JAMB UTME - Economics - 2022
Question 1 Report
The middlemen is responsible for
Answer Details
The middlemen is responsible for "breaking the bulk". Middlemen are intermediaries between producers and consumers in the distribution process. They play a crucial role in getting products from the producers to the consumers, and they perform a variety of functions such as transportation, storage, and marketing. One important function of middlemen is to break the bulk of products. This means they take large quantities of goods from producers and break them down into smaller units that can be sold to consumers in the desired quantities. For example, a farmer may produce tons of wheat, but consumers may only want to buy it in small quantities. Middlemen can purchase the bulk quantity from the farmer, then break it down into smaller units that can be sold to individual consumers. Breaking the bulk is important for several reasons. It allows for greater efficiency in the distribution process, as products can be transported and stored more easily in smaller units. It also allows for greater flexibility in meeting consumer demand, as products can be sold in the quantities that consumers desire. Finally, it can help to reduce costs for both producers and consumers, as middlemen can aggregate products from multiple producers and sell them at a lower cost than individual producers could achieve on their own.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 Report
The type of unemployment found among workers who leave their jobs in search of other jobs is termed
Answer Details
The type of unemployment found among workers who leave their jobs in search of other jobs is called frictional unemployment. This occurs when individuals are between jobs and are actively searching for new employment opportunities. Frictional unemployment is typically short-term and is a natural part of the job search process. It can occur due to various reasons such as workers seeking better job opportunities, moving to a new location, or recently graduating from school. Although frictional unemployment may be a temporary situation for individuals, it can have an impact on the economy if the time taken to find a new job is prolonged. However, it is generally seen as a less problematic form of unemployment than other types, such as structural or cyclical unemployment, which can have more severe and long-lasting effects on the economy.
Question 6 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 7 Report
Economics problems arise in all societies because
Answer Details
Economics problems arise in all societies because of the fundamental concept of scarcity. Scarcity means that the resources available to society are limited, while the wants and needs of individuals are virtually unlimited. This leads to a situation where individuals, businesses, and governments have to make choices about how to allocate scarce resources in the most efficient and effective way possible. For example, a society may want to provide free healthcare to all its citizens, but it may not have the resources to do so. Alternatively, a business may want to produce more products, but it may not have the resources to expand its production line. These are just two examples of the countless economic choices that are made every day. Mismanagement of resources by leaders, lack of planning, inadequate supply of resources, and underutilization of economists are some of the factors that can exacerbate economic problems in a society. However, the underlying cause of economic problems is the scarcity of resources, which requires individuals and institutions to make difficult choices about how to allocate those resources.
Question 8 Report
A disadvantage of a jont-stock company is
Answer Details
A disadvantage of a joint-stock company is limited control in management by shareholders. In a joint-stock company, shareholders own a portion of the company and can make money by selling their shares for a profit or receiving dividends. However, shareholders do not typically have direct control over the day-to-day management of the company. Instead, a board of directors and executive management team make decisions on behalf of the company. This lack of control in management can be seen as a disadvantage for shareholders who may have different ideas about how the company should be run or who may not agree with the decisions made by the board or executive management team. Additionally, shareholders may not be able to influence the direction of the company as much as they would like. Overall, while joint-stock companies offer benefits such as limited liability for shareholders, this disadvantage in control over management may be a concern for some investors.
Question 9 Report
The demand for labour is an example of
Answer Details
The demand for labor is an example of "derived demand." Derived demand refers to the demand for a factor of production or a good that arises as a result of the demand for another good or service. In the case of labor, it is not demanded for its own sake but rather because it is needed to produce goods and services that consumers demand. The demand for labor is therefore derived from the demand for the goods and services that labor helps to produce.
Question 10 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 11 Report
The effect of changes in the condition of demand on a demand schedule with the price constant is a
Answer Details
The effect of changes in the condition of demand on a demand schedule with the price constant is a shift of the demand curve. When there is a change in any factor that affects the quantity demanded at each price level, such as income, tastes and preferences, prices of related goods, or population, the entire demand curve shifts to a new position. This means that at each price level, the quantity demanded changes, leading to a new demand schedule. A movement along the demand curve occurs when there is a change in price, leading to a change in quantity demanded, while the other factors remain constant. Deflation or hyperbola formation are not terms typically used to describe changes in demand.
Question 12 Report
A disadvantage of a joint-stock company is
Answer Details
A disadvantage of a joint-stock company is the potential for loss of controlling interest. In a joint-stock company, ownership is divided into shares, which can be bought and sold by individual shareholders. If a large number of shares are sold to other individuals or entities, it can dilute the ownership and control of the original shareholders, making it more difficult for them to have a significant say in the decision-making process. Limited liability is actually an advantage of a joint-stock company, as it protects shareholders from personal financial liability beyond their investment in the company. Continuity is also an advantage of a joint-stock company, as it can continue to exist even if shareholders come and go or if one or more shareholders die. Unlimited liability, on the other hand, is a disadvantage of a sole proprietorship or partnership, where the owner or partners can be held personally liable for the debts and obligations of the business.
Question 13 Report
Which of the following factors is not a cause of diminishing returns?
Answer Details
The factor that is not a cause of diminishing returns is "Technological innovations". Diminishing returns refers to the decrease in marginal output or production as more units of a variable input (such as labor or capital) are added to a fixed amount of other inputs (such as land or machinery). This occurs because the fixed inputs become increasingly scarce relative to the variable inputs, which can lead to inefficiencies and reduced productivity. The other three factors listed - an increase in variable inputs, land fragmentation, and constant technology - can all contribute to diminishing returns. For example, adding more workers to a fixed amount of land may lead to overcrowding and reduced productivity (land fragmentation). Similarly, if technology remains constant while more inputs are added, the additional inputs may not be fully utilized and may even become redundant. In contrast, technological innovations can actually help to overcome diminishing returns by allowing for more efficient use of inputs and increasing productivity. New technologies can improve the efficiency of production processes, reduce waste, and create new products or services, all of which can lead to increased output and economic growth.
Question 14 Report
A baker bought flour and other ingredients for S250.00, spent S52.00 on distribution, sold the bread for S320.00. The value added by the baker.
Answer Details
The value added by the baker is $90.00. To calculate the value added by the baker, we need to subtract the cost of goods sold (COGS) from the revenue. The COGS in this case includes the cost of flour and other ingredients, which is not given, but we know that the baker spent a total of $250.00 on these items. We also need to include the cost of distribution, which is $52.00. So the total COGS is $250.00 + $52.00 = $302.00. The revenue from selling the bread is $320.00. Therefore, the value added by the baker is $320.00 - $302.00 = $18.00. In other words, the baker added $18.00 of value to the raw materials and distribution costs to produce and sell the bread. This value added represents the baker's contribution to the economy and is a measure of the wealth created by the baker's business.
Question 15 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 16 Report
The theory of comparative advantage states that a commodity should be produced in that nation where the
Answer Details
The theory of comparative advantage states that a commodity should be produced in that nation where the opportunity cost is least. Opportunity cost is the cost of choosing one option over another, and in the context of comparative advantage, it refers to the cost of producing a particular good or service in terms of what has to be given up to produce it. A country should specialize in producing and exporting the goods and services for which it has a comparative advantage, which means that it can produce them at a lower opportunity cost than other countries. While the absolute cost and absolute money cost of production can be important factors in determining the competitiveness of a particular commodity, the theory of comparative advantage emphasizes the importance of considering opportunity cost. Furthermore, the production possibility curve, which shows the maximum combination of two goods that can be produced with a given set of resources, is not directly related to the theory of comparative advantage, although it can help illustrate some of the concepts involved in the theory.
Question 17 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 18 Report
Which of the following activities will not lead to economic growth?
Answer Details
Massive importation of consumer goods will not lead to economic growth. Economic growth refers to an increase in the capacity of an economy to produce goods and services over a period of time. It is measured by the growth in the gross domestic product (GDP) of a country. Massive importation of consumer goods may lead to an increase in consumption, but it does not lead to an increase in the productive capacity of an economy. This is because consumer goods are used for immediate consumption and do not contribute to the production of other goods and services. On the other hand, capital goods like machinery, equipment, and infrastructure are used to produce other goods and services, and their importation can lead to economic growth by increasing the productive capacity of an economy. Intensive capital formation and the use of modern technology also contribute to economic growth by increasing the efficiency and productivity of an economy.
Question 20 Report
If the quantity demanded of a commodity increases from 20 units to 30 units when there is an increase in price from $4.00 to $5.00, the elasticity of demand is
Answer Details
The elasticity of demand measures the responsiveness of the quantity demanded of a commodity to a change in its price. In this case, when the price of the commodity increased from $4.00 to $5.00, the quantity demanded increased from 20 units to 30 units. To calculate the elasticity of demand, we use the following formula: Elasticity of demand = (percent change in quantity demanded) / (percent change in price) First, let's find the percent change in quantity demanded: (30 units - 20 units) / 20 units = 0.50 or 50% Next, let's find the percent change in price: (5.00 - 4.00) / 4.00 = 0.25 or 25% Finally, let's plug in the values into the formula: Elasticity of demand = 0.50 / 0.25 = 2.00 So, the elasticity of demand in this case is 2.00. This means that a 1% increase in price leads to a 2% decrease in the quantity demanded.
Question 21 Report
A firm's average cost decreases in the long-run because of
Answer Details
A firm's average cost can decrease in the long-run due to increasing returns to scale. This means that as the firm increases its production, it experiences a decrease in its average cost. This can be due to various factors such as specialization, economies of scale, and better utilization of resources. For example, a firm that produces 100 units of a product might have an average cost of $10 per unit. However, if it increases its production to 200 units, it might be able to reduce its average cost to $8 per unit. This could be due to the fact that the firm can take advantage of bulk discounts on raw materials, use more efficient production methods, and spread its fixed costs over a larger number of units. Therefore, when a firm experiences increasing returns to scale, it can reduce its average cost in the long-run, which can lead to higher profits and a competitive advantage in the market.
Question 22 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, leads banks to charge higher interest rates on loans they give to their customers. As a result, borrowing becomes more expensive for customers, so they might choose to borrow less money or pay off existing loans. This discourages borrowing and slows down the overall spending in the economy. On the other hand, since banks have to pay a higher interest rate to the central bank, they might be able to increase the interest they charge on loans, which would increase their profits. The increase in the bank rate does not directly impact the money supply in the economy. The central bank can use other tools, such as open market operations, to influence the money supply.
Question 23 Report
Cooperative societies are formed mainly to
Answer Details
Cooperative societies are primarily formed to promote and maintain the welfare of their members. This means that the members of a cooperative society come together to work towards achieving common goals that benefit everyone in the society. Cooperative societies are usually formed by a group of individuals who share a common interest, such as farming, housing, or credit. By working together, members can access resources that they may not have been able to on their own, such as bulk purchasing of materials, access to credit, or sharing of knowledge and skills. In a cooperative society, the focus is not on maximizing profits for individual members, but rather on achieving benefits that are shared by the entire group. By working together, members can create a sustainable and mutually beneficial organization that can help to address the needs of the community. Therefore, the main purpose of cooperative societies is to promote the welfare of members by providing a platform for collective action and collaboration.
Question 24 Report
The figure above shows change in demand for commodity x which is a normal good. Use it to answer the questions that follows
Which of the following caused the change in demand from D0 D0 to D2 D2?
Answer Details
Question 25 Report
In the event of bankruptcy, owners of joint-stock companies lose
Answer Details
In the event of bankruptcy, owners of joint-stock companies (also known as shareholders) typically only lose the capital they have invested in the company. They do not lose their private properties or personal assets. When an individual buys shares in a joint-stock company, they become a partial owner of the company. As a shareholder, they are entitled to receive a share of the company's profits in the form of dividends. However, if the company goes bankrupt and cannot meet its financial obligations, the shareholders may lose the value of their investment, meaning the shares they hold in the company become worthless. Therefore, shareholders may lose the capital they invested in the company, but they are not responsible for any additional debts or liabilities the company may have. Shareholders are only liable to lose the value of their shares and do not have to worry about losing their personal assets or private properties.
Question 26 Report
IBRD as an international monetary institution is concerned with the
Answer Details
The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) as an international monetary institution is concerned with the development of infrastructure in member nations. The IBRD, also known as the World Bank, was established to help finance the reconstruction and development of war-torn and developing countries after World War II. The bank provides loans, technical assistance, and other financial services to support projects in a variety of sectors, including infrastructure development, such as transportation, energy, and communication networks, among others. While the IBRD is concerned with the economic development of member nations, it is not primarily focused on financing private business or improving trade among member nations, although these may be outcomes of its operations. Additionally, the IBRD may also provide assistance to member nations facing balance of payments problems, but this is not its primary objective.
Question 27 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 28 Report
Marginal cost is?
Answer Details
Marginal cost refers to the cost of producing one additional unit of a good or service. It is the cost of producing the last or extra unit of output. This cost includes the variable costs of producing the additional unit, such as the cost of materials and labor, but it does not include fixed costs like rent or salaries, which do not change with the level of production. The concept of marginal cost is important in economics because it helps businesses and policymakers make decisions about how much to produce, what price to set for their goods or services, and whether to enter or exit a market. By analyzing their marginal costs, businesses can determine whether producing an additional unit of a good will be profitable or not.
Question 30 Report
If units of a variable factor are increasingly added to a fixed factor and the marginal physical product keeps increasing, production is said to be taking place under condition of
Answer Details
The production process described in the question, where the marginal physical product of the variable factor increases as more units of it are added to a fixed factor, is referred to as increasing returns to the variable factor. In this case, the variable factor is becoming increasingly productive as more units of it are added, which results in an increase in the marginal physical product. Increasing returns to scale, on the other hand, refer to the situation where an increase in all factors of production leads to a more than proportionate increase in output. Constant returns to the variable factor occur when increasing the variable factor by a certain percentage leads to a proportional increase in output. Finally, external economies of scale refer to the cost advantages that a firm experiences as a result of factors outside of its control, such as the growth of an industry or the development of infrastructure.
Question 31 Report
Nation engage in external trade because of difference in
Answer Details
Nations engage in external trade because of the differences in comparative cost, also known as comparative advantage. Comparative advantage is the ability of a country to produce goods or services at a lower opportunity cost than another country. Opportunity cost is the cost of one choice in terms of the best alternative that must be given up. In other words, it's the cost of producing one product in terms of the number of other products that could have been produced instead. For example, let's say that Country A can produce both cars and computers, but it can only produce one of them at a time. If Country A devotes all its resources to producing cars, it can produce 100,000 cars per year. If it devotes all its resources to producing computers, it can produce 50,000 computers per year. Meanwhile, Country B can produce 60,000 cars per year or 30,000 computers per year. In this case, Country A has a comparative advantage in producing cars because it has a lower opportunity cost of producing cars compared to computers. As a result, Country A can produce cars at a lower cost and sell them to Country B, which can in turn produce computers at a lower cost and sell them to Country A. This allows both countries to benefit from trade and improve their overall welfare. In summary, nations engage in external trade because of the differences in comparative cost, which allow countries to specialize in producing goods and services that they can produce more efficiently and trade with other countries for goods and services that they cannot produce efficiently. This creates mutual benefits for all countries involved.
Question 32 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 33 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 35 Report
Fixing the prices of agricultural products can be a problem because of the
Answer Details
Fixing the prices of agricultural products can be a problem because of the unpredictable output of farmers. Agricultural output can vary due to a variety of factors including weather, pests, disease, and other unpredictable factors. This variability can make it difficult to accurately predict the supply of agricultural products and set prices accordingly. While the instability of government policies, activities of marketing boards, and the size of agricultural exports can also have an impact on the pricing of agricultural products, the unpredictable output of farmers is a primary factor that can create challenges in setting prices. Instability of government policies can create uncertainty in the market, while the activities of marketing boards can sometimes lead to distortions in supply and demand. The size of agricultural exports can also influence prices by affecting the balance of supply and demand in domestic and international markets.
Question 36 Report
An advantage of the sole proprietorship over the partnership form of business organization is that
Answer Details
An advantage of the sole proprietorship over the partnership form of business organization is that it relies on the decision of one individual and does not require the consent or involvement of others. This can make decision-making more efficient and effective, and reduce the possibility of conflicts between partners. In contrast, partnerships require consensus and agreement among multiple individuals, which can be time-consuming and challenging, especially when there are disagreements. However, it is important to note that a sole proprietorship does not enjoy limited liability for debt in the event of failure, and its existence is limited by the individual owner's life span.
Question 37 Report
The effect of an increase in the personal income tax is to
Answer Details
The effect of an increase in the personal income tax is to reduce the disposable income of taxpayers. When personal income taxes are increased, taxpayers have less money to spend on goods and services, as more of their income is going towards taxes. This reduction in disposable income can lead to a decrease in consumer spending, which can have a negative impact on businesses and the economy as a whole. Increasing personal income taxes may also have a distorting effect on the economy, as it can create disincentives for individuals to work, save, and invest. However, it is not likely to raise the absolute price level, as this is determined by a variety of factors including supply and demand in the economy. Furthermore, an increase in personal income taxes is not directly linked to a reduction in unemployment, as this is influenced by a wide range of factors such as economic growth, labour market policies, and the overall state of the economy.
Question 38 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 39 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 40 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.
