Maths help

Soldato
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I have this question to do and it makes zero sense to me and is not covered in the textbook and it is getting very frustrating, hope someone can help:)


The supply in wheat in the UK is given the function Q=9+0.07p and the demand by D=27-0.14p where Q and D are in millions of tonnes per year nd the price p is measured in £/tonne

At equilibrium, supply and demand are equal. What are the equilibrium values of price and supply
 
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At equilibrium, the price for supply and demand are the same. So Q=D, which gives you:
9 + 0.07p = 27 - 0.14p
18 = 0.21p
p=£85.71/tonne (to 2 dp)

Equilibrium price is 9 + 0.07*(85.71), roughly £15/tonne.

Units of the equation seem a bit funny though, the constants 9/27 aren't defined with units. (having millions of tonnes per year on one side and £/tonne on the other isn't quite right!)

That is the question, it wouldn't be the first time they have asked something daft.

I follow the first line (9 + 0.07p = 27 - 0.14p) but then get lost, is there any chance you could explain how you got there. :)
 
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Ok for B I have

Price elasticity of demand is given by the expression p/D * dD/dp what is the price elasticity at the equilibrium price £15

= (dD / dP)*(P/D)
= (0.14)*(P/(27-4P)
= -0.14P/(27-0.014P)

Now I will substitute in the £15/tonne calculated above
= -0.14P/(27-0.014P)
= 2.1/27-2.1
=2.1/24.9
=0.084 3dp

Correct?
 
Going back to the original question.

The supply in wheat in the UK is given the function Q=9+0.07p and the demand by D=27-0.14p where Q and D are in millions of tonnes per year nd the price p is measured in £/tonne

At equilibrium, supply and demand are equal. What are the equilibrium values of price and supply

Should there be two answers, one for price £15/tonne and one for supply?
 
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