Final answer:
The primary difference between absolute and comparative advantage is that absolute advantage refers to the ability to produce more using the same resources, while comparative advantage refers to producing at a lower opportunity cost.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary difference between absolute and comparative advantage is that absolute advantage refers to the ability to produce more of a good or service using the same amount of resources, while comparative advantage refers to the ability to produce a good or service at a lower opportunity cost.
For example, let's consider two countries: Country A and Country B. Country A can produce 100 cars or 200 computers with the same amount of resources, while Country B can produce 50 cars or 100 computers with the same resources. In this case, Country A has an absolute advantage in both car and computer production because it can produce more of both goods. However, if we compare the opportunity cost of producing cars versus computers, we may find that Country A has a lower opportunity cost for producing computers, while Country B has a lower opportunity cost for producing cars. Therefore, Country A has a comparative advantage in computer production, while Country B has a comparative advantage in car production.
In summary, absolute advantage refers to producing more with the same resources, while comparative advantage refers to producing at a lower opportunity cost.