JAMB UTME - Economics - 2023

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Economics is often described as a science because it uses scientific methods to explain observed phenomena. Just like other scientific fields, economics relies on gathering data, formulating hypotheses, and conducting experiments to test these hypotheses. However, unlike fields such as physics or chemistry, economics does not rely on laboratory experiments or controlled experiments. Instead, economists analyze real-world data to understand how individuals, businesses, and governments make choices and interact with each other. They use statistical methods to analyze this data and make predictions about how changes in various factors will affect economic outcomes. While it is difficult to accurately predict the behavior of individual human beings, economics aims to make accurate predictions on aggregate behavior, or how groups of people will respond to changes in factors such as prices, taxes, or policies. These predictions are based on the analysis of historical data and the use of economic models, which simplify complex economic interactions. In summary, economics is considered a science because it employs scientific methods to explain observed phenomena, although it does not rely on laboratory experiments or controlled experiments. It uses data analysis, hypothesis testing, and economic models to understand and predict how individuals and groups make economic decisions and interact with each other.

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Economic profit = Total revenue(Output) - Opportunity cost of input
= 1,000,000 - 750,000
= 250,000

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The correct term for the number of people who are qualified to work and who offer themselves for employment is the working population.
The working population refers to the subset of the total population that is actively engaged or seeking employment. It includes individuals who are qualified, available, and willing to work. This encompasses both employed individuals and those who are actively looking for work, such as job seekers.
The working population is an important measure for understanding the labor market. It helps policymakers, businesses, and economists in assessing the job market's health and determining factors such as employment rates, labor force participation, and unemployment rates.
Options like "mobility of labor" and "migrant labor" focus on the movement of workers between different locations, which is a related concept but not the same as the total number of qualified individuals available for employment. "Labor turnover" refers to the rate at which workers leave and join a particular company or industry, which is also not synonymous with the working population as a whole.
Therefore, the working population is the term that correctly describes the number of qualified individuals who are available for employment.

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The loans help to create poverty, as capital that could have been invested instead was channeled into debt repayment.

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The measure that represents the natural growth rate of a population is the **Birth rate minus the Death rate**, which is the second option. The natural growth rate of a population refers to the rate at which the population increases or decreases due to births and deaths, without taking into account migration. It solely focuses on the difference between the number of births and the number of deaths occurring within a population during a specific period of time. When the birth rate exceeds the death rate, it results in a positive natural growth rate, meaning the population is increasing. On the other hand, if the death rate is higher than the birth rate, it leads to a negative natural growth rate, indicating a decrease in the population. The first option, "Natural increase - Birth rate + Net migration," takes into account both the birth rate and the net migration (the difference between the number of people migrating into and out of a population in a specific period). This measure considers factors beyond just births and deaths, so it does not accurately represent the natural growth rate. The third option, "Birth rate/Death rate," is a ratio of the birth rate to the death rate. It does not give a measure of the natural growth rate itself, but rather shows the relationship between the number of births and the number of deaths. The fourth option, "Birth + Net migration = Death," suggests an equality between the sum of births and net migration and the number of deaths. This equation does not accurately represent the natural growth rate since it assumes that the number of births and net migration should exactly match the number of deaths, which is unlikely in most populations. Therefore, the most appropriate measure for the natural growth rate of a population is the **Birth rate minus the Death rate**.

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The principle that specifies that the amount, when, and how to pay tax should be made known to the taxpayer is known as the Principle of Certainty. This principle ensures that taxpayers have a clear understanding of their tax obligations, which includes knowing the amount of tax they owe, the deadline for payment, and the method of payment.
The Principle of Certainty is important because it promotes transparency and accountability in the tax system. By providing clear and specific information to taxpayers, it enables them to accurately calculate and plan for their tax obligations. This helps to avoid confusion or misunderstandings between the taxpayer and the tax authorities.
Furthermore, the Principle of Certainty also ensures fairness and consistency in the tax system. By clearly stating the rules and requirements, it ensures that all taxpayers are treated equally and that there is no ambiguity or room for arbitrary decisions in the tax assessment process.
Overall, the Principle of Certainty provides a solid foundation for the relationship between taxpayers and tax authorities. It establishes clear expectations, promotes compliance, and adds credibility to the tax system.

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Investment is an activity of spending resources on creating assets that can generate income over a long period of time. It is flow of expenditures developed to projects producing goods which are intended for immediate consumption.

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The diagram above represents the production possibility curve.
The production possibility curve shows the different combinations of goods and services that can be produced given the available resources and technology.
On the curve, each point represents a specific combination of goods and services that can be produced. Points on the curve are considered efficient because all available resources are fully utilized. Points inside the curve represent inefficient production because resources are not fully utilized. Points outside the curve represent combinations that are currently unattainable given the available resources and technology.
In summary, the production possibility curve helps us understand the trade-offs and limitations in production based on available resources and technology. It is a visual representation of the production possibilities in an economy.

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The causes of balance of payment deficit are: low level of agriculture, low level of technological development, inadequacies in export promotion strategy, political instability, poor social and economic infrastructure, servicing of huge external debts, existence of import dependent industries etc.

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The government uses various methods to redistribute income in society. Three of these ways are market intervention, transfer earnings, and taxation. Market intervention involves the government stepping in and regulating certain aspects of the economy to ensure fairness and reduce income inequality. For example, the government may set a minimum wage so that workers are guaranteed a certain level of income. Transfer earnings refer to government programs that provide financial assistance to individuals or families who are in need. These programs include welfare, unemployment benefits, and social security. The goal is to provide support to those who may have lower incomes or are facing financial difficulties. Taxation is another method used by the government to redistribute income. Through taxes, the government collects money from individuals and businesses based on their income or profits. This revenue is then used to fund public services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social programs. However, the answer to the question is that the government does not use limited liability as a way to redistribute income. Limited liability is a legal concept that protects individuals from being personally liable for the debts and liabilities of a company. It is not directly related to income redistribution. In summary, the government redistributes income through market intervention, transfer earnings, and taxation. These methods aim to promote fairness and provide support to those in need. However, limited liability is not a method used for income redistribution.

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The marginal propensity to consume (MPC) is a measure of how much of an increase in income is typically spent on consumption. It is represented by the symbol c or ΔC/ΔY. To explain it simply, the MPC tells us the proportion of additional income that is used for consumption rather than saving or other purposes. For example, if the MPC is 0.8, it means that for every additional unit of income, 0.8 units are typically spent on consumption. The MPC can also be understood as the slope of the consumption function. The consumption function is a mathematical relationship between income and consumption. The MPC represents how much consumption changes for a given change in income. In the equation C = C + cYd, the coefficient c represents the MPC. This equation shows that consumption (C) is determined by autonomous consumption (C) plus the product of the MPC (c) and disposable income (Yd). In summary, the MPC is a measure of how much additional income is typically used for consumption. It can be represented as ΔC/ΔY, the slope of the consumption function, or the coefficient c in the consumption equation.

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When there is an increase in money income but the prices of goods and services remain the same, it will result in an outward shift in the budget line. To understand this, let's imagine a simple scenario where a person has a fixed amount of money to spend on different goods and services. This fixed amount of money represents their income. Now, if their income increases but the prices of goods and services they want to buy stay the same, they will have more money to spend. This means they can afford to buy more of each item. As a result, the budget line, which shows the different combinations of goods and services that can be bought with a given income, will shift outward. This indicates that they can now afford to buy a greater quantity of goods and services than before. Therefore, the correct answer is an "outward shift in the budget line" when there is an increase in money income with constant prices.

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The economic problem occurs when there is scarcity relative to demand. Scarcity means that resources are limited, while demand refers to people's desires and needs for goods and services. In simple terms, the economic problem arises when there are not enough resources to satisfy everyone's wants and needs. This is because resources, such as land, labor, and capital, are finite, while people's desires are infinite. For example, imagine a small community with a limited amount of food available. If everyone in the community wants to eat, but there is not enough food for everyone, it creates an economic problem. This scarcity can lead to competition, as individuals and businesses try to obtain the limited resources. The economic problem is not caused by raw materials being imported or people being out of work. These factors can contribute to a country's economic challenges, but they are not the direct cause of the economic problem. Similarly, the absence of buyers for goods is a symptom of the economic problem, rather than the cause. If people cannot afford or do not want to buy goods, it indicates a mismatch between supply and demand. However, this does not explain why the economic problem exists in the first place. In summary, the economic problem occurs when there is scarcity relative to demand, meaning there are not enough resources to fulfill everyone's wants and needs. This scarcity leads to competition and the need for individuals and businesses to make choices regarding resource allocation.

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To find the value of L when the supply (s) is equal to 20, we can use the given supply curve equation: S = 4L + 8.
The supply curve equation represents how much labor (L) will be supplied at a given wage rate (s). In this case, the equation tells us that the supply of labor is equal to 4 times the quantity of labor (L) plus 8.
To find L when s = 20, let's substitute s = 20 into the equation:
20 = 4L + 8
Next, let's isolate L by subtracting 8 from both sides of the equation:
20 - 8 = 4L
Simplifying further:
12 = 4L
Now, we need to solve for L. We can do this by dividing both sides of the equation by 4:
12/4 = 4L/4
Simplifying again:
3 = L
Therefore, when the supply (s) is equal to 20, the value of L is 3.
So the correct answer is 3.

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The monopolist can charge P2 price and still make profit as long as he covers his AVC. Any price below price P2, the monopoly will run at loss or shut down.

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An indicator of underdevelopment is low per capita income. Per capita income refers to the average income earned by individuals in a country. In underdeveloped countries, the per capita income is generally low, meaning that people have lower incomes on average compared to developed countries.
Low per capita income is a significant indicator of underdevelopment because it directly affects the standard of living of people within a country. With low income, individuals have limited purchasing power, making it difficult for them to afford basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. This can lead to overall poor living conditions and a lack of access to essential services like healthcare and education.
Additionally, low per capita income also implies limited economic opportunities and a weak economy. It suggests that the country's productivity and industrial development are low, leading to low wages and limited job opportunities. This can result in high levels of poverty and unemployment, further hindering the country's development.
In summary, low per capita income is a crucial indicator of underdevelopment because it reflects the overall economic situation of a country and directly impacts the living conditions and opportunities available to its citizens.

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If GDP falls, then people demand less money for transactions. As interest rate rise (fall), the demand for money will fall(rise).

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Agriculture accounts for about 60% of the active labour force in West Africa. This is because a large portion of the population in West Africa is engaged in farming and other agricultural activities for their livelihood. The other options are incorrect as agriculture does not account for 60% of the arable land, service sector activities, or the commodity market in West Africa.

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Normative economics is a perspective on economics that reflects normative, or ideologically prescriptive judgments toward economic development, investment projects, statements, and scenarios. It expresses ideological judgments about what may results in economic activity if public policy changes are made.

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To calculate the elasticity of demand, we need to compare the changes in price and quantity demanded.
First, let's calculate the percentage change in price:
% change in price = ((new price - old price) / old price) x 100
% change in price = ((6 - 8) / 8) x 100
% change in price = (-2 / 8) x 100
% change in price = -25%
Next, let's calculate the percentage change in quantity demanded:
% change in quantity demanded = ((new quantity demanded - old quantity demanded) / old quantity demanded) x 100
% change in quantity demanded = ((30 - 20) / 20) x 100
% change in quantity demanded = (10 / 20) x 100
% change in quantity demanded = 50%
Now, let's calculate the elasticity of demand:
Elasticity of demand = % change in quantity demanded / % change in price
Elasticity of demand = 50% / -25%
Elasticity of demand = -2
The elasticity of demand is -2.
Explanation:
The negative sign in the elasticity of demand (-2) indicates that the demand for carrots is price elastic. This means that a decrease in price by 1% will lead to a more than proportionate increase in quantity demanded by 2%. In simpler terms, when the price of carrots decreased by 25%, the quantity demanded increased by 50%.
Therefore, the elasticity of demand is -2, which means that the demand for carrots is price elastic.

But since price elasticity is always represented with a positive number, the answer is 2

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Money can be defined as a medium of exchange that is universally accepted for buying goods and services. It enables people to easily trade with one another, without the need for bartering or trading directly with goods. In simpler terms, money is like a common language that everyone understands and uses to exchange things they want or need.

Money also serves as a settlement of debt because it allows individuals, businesses, and even governments to repay what they owe. When someone borrows money or takes a loan, they can later use money to pay back the lender. Similarly, if someone owes money to another person, they can use money to settle that debt.

Additionally, money is a medium of payment. It is used to complete transactions and make payments for goods and services. Whether you are buying groceries, paying for a movie ticket, or purchasing a new gadget, money is the common method of payment.

To summarize, money is a medium of exchange, settlement of debt, and medium of payment. It simplifies trade, enables the repayment of debts, and facilitates transactions in our daily lives.

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The Gross Domestic Product is the total monetary or market value of all the goods and services produced within a country. It is used to measure the rate of growth in an economy.

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The causes of overpopulation are: falling mortality rate, underutilized contraception, lack of female education etc.

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The maximum price is **P4**. To explain why, we need to understand that the prices are listed in ascending order. This means that **P1** is the lowest price and **P4** is the highest price. When we say "maximum price," we are referring to the highest possible price among the given options. In this case, **P4** is the highest price listed. Therefore, the maximum price is **P4**.

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A fall in the profit margin of producers in an economy will likely result in an increase in unemployment.
When the profit margin of producers decreases, it means that they are earning less profit from their business activities. As a result, they may struggle to cover their costs, sustain their operations, or expand their businesses. To manage their financial situation, producers may need to cut costs, reduce production, or even close down their business altogether.
Reduced production and business closures lead to a decrease in job opportunities and an increase in unemployment. When businesses are not making enough profit, they may need to lay off workers or reduce their workforce in order to cut costs. This means that fewer people will have jobs, resulting in higher unemployment rates.
Additionally, a fall in profit margins can also deter new businesses from entering the market or existing businesses from expanding. This further limits job creation and can exacerbate the unemployment problem.
In summary, a fall in the profit margin of producers in an economy leads to reduced production, business closures, job cuts, and a decrease in job opportunities. Therefore, the most likely resultant effect of such a decline in profit margin is an increase in unemployment.

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An increase in nominal income without an increase in prices will result in an **increased real income**. Nominal income refers to the amount of money a person earns or receives in a given period, without taking into account changes in prices. On the other hand, real income takes into consideration the effects of inflation by adjusting for changes in prices. When nominal income increases but prices remain constant, it means that the purchasing power of an individual's income has increased. In other words, they can afford to buy more goods and services with the same amount of money. This increase in purchasing power leads to an increase in real income. For example, let's say a person's nominal income is $1,000 per month, and the prices of goods and services they consume also remain constant. If their nominal income increases to $1,200 per month, without any increase in prices, they now have an additional $200 to spend on other things. This additional purchasing power translates to an increase in their real income. It is important to note that an increase in nominal income without an increase in prices does not necessarily lead to an **increased GDP** or a **decreased GNP**. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) measures the total value of goods and services produced within a country's borders, while GNP (Gross National Product) measures the total value of goods and services produced by a country's residents, including those produced abroad. The increase in real income of individuals does not automatically impact the overall production levels captured by GDP or GNP.

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Real cost is the cost of producing a good or service, including the cost of all resources used and the cost of not employing those resources in alternative uses.

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Currency depreciation is a fall in the value of a currency in a floating exchange rate system. Therefore, a decrease in the price of the domestic currency in terms of a foreign currency is referred to as depreciation.

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In a two by two model of international trade, it is assumed that **both countries could gain from trade at the same time, but the volume of the gains depends on terms of trade**. This means that both countries can benefit from engaging in trade with each other. Trade allows both countries to specialize in producing and exporting the goods in which they have a comparative advantage, while importing goods that they are less efficient at producing. This leads to increased efficiency and overall economic gains for both countries. However, the volume of the gains from trade depends on the terms of trade between the two countries. The terms of trade refer to the ratio at which the countries exchange their goods. If one country has a higher bargaining power or can produce goods at a lower cost, they may negotiate more favorable terms of trade, leading to a larger volume of gains for that country. On the other hand, if the terms of trade are less favorable, the volume of gains for both countries may be smaller. In summary, while both countries can benefit from trade, the extent of the gains will vary depending on the terms of trade negotiated between them.

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An increase in the real GDP will increase the demand for money and also the interest rate will also increase.

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To calculate the total product of cassava, we need to multiply the average production per person by the number of people.
In this scenario, we know that there were 40 men employed in the farm, and each person produced an average of 30 tonnes of cassava.
So, to find the total product, we need to multiply 40 by 30.
40 x 30 = 1200
Therefore, the total product of cassava is 1,200 tonnes.

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A perfect market is a theoretical concept that represents an idealized scenario where certain conditions are met. In this market, there is an equilibrium between supply and demand, and no single buyer or seller has the power to influence prices. In order for a perfect market to exist, there are several conditions that need to be met. These conditions include: - **Lack of homogeneity of goods**: In a perfect market, goods are assumed to be identical and indistinguishable from one another. This means that there are no variations in quality, features, or brand identity. Buyers are indifferent to which seller they purchase from since the goods are the same. - **Perfect knowledge**: Another crucial condition is that all buyers and sellers in the market have access to complete and accurate information. This means they know the current market prices, availability of goods, and all relevant factors influencing the buying and selling decisions. No hidden or asymmetric information exists that could give an advantage to any market participant. - **Large buyers and sellers**: A perfect market assumes that there are a significant number of buyers and sellers in the market. This ensures that no single buyer or seller has enough market power to influence prices or control the market conditions. Each participant is a price taker, meaning they accept the prevailing market price and cannot change it on their own. - **Portability of goods**: The final condition for a perfect market is the ease with which goods can be transported from one place to another. This means that there are no significant barriers to trade, such as transportation costs, tariffs, or restrictions. Goods can freely move between buyers and sellers, allowing for efficient market operations. Now, looking at the given options, we need to identify the one that does NOT describe a condition necessary for the existence of a perfect market. And that would be **"lack of homogeneity of goods"**. In a perfect market, goods are assumed to be identical and indistinguishable. This means that there are no variations in quality or features. Homogeneity is a vital characteristic of a perfect market, so the lack of it would hinder the existence of a perfect market. In summary, the conditions required for a perfect market are: perfect knowledge, large buyers and sellers, and portability of goods. While homogeneity of goods is a necessary condition for a perfect market, it is not described in the options as a condition necessary for the existence of a perfect market.

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Business cycle are intervals of expansion followed by recession in economic activity. It is characterized by general upswings and downturns in a span of macroeconomics variable.

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A tariff is a tax that is imposed on imported goods. It is a financial charge that a government puts on goods that are being brought into the country. The purpose of a tariff is to protect domestic industries and businesses from competition from imported goods. By placing a tax on imported goods, it becomes more expensive for consumers to buy those goods, making them less appealing compared to domestic alternatives. This gives domestic industries a competitive advantage and helps support local businesses and jobs. So, the correct answer is imported goods.

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To calculate the equilibrium level of national income (Y), we start with the equation Y = C + I + G. In this equation, C represents consumption spending, I represents investment spending, and G represents government spending. Now, let's substitute the given values into the equation: C = 100 + 0.75Y I = 50 G = 200 Substituting these values, we get: Y = (100 + 0.75Y) + 50 + 200 To solve for Y, we need to simplify the equation: Y = 100 + 0.75Y + 50 + 200 Combining like terms, we have: Y = 350 + 0.75Y Next, we can solve for Y by isolating it on one side of the equation. To do this, we can subtract 0.75Y from both sides: Y - 0.75Y = 350 Simplifying further, we have: 0.25Y = 350 Finally, we can solve for Y by dividing both sides of the equation by 0.25: Y = 350 / 0.25 Calculating this, we find: Y = 1400 So, the equilibrium level of national income (Y) is 1400.

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Velocity of money is the total amount of money in circulation in an economy. It is calculated as Velocity of money = GDP/Money Supply

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The age group that belongs to the active labor force is the **18 - 64 years** category. This age range is generally considered to be the working-age population, as it encompasses individuals who are old enough to work and have not yet reached the age of retirement. People in this age group are typically in their prime working years, where they have the physical ability and the necessary skills and knowledge to actively participate in the labor market. They are often seeking employment, working in various industries or sectors, and contributing to the economic growth and development of their country. It is important to note that the specific age range considered as the working-age population may vary slightly across different countries or regions. However, in most cases, it generally falls within the **18 - 64 years** age bracket. On the other hand, the other age groups mentioned in the options are not typically considered as part of the active labor force: - The **0 - 17 years** age group consists of individuals who are below the legal working age and are typically attending school or dependent on others for their livelihood. - The **15 - 25 years** age group partially overlaps with the working-age population, but it includes individuals who may still be in school or pursuing higher education. While some individuals within this age range may be actively seeking employment or working part-time, they are generally not considered as the core active labor force. - The **65 years and above** age group represents individuals who have reached the retirement age or are eligible for retirement benefits. While some individuals in this age range may continue to work, either out of choice or due to financial circumstances, they are not considered as the primary active labor force. In summary, the **18 - 64 years** age group is the one that belongs to the active labor force, consisting of individuals who are in their prime working years and actively participating in the labor market.

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Financial intermediaries serve as links between surplus and deficit units in an economy. These intermediaries include banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. When there is surplus money in the economy, individuals and businesses deposit the excess funds with financial intermediaries. These intermediaries then pool these funds together and make them available to deficit units, such as individuals or businesses in need of loans or financing. Financial intermediaries play a crucial role in the economy by efficiently allocating funds from surplus units to deficit units. They match the needs of borrowers with the resources of savers, helping to facilitate economic growth and development. Tax officers and pension offices, on the other hand, do not serve as direct links between surplus and deficit units. Tax officers collect taxes for the government, while pension offices manage pension funds for retired individuals. Although these entities may indirectly impact the allocation of funds in the economy, their primary roles are different from that of financial intermediaries. Acceptance houses are also not direct links between surplus and deficit units. Acceptance houses provide short-term financing through the purchase of bills of exchange. While they play a role in facilitating trade between businesses, their function is more specific and limited compared to the broader role of financial intermediaries. In summary, financial intermediaries such as banks and credit unions serve as the primary links between surplus and deficit units in an economy. They gather surplus funds from savers and make them available to borrowers, thereby promoting the efficient allocation of resources.

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Based on the graph, the consumer is at equilibrium at point k.

Equilibrium is when the quantity demanded by the consumer is equal to the quantity supplied by the market. At equilibrium, there is no shortage or surplus of the goods or services.

Point k on the graph represents the intersection of the demand curve (D) and the supply curve (S). At this point, the quantity demanded (Qd) and the quantity supplied (Qs) are equal.

If the consumer is at any other point on the graph, either to the left or to the right of point k, there would be either a shortage or a surplus of the goods or services. This would mean that the demand and supply are not in balance and the market is not at equilibrium.

Therefore, point k is the correct answer as it represents the position where the consumer is at equilibrium.

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When a generalization is made based on observed facts, it is called inductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning involves drawing conclusions from specific instances or examples to come up with a general statement or theory. This means that we observe a pattern or trend from the evidence we have and then make a generalization or inference based on that pattern. Inductive reasoning is different from deductive reasoning, which involves starting with a general statement or theory and then using it to predict or explain specific instances. In inductive reasoning, we start with specific observations and use them to make a broader generalization. It is important to note that while inductive reasoning can often lead to accurate conclusions, it is not always guaranteed to be correct. However, it is a common and useful method used in many fields such as science, sociology, and psychology.