JAMB UTME - Economics - 2023

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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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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.

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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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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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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 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.

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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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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.

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

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A fall in the profit margin of producers in an economy will likely result in an increase in unemployment.
When the profit margin of producers decreases, it means that they are earning less profit from their business activities. As a result, they may struggle to cover their costs, sustain their operations, or expand their businesses. To manage their financial situation, producers may need to cut costs, reduce production, or even close down their business altogether.
Reduced production and business closures lead to a decrease in job opportunities and an increase in unemployment. When businesses are not making enough profit, they may need to lay off workers or reduce their workforce in order to cut costs. This means that fewer people will have jobs, resulting in higher unemployment rates.
Additionally, a fall in profit margins can also deter new businesses from entering the market or existing businesses from expanding. This further limits job creation and can exacerbate the unemployment problem.
In summary, a fall in the profit margin of producers in an economy leads to reduced production, business closures, job cuts, and a decrease in job opportunities. Therefore, the most likely resultant effect of such a decline in profit margin is an increase in unemployment.

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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.

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The marginal propensity to consume (MPC) is a measure of how much of an increase in income is typically spent on consumption. It is represented by the symbol c or ΔC/ΔY. To explain it simply, the MPC tells us the proportion of additional income that is used for consumption rather than saving or other purposes. For example, if the MPC is 0.8, it means that for every additional unit of income, 0.8 units are typically spent on consumption. The MPC can also be understood as the slope of the consumption function. The consumption function is a mathematical relationship between income and consumption. The MPC represents how much consumption changes for a given change in income. In the equation C = C + cYd, the coefficient c represents the MPC. This equation shows that consumption (C) is determined by autonomous consumption (C) plus the product of the MPC (c) and disposable income (Yd). In summary, the MPC is a measure of how much additional income is typically used for consumption. It can be represented as ΔC/ΔY, the slope of the consumption function, or the coefficient c in the consumption equation.

Maelezo ya Majibu

To calculate the elasticity of demand, we need to compare the changes in price and quantity demanded.
First, let's calculate the percentage change in price:
% change in price = ((new price - old price) / old price) x 100
% change in price = ((6 - 8) / 8) x 100
% change in price = (-2 / 8) x 100
% change in price = -25%
Next, let's calculate the percentage change in quantity demanded:
% change in quantity demanded = ((new quantity demanded - old quantity demanded) / old quantity demanded) x 100
% change in quantity demanded = ((30 - 20) / 20) x 100
% change in quantity demanded = (10 / 20) x 100
% change in quantity demanded = 50%
Now, let's calculate the elasticity of demand:
Elasticity of demand = % change in quantity demanded / % change in price
Elasticity of demand = 50% / -25%
Elasticity of demand = -2
The elasticity of demand is -2.
Explanation:
The negative sign in the elasticity of demand (-2) indicates that the demand for carrots is price elastic. This means that a decrease in price by 1% will lead to a more than proportionate increase in quantity demanded by 2%. In simpler terms, when the price of carrots decreased by 25%, the quantity demanded increased by 50%.
Therefore, the elasticity of demand is -2, which means that the demand for carrots is price elastic.

But since price elasticity is always represented with a positive number, the answer is 2

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

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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.

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The diagram above represent a monopolist diagram.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

Maelezo ya Majibu

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 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.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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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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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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.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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.

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The type of unemployment that occurs when an individual cannot find a job as a result of obsolete skills is known as Structural unemployment.

Structural unemployment happens when there is a mismatch between the skills that job seekers possess and the skills required for available jobs in the market. In this case, individuals may no longer be qualified for the jobs that are available due to changes in technology, market conditions, or shifts in the economy.

For example, let's say there is a rapid advancement in technology that makes certain job skills obsolete. Workers who had those skills may struggle to find employment because companies are now looking for individuals with more up-to-date skills.

This type of unemployment is different from cyclical unemployment, which is caused by fluctuations in the business cycle, or seasonal unemployment, which occurs due to seasonal variations in demand for certain jobs. Frictional unemployment, on the other hand, refers to the temporary unemployment that occurs when individuals are transitioning between jobs or entering the workforce for the first time.

To sum up, structural unemployment is the type of unemployment that arises when an individual cannot find a job because their skills are no longer in demand.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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 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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The quantity of a commodity that a consumer is willing and able to buy at a particular time is called demand.
Demand refers to the consumer's desire or willingness to purchase a specific product or service at a given price and at a given time. It represents the customer's intent to buy and the amount they are willing to buy at various price levels.
It is important to note that demand is not just about the desire for a particular item, but also the consumer's ability to pay for it. For example, someone may wish or desire to buy a luxury car, but if they do not have the financial means to afford it, their demand for that car is limited.
In summary, demand is the quantity of a commodity that a consumer is both willing and able to buy at a given time, reflecting their desire for the product and their ability to pay for it.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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

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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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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**.

Maelezo ya Majibu

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.