JAMB UTME - Economics - 2022
Question 1 Report
The main objective of marketing boards is to
Answer Details
The main objective of marketing boards is to stabilize the incomes of cash crop farmers. Marketing boards help to regulate the supply and demand of cash crops, ensuring stable prices and incomes for farmers. They also provide support services to farmers, such as warehousing facilities and education on pricing, to help them sell their crops more effectively. While marketing boards may generate revenue for the government, their primary focus is on supporting and protecting the livelihoods of farmers.
Question 2 Report
If the cost of production for a firm continues to increase as its output rises, the firm is said to be experiencing
Answer Details
The firm is said to be experiencing diseconomies of scale if the cost of production continues to increase as its output rises. Diseconomies of scale occur when the firm becomes too large, and the increased complexity and coordination costs of managing a large organization outweigh the benefits of increased production. This can result in a decrease in efficiency, productivity, and profitability for the firm.
Question 3 Report
Demand-pull inflation is likely to be caused by
Answer Details
Demand-pull inflation occurs when the overall demand for goods and services in an economy exceeds the supply of those goods and services, leading to an increase in the general price level. This increase in demand may be caused by a number of factors, such as an increase in consumer confidence, an increase in government spending, or an increase in exports. Out of the given options, an increasingly large budget deficit is the most likely cause of demand-pull inflation. When the government spends more money than it collects in taxes, it may finance the deficit by borrowing from the central bank, other banks or the public. This increases the overall amount of money in circulation in the economy, which in turn leads to an increase in demand for goods and services. This increased demand can then lead to higher prices for those goods and services, resulting in demand-pull inflation. An increase in the cost of factor inputs, such as labor or raw materials, may also contribute to inflation, but this is known as cost-push inflation, which occurs when the cost of producing goods and services increases, leading to higher prices. An increase in the income tax rate and an increase in the bank lending rate can reduce the overall demand for goods and services and lead to a decrease in inflation.
Question 5 Report
Producers operating in a free market economy are more efficient as a result of
Answer Details
Producers operating in a free market economy are more efficient as a result of the existence of competition. In a free market, businesses compete with each other for customers by offering better quality products, lower prices, or both. This competition forces producers to be efficient and innovative in order to remain competitive and attract customers. As a result, businesses are motivated to increase productivity, reduce waste, and improve their products and services to meet customer needs. The competition also leads to more choices for consumers and lower prices, as businesses strive to provide the best value for money. In contrast, if there were no competition, businesses would have less incentive to improve their operations, resulting in lower efficiency and higher prices for consumers.
Question 6 Report
Palm oil and palm kernel are in
Answer Details
Palm oil and palm kernel are in joint supply. Joint supply refers to a situation in which two or more products are produced together as a result of a single production process. In the case of palm oil and palm kernel, both products are obtained from the same fruit of the oil palm tree. When the fruit is processed, it produces two distinct products: palm oil and palm kernel. Palm oil is obtained from the fleshy outer part of the fruit, while palm kernel is obtained from the inner seed or kernel. Since both products are obtained from the same production process, the quantity of one product that is produced is directly related to the quantity of the other product that is produced. As a result of being in joint supply, the prices of palm oil and palm kernel are interdependent. If the demand for one product increases, this will increase the supply of the other product, which can lower its price. For example, if the demand for palm oil increases, more oil palm fruit will be processed, leading to an increase in the supply of palm kernel and a potential decrease in its price. To summarize, palm oil and palm kernel are in joint supply because they are both obtained from the same production process and the quantity of one product produced is directly related to the quantity of the other product produced. The prices of both products are interdependent, and a change in demand for one product can affect the supply and price of the other product.
Question 7 Report
A situation in which all inputs are doubled and output also doubles is known as
Answer Details
The situation in which all inputs are doubled and the output also doubles is known as "constant returns to scale." This means that if a firm increases all of its inputs by a certain proportion, the output will also increase by the same proportion. In other words, the production function exhibits constant returns to scale if increasing all inputs by a constant factor results in an output increase by the same constant factor.
Question 8 Report
Answer Details
The concept described in the given scenario is called "double coincidence of wants." It refers to the situation where two parties have goods or services that the other party desires and are willing to exchange, and both parties are able to meet each other's wants at the same time. In the example, the housewife wants tomatoes, and she has meat that she can offer in exchange. However, she can only trade with someone who has tomatoes and also wants meat. The double coincidence of wants occurs when both parties have what the other wants, and both are willing and able to trade. This concept is important in understanding how bartering works, which is an exchange of goods and services without the use of money.
Question 10 Report
In order to increase revenue, government should tax commodities for which demand is
Answer Details
When the demand for a commodity is perfectly price inelastic, it means that people will buy the same amount of the commodity no matter how much it costs. Therefore, if the government increases the tax on this commodity, people will still buy the same amount of it, and the tax revenue will increase. When the demand for a commodity is price inelastic, it means that people will buy a relatively small amount less of the commodity if the price increases. Therefore, if the government increases the tax on this commodity, people will still buy it, but they will pay more for it, and the tax revenue will increase. When the demand for a commodity is price elastic, it means that people will significantly reduce the amount they buy if the price increases. Therefore, if the government increases the tax on this commodity, people will buy less of it, and the tax revenue may not increase as much as expected. When the demand for a commodity is unitary elastic, it means that the change in quantity demanded is exactly proportional to the change in price. Therefore, if the government increases the tax on this commodity, the tax revenue will increase, but the increase in price may cause people to buy slightly less of it. Overall, if the demand for a commodity is relatively inelastic, the government may be able to increase revenue by increasing taxes on it. However, if the demand for a commodity is relatively elastic, the government may not be able to significantly increase revenue by increasing taxes on it, as people may switch to other alternatives or reduce their consumption of the commodity.
Question 11 Report
One benefit a country can derive from the extraction of crude oil is increase in
Question 12 Report
Economic goods are termed scarce goods when they are
Answer Details
Economic goods are termed scarce goods when they are not available in sufficient quantity to satisfy all wants for them. In other words, when there is a limited supply of a good or resource, but a potentially unlimited demand for it, that good is considered to be scarce. This concept is fundamental to economics because it helps to explain why goods have value and why individuals and societies must make choices about how to allocate scarce resources.
Question 13 Report
If W stands for wages/salaries, P for profits, R for interest and Z for rent on land and real estate, then national income is
Answer Details
If W stands for wages/salaries, P for profits, R for interest, and Z for rent on land and real estate, then the national income is given by:
W + P + R + Z
This is because national income is the total amount of income earned by individuals and firms within a country's borders, and it includes all four components of W, P, R, and Z.
Wages and salaries are earned by employees, profits are earned by business owners, interest is earned by lenders, and rent is earned by landlords. When we add up all of these components, we get the total national income.
Therefore, "W+P+R+Z," is the correct answer.
Question 14 Report
A possible factor which limits the extent of growth of a firm is the
Answer Details
One possible factor that limits the extent of growth of a firm is the unwillingness to share ownership and control. When a firm is controlled by a single owner or a small group of owners who are not willing to share ownership or decision-making power, it can limit the firm's ability to raise capital, make strategic partnerships, or expand into new markets. In contrast, allowing outside investors or partners to have a stake in the company can provide the firm with access to more resources, expertise, and new opportunities for growth.
Question 15 Report
Scale of preference shows
Answer Details
The scale of preference refers to a list of a consumer's wants or desires arranged in order of importance or priority. It shows the consumer's preferences or choices among different options. The scale of preference is subjective and varies from person to person. For instance, if a person is given the choice to buy a new smartphone, a new pair of shoes, or a ticket to a concert, they may rank these options in order of priority. If they value communication more than entertainment, they may choose the smartphone as their top priority. Conversely, if they value entertainment more than communication, they may choose the concert ticket. Thus, the scale of preference is a way to understand how consumers make choices based on their preferences and priorities, and it helps in predicting their behavior in the market.
Question 16 Report
The supply curve of a locally-produced good may shift to the right if
Answer Details
Question 17 Report
A made obstacle to economic development is
Answer Details
A major obstacle to economic development is low farm productivity. Agriculture is a significant sector in many developing countries, and low farm productivity can have a significant impact on economic growth and development. Low productivity in agriculture can result from a range of factors, including inadequate access to credit, poor infrastructure, low-quality inputs, and limited knowledge of modern farming techniques. This can limit the production of food and raw materials for industrial processes, resulting in higher prices, reduced exports, and lower economic growth. Increasing farm productivity is often a key focus of development programs and policies aimed at promoting economic development in developing countries.
Question 18 Report
A major function of the retailer is to
Answer Details
A major function of the retailer is to break bulk and sell products in small units to consumers. This means that retailers purchase goods in large quantities from wholesalers or manufacturers and then sell them in smaller quantities to individuals or households. By doing so, retailers make it easier for consumers to access a wide range of products, as they do not have to buy in bulk or directly from the manufacturer. Additionally, retailers often play a key role in generating demand for products through advertising and marketing efforts. By showcasing products in stores and online, and through various forms of advertising, retailers can help to build brand awareness and encourage consumers to purchase products. While some retailers may offer credit to wholesalers or consumers, this is not a primary function of retailing. Similarly, while retailers can help to reduce the cost of distribution by consolidating products and shipping them in bulk, this is a secondary function of retailing that supports the primary function of breaking bulk and selling products in small units.
Question 19 Report
The advantage which firms obtain directly from expanding their operations are referred to as
Answer Details
The advantage which firms obtain directly from expanding their operations are referred to as "internal economies of scale." Internal economies of scale occur when a firm's average cost of production decreases as it increases the scale of its operations. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as increased specialization of labor, greater use of capital equipment, or better purchasing power for inputs. Internal economies of scale enable a firm to become more efficient and competitive as it grows, which can result in higher profits and a stronger market position. The opposite of internal economies of scale is internal diseconomies of scale, which occur when the average cost of production increases as a firm becomes too large or complex to manage efficiently.
Question 20 Report
The point x inside the ppc indicate?
Answer Details
The point x inside the PPC (Production Possibility Curve) indicates that some of the resources in the economy are currently idle or not being fully utilized. This means that the economy is not producing at its maximum potential, and there is room for further growth and development. The PPC represents the different combinations of goods and services that an economy can produce given its limited resources and technology. The curve shows the maximum output that can be produced with the available resources and technology at a given point in time. Any point inside the curve represents a level of production that is below the maximum potential output, indicating that some resources are not being used to their full capacity. Therefore, if the economy is currently operating at a point inside the PPC, it has the potential to increase its production of goods and services by putting its idle resources to work. This could be achieved through measures such as increasing investment, improving technology, or providing more education and training to the workforce.
Question 21 Report
Economic goods are termed scarce when they are?
Answer Details
Economic goods are termed scarce when they are "not available in sufficient quantities to satisfy all wants for them." Scarce resources are those that have a limited supply relative to the demand for them. This scarcity means that choices must be made about how the resources are allocated, and that not all wants or needs can be fully satisfied. The concept of scarcity is fundamental to the study of economics, as it is the basis for understanding the concepts of opportunity cost, trade-offs, and efficiency.
Question 22 Report
The price mechanism
Answer Details
The price mechanism is a system in an economy where the prices of goods and services are determined by the forces of supply and demand. This mechanism is responsible for regulating the balance between what consumers want to buy and what producers want to sell. As the demand for a particular item increases, the price of the item will rise, causing producers to increase supply to meet the demand. On the other hand, if the demand decreases, the price will fall, and producers will decrease their supply. In this way, the price mechanism helps allocate scarce resources by ensuring that the goods and services that are in high demand are produced and distributed more, while those that are not in high demand are produced and distributed less. In conclusion, the price mechanism does all of the above - regulates supply and demand, rations the consumers, rewards the producers, and allocates scarce resources - to ensure an efficient and effective allocation of resources in an economy.
Question 23 Report
Statutory organisations usually established by Acts of parliament are called
Answer Details
Statutory organizations usually established by Acts of parliament are called public corporations. A public corporation is a type of legal entity that is established by the government through legislation to perform a specific function or provide a particular service to the public. Public corporations can be formed at the national, state, or local level, and can take a variety of forms depending on their specific mandate. While public enterprises are also entities that are owned and controlled by the government, they may not necessarily be established by Acts of parliament. Cooperative societies are typically voluntary organizations formed by individuals or businesses to pool resources and share risks, while joint-stock companies are privately owned businesses that are established to generate profit for their shareholders.
Question 24 Report
What happens when the central bank increases the bank rate in an economy
Answer Details
When the central bank increases the bank rate, it becomes more expensive for banks to borrow money from the central bank. This in turn causes interest rates on loans and mortgages offered by commercial banks to increase as well. As a result, people and businesses are less likely to take out loans, because they have to pay more in interest. So, borrowing is discouraged. On the other hand, banks are able to charge more for loans, so they can increase their profits. However, this increase in interest rates can also lead to a decrease in spending, which can slow down economic growth.
Question 25 Report
If inflation is anticipated, people may
Answer Details
If inflation is anticipated, people may choose to spend less money. This is because inflation reduces the purchasing power of money, meaning that the same amount of money can buy fewer goods and services. In response, people may decide to be more frugal with their spending, save more money, or look for ways to reduce their expenses. By spending less, they can try to maintain their purchasing power and avoid the negative effects of inflation.
Question 26 Report
Fiscal policy measures imply a change in
Answer Details
Fiscal policy measures imply a change in government revenue and expenditure to regulate an economy. Fiscal policy is a tool used by governments to influence the economy by adjusting their spending levels and tax rates. This can be done by either increasing or decreasing government spending and taxes in order to achieve specific economic goals, such as controlling inflation, boosting employment, or promoting economic growth. For example, if the government wants to stimulate economic growth, it may increase its spending on infrastructure projects or offer tax incentives to businesses. Conversely, if the government wants to control inflation, it may decrease government spending and increase taxes to reduce the amount of money circulating in the economy. Therefore, fiscal policy measures involve making changes to both government revenue and expenditure in order to achieve specific economic objectives.
Question 27 Report
If workers at the school canteen cannot sell during the holidays, this is example of
Answer Details
If workers at the school canteen cannot sell during the holidays, this is an example of seasonal unemployment. This means that the workers are temporarily out of work due to changes in demand for their labor, in this case because the school is not in session. Seasonal unemployment is a common occurrence in industries that are heavily influenced by the time of year, such as agriculture, tourism, and retail. While the workers may have other employment options, they are currently without work due to the seasonality of the school canteen.
Question 28 Report
The major role of multi-national companies in the petroleum industry in Nigeria is
Answer Details
The major role of multi-national companies in the petroleum industry in Nigeria is oil prospecting. These companies typically invest heavily in exploration, drilling, and production of crude oil in Nigeria, which is one of the largest oil-producing countries in Africa. The multi-national companies also play a significant role in the development of Nigeria's oil and gas infrastructure, including pipelines, storage facilities, and export terminals, which are necessary for getting the oil to international markets. While some of these companies are also involved in downstream activities such as oil marketing and refining, their primary role in Nigeria's petroleum industry is oil exploration and production.
Question 29 Report
An example of commodity money is
Answer Details
An example of commodity money is silver. Commodity money is a physical object that has intrinsic value in addition to its value as a medium of exchange. Historically, commodities such as gold and silver have been used as a form of money because they are scarce and have inherent value. For example, silver is used not only as money, but also for jewelry, silverware, and other industrial applications. In this way, its value is based on its usefulness in addition to its value as a medium of exchange. In contrast, modern forms of money, such as currency notes, mobile money, and cheques, are not commodities in and of themselves but represent a claim on goods and services.
Question 30 Report
The largest component of national income in developing countries consist of
Answer Details
In developing countries, the largest component of national income is typically wages and salaries. This means that the majority of the income earned in these countries comes from the money that people make from their jobs or employment. Wages and salaries are paid to workers in exchange for their labor, and they are typically the main source of income for most people in developing countries. This income can come from a variety of sources, including working in factories, farming, providing services, or working in other industries. While profits and rent can also be important sources of income in some cases, they generally make up a smaller proportion of national income in developing countries. Profits are the earnings that businesses make after deducting their expenses, while rent is the income that comes from owning property or other assets. In summary, the largest component of national income in developing countries is typically wages and salaries, which are earned by workers in exchange for their labor.
Question 31 Report
There is unemployment of resources when production is
Answer Details
Unemployment of resources occurs when production is below the production possibility curve, which means that the economy is not using all of its available resources to produce goods and services. These unused resources can include labor, capital, land, and natural resources. When production is within the production possibility curve, it means that the economy is using all of its resources efficiently and producing as much as it can given its current level of resources. Along the production possibility curve, the economy is also producing efficiently, but it is not using all of its resources. If production is outside the production possibility curve, it means that the economy is not capable of producing that level of output given its current resources. Finally, if production is adequate to meet market demand, it means that the economy is producing enough goods and services to satisfy the needs and wants of consumers. In summary, unemployment of resources occurs when the economy is not using all of its available resources to produce goods and services, which results in an output level below the production possibility curve.
Question 32 Report
Commercial banks are different from development banks in that the latter
Answer Details
Commercial banks and development banks serve different functions within the financial system. Commercial banks are focused on providing financial services to individuals and businesses, such as deposit accounts, loans, and credit cards. They generally lend on a short-term basis and deal in a variety of currencies, including foreign currencies. In contrast, development banks are focused on promoting economic development and supporting long-term projects that may not be attractive to commercial banks. They typically provide financing for large infrastructure projects, such as highways, railways, and power plants, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. Development banks may be government-owned, private, or a combination of both, and their main goal is to support economic growth and development. Development banks may also offer technical assistance and advisory services to help businesses and governments develop the skills and expertise needed to manage large-scale projects effectively. Unlike commercial banks, development banks may not pay interest on current accounts and may have different lending terms and requirements based on the specific needs of the project or business being financed.
Question 33 Report
A major characteristic of natural resources is they
Answer Details
A major characteristic of natural resources is that they are free gifts of nature. This means that they are not produced by humans, but are found naturally in the environment. Examples of natural resources include water, air, forests, minerals, and fossil fuels. However, although natural resources are free in the sense that they are not created by humans, their extraction, production, and transportation often involve costs. Additionally, some natural resources may become scarce over time due to overuse or depletion, leading to increased prices and a greater focus on sustainability and conservation efforts.
Question 34 Report
Under a floating exchange rate regime, the determinant of the exchange rate is
Answer Details
Under a floating exchange rate regime, the determinant of the exchange rate is "demand for and supply of foreign goods." In a floating exchange rate system, the exchange rate between two currencies is determined by the market forces of supply and demand. Factors such as interest rates, inflation rates, and trade flows can influence the demand for and supply of currencies, which in turn can affect the exchange rate. Unlike fixed exchange rate systems, where the exchange rate is determined by government policy, in a floating exchange rate system, the exchange rate can fluctuate based on market conditions.
Question 35 Report
An exceptional demand curve can result from
Answer Details
An exceptional demand curve can result from an expectation of future price increase. When people think that the price of a good or service is going to increase in the future, they may start buying more of it now in order to avoid paying the higher price later. This increase in demand can cause the price of the good or service to go up in the present, creating an exceptional demand curve that deviates from the typical downward-sloping demand curve. The other factors, such as an increase in the price of raw materials, increase in the size of the population, or change in taste of consumers, can also impact the demand for a good or service, but an expectation of future price increase is a unique factor that can result in an exceptional demand curve.
Question 36 Report
The increase in the demand for a commodity may lead to a decrease in the demand for another if both are
Answer Details
The increase in the demand for a commodity may lead to a decrease in the demand for another if both are in competitive demand. When two goods are in competitive demand, they are seen as substitutes for each other, meaning that they can be used for the same purpose. For example, coffee and tea can be seen as substitutes for each other, since both are beverages that can be used to satisfy the same desire for a hot drink. So, if the demand for coffee increases, people may buy more coffee and less tea, because they see coffee as a substitute for tea. Similarly, if the demand for tea increases, people may buy more tea and less coffee, because they see tea as a substitute for coffee. On the other hand, if two goods are in complementary demand, they are often used together. For example, if the demand for cars increases, the demand for gasoline will also increase, since cars require gasoline to run. Similarly, if the demand for smartphones increases, the demand for phone cases may also increase, since people may want to protect their phones. In composite demand, a good has multiple uses, so an increase in demand for one use may not necessarily lead to a decrease in demand for another use. And in the case of goods of the same quality, an increase in demand for one good does not necessarily affect the demand for the other good, since they are not substitutes or complements.
Question 38 Report
A positive effect of a rapid population increase is
Answer Details
A positive effect of a rapid population increase is a wider market for goods and services. When there are more people in a country, there is a higher demand for goods and services, which can lead to economic growth and development. As more people are born and immigrate to a country, they will need housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and other goods and services, which can lead to an increase in jobs and businesses. This wider market for goods and services can stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, and ultimately improve the standard of living for individuals in the country. However, it is important to note that rapid population growth can also bring challenges such as pressure on resources and infrastructure, which can lead to other negative effects.
Question 39 Report
Positive check as envisaged by Thomas Malthus can be prevented if
Answer Details
Thomas Malthus proposed the concept of a positive check, which refers to a population control mechanism in which natural disasters, disease, and famine limit the population growth. However, positive checks are not desirable as they lead to high levels of human suffering. To prevent positive checks, it is necessary to implement measures that help to control population growth while maintaining the well-being of individuals. One way to achieve this is by reducing the death rate through improved healthcare, better nutrition, and access to safe water and sanitation. Another approach is to promote moral restraint, which involves encouraging individuals to delay marriage and childbearing until they are economically stable and can provide for their children. Additionally, building more hospitals can help to improve access to healthcare, which can contribute to reducing the death rate and improving overall health outcomes. Natural calamities, on the other hand, can lead to positive checks, and as such, they are not a desirable solution for preventing population growth. Instead, efforts should focus on implementing sustainable population control measures that promote economic development, education, and access to healthcare, while also protecting the environment.
Question 40 Report
The distinction between capital and recurrent expenditure lies in the
Answer Details
