concepts of opportunity cost, trade-offs, and efficiency.

A country's budget allocation to various sectors of the economy is shown in the pie chart above...

Use it to answer this question.

If the budget of the country was $7,200, how much is allocated to Education?

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Based on the pie chart, the Education sector is represented by 1/3 of the total budget allocation. To find out how much is allocated to Education, we can calculate 1/3 of the total budget: 1/3 x $7,200 = $2,400 Therefore, the answer is $2,400.00.

Which of the following is not emphasized in a product possibility curve?

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The concept of unemployment of labor is not emphasized in a product possibility curve. A product possibility curve is a graphical representation of the trade-off between two goods that an economy can produce, given its limited resources and technology. The curve shows the maximum combinations of the two goods that can be produced with the available resources, taking into account that some resources are better suited for producing one good over the other. The emphasis is on the scarcity of resources and the efficiency with which they are being used, not on the employment of labor.

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The concept described in the given scenario is called "double coincidence of wants." It refers to the situation where two parties have goods or services that the other party desires and are willing to exchange, and both parties are able to meet each other's wants at the same time. In the example, the housewife wants tomatoes, and she has meat that she can offer in exchange. However, she can only trade with someone who has tomatoes and also wants meat. The double coincidence of wants occurs when both parties have what the other wants, and both are willing and able to trade. This concept is important in understanding how bartering works, which is an exchange of goods and services without the use of money.

A situation in which all inputs are doubled and output also doubles is known as

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The situation in which all inputs are doubled and the output also doubles is known as "constant returns to scale." This means that if a firm increases all of its inputs by a certain proportion, the output will also increase by the same proportion. In other words, the production function exhibits constant returns to scale if increasing all inputs by a constant factor results in an output increase by the same constant factor.

Palm oil and palm kernel are in

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Palm oil and palm kernel are in joint supply. Joint supply refers to a situation in which two or more products are produced together as a result of a single production process. In the case of palm oil and palm kernel, both products are obtained from the same fruit of the oil palm tree. When the fruit is processed, it produces two distinct products: palm oil and palm kernel. Palm oil is obtained from the fleshy outer part of the fruit, while palm kernel is obtained from the inner seed or kernel. Since both products are obtained from the same production process, the quantity of one product that is produced is directly related to the quantity of the other product that is produced. As a result of being in joint supply, the prices of palm oil and palm kernel are interdependent. If the demand for one product increases, this will increase the supply of the other product, which can lower its price. For example, if the demand for palm oil increases, more oil palm fruit will be processed, leading to an increase in the supply of palm kernel and a potential decrease in its price. To summarize, palm oil and palm kernel are in joint supply because they are both obtained from the same production process and the quantity of one product produced is directly related to the quantity of the other product produced. The prices of both products are interdependent, and a change in demand for one product can affect the supply and price of the other product.

A major function of the retailer is to

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A major function of the retailer is to break bulk and sell products in small units to consumers. This means that retailers purchase goods in large quantities from wholesalers or manufacturers and then sell them in smaller quantities to individuals or households. By doing so, retailers make it easier for consumers to access a wide range of products, as they do not have to buy in bulk or directly from the manufacturer. Additionally, retailers often play a key role in generating demand for products through advertising and marketing efforts. By showcasing products in stores and online, and through various forms of advertising, retailers can help to build brand awareness and encourage consumers to purchase products. While some retailers may offer credit to wholesalers or consumers, this is not a primary function of retailing. Similarly, while retailers can help to reduce the cost of distribution by consolidating products and shipping them in bulk, this is a secondary function of retailing that supports the primary function of breaking bulk and selling products in small units.

One benefit a country can derive from the extraction of crude oil is increase in

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Economic goods are termed scarce goods when they are

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Economic goods are termed scarce goods when they are not available in sufficient quantity to satisfy all wants for them. In other words, when there is a limited supply of a good or resource, but a potentially unlimited demand for it, that good is considered to be scarce. This concept is fundamental to economics because it helps to explain why goods have value and why individuals and societies must make choices about how to allocate scarce resources.

What type of price elasticity of demand is the diagram above representing?

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Which of the following cannot be classified as a natural resource?

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An iron rod cannot be classified as a natural resource. A natural resource is a material or substance that occurs naturally in the environment and can be used for economic gain. Natural resources can be classified into renewable and non-renewable resources. Renewable resources are those that can be replenished over time, such as solar energy, wildlife, and forests. Non-renewable resources are those that cannot be replenished, such as minerals and fossil fuels, including gold. An iron rod is not a natural resource because it is a manufactured item made from iron, which is a natural resource. The iron has been extracted from the earth and processed to make the rod, which is then used for various purposes. So, while the raw material (iron) may be a natural resource, the finished product (the iron rod) is not.

Producers operating in a free market economy are more efficient as a result of

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Producers operating in a free market economy are more efficient as a result of the existence of competition. In a free market, businesses compete with each other for customers by offering better quality products, lower prices, or both. This competition forces producers to be efficient and innovative in order to remain competitive and attract customers. As a result, businesses are motivated to increase productivity, reduce waste, and improve their products and services to meet customer needs. The competition also leads to more choices for consumers and lower prices, as businesses strive to provide the best value for money. In contrast, if there were no competition, businesses would have less incentive to improve their operations, resulting in lower efficiency and higher prices for consumers.

The effect of an increase in the personal income tax is to

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The effect of an increase in the personal income tax is to reduce the disposable income of taxpayers. When personal income taxes are increased, taxpayers have less money to spend on goods and services, as more of their income is going towards taxes. This reduction in disposable income can lead to a decrease in consumer spending, which can have a negative impact on businesses and the economy as a whole. Increasing personal income taxes may also have a distorting effect on the economy, as it can create disincentives for individuals to work, save, and invest. However, it is not likely to raise the absolute price level, as this is determined by a variety of factors including supply and demand in the economy. Furthermore, an increase in personal income taxes is not directly linked to a reduction in unemployment, as this is influenced by a wide range of factors such as economic growth, labour market policies, and the overall state of the economy.

Which of the following factors may not affect the efficiency of labour?

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Among the given options, the factor that may not affect the efficiency of labor is the race and color of the workforce. The efficiency of labor refers to the amount of output that a worker can produce within a given time frame. Education and training can enhance workers' skills and knowledge, improving their ability to perform their jobs efficiently. Providing welfare services such as healthcare, childcare, and paid time off can also increase worker satisfaction and well-being, which can positively impact their productivity. The quality of other factor inputs, such as machinery, raw materials, and technology, can also have a significant impact on labor efficiency. High-quality inputs can facilitate and enhance workers' ability to produce more output in less time, increasing their efficiency. However, the race and color of the workforce do not inherently affect the efficiency of labor. A worker's productivity is determined by their individual skills, knowledge, and work ethic, regardless of their race or color. Discrimination based on race or color can negatively impact worker morale, job satisfaction, and opportunities, which can indirectly affect labor efficiency. Still, race or color itself is not a direct determinant of worker efficiency.

In manufacturing, division of labour may be hindered by

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To compare the standard of living among nations, the most widely used economic indicator is the

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To compare the standard of living among nations, the most widely used economic indicator is the real per capita income. This is a measure of the average income per person in a given country, adjusted for inflation to reflect the purchasing power of that income. It is calculated by dividing the real gross domestic product (GDP) of a country by its population, which gives a sense of the economic output per person. While per capita nominal income and real gross national income are also used as economic indicators, they do not take into account inflation or differences in the cost of living across countries, which can make them less useful for comparing living standards. Real domestic output is not as widely used as real per capita income as it does not take into account the size of the population, which is an important factor in determining the standard of living.