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Because of the nature of the MC (supply) and MB (demand) curves, we should get a triangle shape, with the two curves (supply and demand) crossing at Q2. This triangle shape will have a base (the difference between Q2 and Q1) as well as a height (the difference between MC and MB at Q1, most commonly the difference in prices).

a) True
b) False

User Khang Lu
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The student's assertion is false; the triangle typically represents areas of surplus, not the supply and demand curves themselves. The intersection of supply and demand curves marks the market equilibrium, where the quantity demanded equals the quantity supplied.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question involves a concept from economics, specifically the market equilibrium represented by the intersection of the supply (S) and demand (D) curves. The assertion that a triangle shape is formed by the supply and marginal cost (MC) curve, and the demand and marginal benefit (MB) curve intersecting at Q2 is false. The triangle that the question refers to is typically representative of producer surplus or consumer surplus, not the supply and demand curves themselves. However, the base of the triangle mentioned (difference between Q2 and Q1) and its height (difference between MC and MB at Q1) could represent areas of surplus depending on the context, but not the supply and demand schedule as such.

As indicated in the provided information, the point where the supply curve and the demand curve cross is known as the equilibrium, marked by point E. This equilibrium represents the price and quantity where the quantity demanded by consumers matches the quantity supplied by producers. At this equilibrium, the market is stable, and any deviation from this price leads to either excess supply or excess demand, indicating a market out of equilibrium.

User Andrei Matveiakin
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