Question

Identify whether each statement in the following table best illustrates the concept of consumers’ surplus, producers’ surplus, or neither. Statement Consumers’ Surplus Producers’ Surplus Neither Even though I was willing to pay up to $209 for a watch, and even though the seller was willing to go as low as $196 in order to sell it, we couldn't reach a deal because the government imposed a price ceiling of $190 on the sale of watches. Even though I was willing to pay up to $39 for a jersey sweater, I bought a jersey sweater for only $32. I sold a used laptop for $199, even though I was willing to go as low as $190 in order to sell it.

Answer 1

1. Neither ; 2. Consumer Surplus ; 3. Producer Surplus

Step-by-step explanation:

Consumer Surplus is the difference between a good's price paid by consumer, & maximum price the consumer is willing to pay for the good.

Producer Surplus is the difference between a good's price received by a seller, & minimum price at which the seller is willing to sell the good.

1. Willing to pay $209 for watch, buyer willing to sell at $196, no trade as price ceiling at $190 : It illustrates neither concept as transaction has not actually occurred, so no price established.

2. Willing to pay $39 for sweater, purchased it for $32 : It illustrates 'Consumer Surplus' case = $7 , as it shows difference between maximum willingness to pay by buyer ($39) & the actual buy price ($32)

3. Willing to sell laptop at $190, sold it at $199 : It illustrates 'Producer Surplus' case = $9 , as it shows difference between minimum willingness to sell price ($190) & actual sale price ($199)