Introduction to Economics - Online Tutor, Practice Problems & Exam Prep

Microeconomics explores fundamental concepts such as supply and demand, profit maximization, and taxation. Key terms include equilibrium price, which balances quantity demanded and supplied, and consumer surplus, representing the benefit consumers receive. Understanding market structures like perfect competition and monopolies is crucial, as is recognizing externalities—both positive and negative—that affect economic outcomes. The law of demand and supply illustrates how price changes influence market behavior, while concepts like marginal cost and average total cost help analyze production efficiency and profitability.

Hello!

Hey, everyone. Welcome to microeconomics. I'm Brian, and I'm going to be your tutor. In this course, we are going to cover topics ranging from supply and demand, profit maximization, and everyone's favorite, taxes. But first, we have to lay some groundwork. Why don't we dive right in?

The opportunity cost of going to a baseball game is

• A. The face value of the ticket
• B. The face value of the ticket plus the cost of snacks at the ballpark
• C. The total cash spent plus the value of your time
• D. Zero, if you enjoyed the baseball game

Economics can be best defined as the study of

• A. Profit maximization
• B. Predicting inflation patterns
• C. Income distribution and the effects of poverty
• D. How society manages its scarce resources

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What is the law of supply and demand?

The law of supply and demand is a fundamental concept in microeconomics that describes how prices vary based on the balance between product availability and consumer demand. The law of demand states that, all else being equal, as the price of a good decreases, the quantity demanded increases, and vice versa. Conversely, the law of supply states that as the price of a good increases, the quantity supplied increases, and vice versa. The equilibrium price is where the quantity demanded equals the quantity supplied, ensuring market stability.

What is consumer surplus?

Consumer surplus is the difference between what consumers are willing to pay for a good or service and what they actually pay. It represents the benefit consumers receive from purchasing a product at a lower price than their maximum willingness to pay. Mathematically, it is the area between the demand curve and the market price, up to the quantity purchased. Consumer surplus is a measure of economic welfare and indicates the added value consumers gain from market transactions.

How do externalities affect economic outcomes?

Externalities are costs or benefits that affect third parties who are not directly involved in an economic transaction. Positive externalities, like education, provide benefits to others, while negative externalities, like pollution, impose costs. Externalities can lead to market failures if not addressed, as the market price does not reflect the true social cost or benefit. Governments often intervene through taxes, subsidies, or regulations to correct these market failures and align private incentives with social welfare.

What is the difference between perfect competition and monopoly?

Perfect competition and monopoly represent two extremes of market structures. In perfect competition, many firms sell identical products, and no single firm can influence the market price. Firms are price takers, and the market determines the price. In contrast, a monopoly exists when a single firm controls the entire market for a product with no close substitutes. The monopolist is a price maker, setting prices to maximize profits, often leading to higher prices and lower output compared to competitive markets.

What is profit maximization in microeconomics?

Profit maximization is the process by which firms determine the price and output level that returns the greatest profit. This occurs where marginal cost (MC) equals marginal revenue (MR). Mathematically, it is expressed as MC = MR. At this point, any additional unit produced would cost more than it would earn, and any less would mean not fully capitalizing on potential profits. Understanding this concept helps firms make efficient production decisions and optimize their financial performance.