Chapter 1
1) Brian is a college student living off campus. He is studious, yet popular and well-liked. He wants to
do well in college but also loves to
... [Show More] socialize. What might be some examples of the scarcity that
Brian may face? Give at least three examples.
2) Mr. Warbucks is a confused economist who is mixed up about cause and effect. Please help Mr.
Warbucks disentangle cause and effect so he can once again understand economics.
3) The night before a science exam, Mark decided to go to the movies with his friends instead of
staying home and reviewing and studying the material. He got 55 percent on his test compared
with the 80 percent that he normally scores.
a. Did Mark face a tradeoff? Explain.
b. What was the opportunity cost of his evening at the movies?
4) Anita is learning about economics and while she understands the difference between
macroeconomics and microeconomics but is unclear as to the practical differences. She also
does not know the difference between positive and normative statements. Provide her with two
macroeconomic statements and two microeconomic statements and classify the statements as
positive or normative. Please explain your classifications.
Chapter 2
1) Evaluate the truth of this statement: “Social institutions such as money, firms, markets, and
property rights are not necessary for the economy.” Fully explain your answer.
2) Suppose that Maria buys a new machine for making sweaters that enables her to make 25
sweaters an hour. (She can only 100 scarves per hour.) In one hour, Sally can produce 50 scarves
or 5 sweaters.
a. Who now has a comparative advantage in producing sweaters?
b. Can Sally and Maria still gain from trade?
c. Would Sally and Maria be willing to trade 2 sweaters for 30 scarves? Explain your
answer.
3) Toyota will continue to produce 3 million cars per year and use the balance of its resources to
upgrade its workers’ skills and create new technology. In three years’ time, Toyota plans to
produce better cars and be more productive. (Source: Financial Post, April 7, 2014)
Based on the news piece above, what is the opportunity cost for Toyota of upgrading its workers’
skills and creating new technology? Explain your answer [Show Less]