How to find equilibrium price and quantity and consumer surp
How to find equilibrium price and quantity, and consumer surplus when:
Demand: Qd= 400 - 100P
and
Supply: Qs= 280 + 20P (for P>0)
Solution
Demand equation is as follows -
Qd = 400 - 100P
Supply equation is as follows -
Qs = 280 + 20P
Equilibrium is attained when demand equals supply.
Equating demand and supply equations -
400 - 100P = 280 + 20P
400 - 280 = 100P + 20P
120P = 120
P = 1
The equilibrium price is $1 per unit.
Equilibrium quantity can be ascertained by putting this value of equilibrium price in either demand or supply equation.
Putting value of P in demand equation -
Equilibrium quantity = 400 - 100P = 400 - 100*1 = 300
The equilibrium quantity is 300 units.
Calculate Consumer Surplus -
Step 1 - Calculate price at which zero quantity is demanded -
Qd = 400 - 100P
0 = 400 - 100P
100P = 400
P = 4
The price at which zero quantity is demanded is $4 per unit.
Step 2 - Calculate Consumer Surplus -
CS = 1/2 * ( Price at which zero quantity is demanded - Equilibrium price) * Equilibrium quantity
= 1/2 * ($4 - $1) * 300
= 450
The consumer surplus is 450.
