JAMB UTME - Economics - 2023
Question 1 Report
Answer Details
Investment multiplier (K) is a function of two factors; The MPS and MPC. If MPC is high, K will also be high but if MPC is low, K will also be low. on the other hand, If MPS is high, K will be low and if MPS is low, K will be high ( since there is an inverse relationship between MPS and K).
Question 2 Report
A tariff is a tax imposed on
Answer Details
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.
Question 3 Report
Which of the following is an example of free good?
Answer Details
An example of a free good is water in the ocean.
A free good is a good that is available in unlimited supply and does not require any payment or exchange to obtain it.
In the case of water in the ocean, it is freely available and accessible to anyone. It is not owned by anyone and does not require any payment to access or use it. Therefore, it can be considered a free good.
On the other hand, free education, dinner you did not pay for, and your rented apartment are not examples of free goods.
Free education typically refers to education that is provided without direct payment by the student. While it may be free for the student, someone is still paying for it, such as the government or private institutions.
A dinner that you did not pay for may seem free to you, but someone, such as a friend or a host, is still paying for it. The cost of that dinner is borne by someone else, even if it is not you.
Similarly, a rented apartment is not a free good because it involves a transaction where you pay for the use of the apartment. You enter into a contractual agreement with the landlord and pay rent in exchange for living in the apartment.
Question 4 Report
From the graph above, the consumer is at equilibrium at point
Answer Details
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.
Question 5 Report
The development of an economic hypothesis through intuition, insight, or logic is associated with
Answer Details
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.
Question 6 Report
The diagram above represent
Answer Details
The dotted line in the graph above represent the upturn and downturn of the econonmy. Therefore, the diagram is cyclical unemployment.
Question 7 Report
Part-time workers who desire full-time employment are:
Answer Details
Part-time workers who desire full-time employment are classified as underemployed and contribute to the unemployment statistic.
Underemployment refers to a situation where individuals are working fewer hours than they would like or in jobs that do not utilize their skills and qualifications fully. In this case, part-time workers who desire full-time employment are considered underemployed because they are not able to secure the desired amount of work hours.
These underemployed workers contribute to the unemployment statistic because they are actively seeking additional work hours to meet their employment needs. They are considered part of the labor force because they are willing and available to work more hours, but they have not been able to find full-time employment.
It is important to note that not all underemployed workers contribute to the unemployment statistic. Some may choose to work part-time for personal reasons, such as family responsibilities or pursuing education. These individuals, although underemployed, are not actively seeking additional work hours and therefore do not contribute to the unemployment statistic.
However, in the case of individuals who are part-time workers and desire full-time employment, their underemployment status reflects the inadequacy of available job opportunities. They increase the count of unemployed individuals because they are willing and actively searching for additional work.
It is worth mentioning that cyclical unemployment is a different type of unemployment. It occurs when there is a downturn in the economy, causing a decrease in overall demand for goods and services, and subsequently, a decrease in the demand for labor. Cyclical unemployment is not directly related to the part-time workers' desire for full-time employment.
Question 8 Report
The term 'investment' in macroeconomics means
Answer Details
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.
Question 9 Report
Which of the following Age group belongs to active Labour force?
Answer Details
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.
Question 10 Report
The demand for money will fall if
Answer Details
If GDP falls, then people demand less money for transactions. As interest rate rise (fall), the demand for money will fall(rise).
Question 11 Report
Which of the following is an example of expansionary monetary policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria?
Answer Details
An example of expansionary monetary policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria is "buying Treasury securities from commercial banks." Expansionary monetary policy is a type of policy implemented by the central bank to stimulate economic growth and increase the supply of money in the economy. This policy is typically used during times of economic downturn or recession to encourage spending and investment. When the Central Bank of Nigeria buys Treasury securities from commercial banks, it injects money into the economy. This increases the amount of money available in the banking system, making it easier for banks to lend to businesses and individuals. By increasing the money supply, the central bank aims to lower interest rates, which in turn encourages borrowing and spending. Lower interest rates mean that businesses and individuals can access credit more easily, leading to increased investment, consumer spending, and economic growth. This expansionary policy can help support economic activity, boost employment, and stimulate overall economic recovery.
Question 12 Report
Answer Details
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.
Question 13 Report
The short run can be defined as the period of time during which
Answer Details
The short run can be defined as the period of time during which at least one of the firm's inputs is fixed. In other words, it is a time frame in which the firm cannot easily or quickly adjust all of its inputs. This means that some resources, such as the size of a factory or the number of employees, cannot be changed in the short run.
During the short run, firms can only adjust their production levels by varying the amount of variable inputs, such as raw materials or utilities. The fixed input, which remains constant in this period, imposes limitations on the firm's ability to increase or decrease its output. This constraint on adjusting all inputs is what distinguishes the short run from the long run, where all inputs can be varied.
It is important to note that the length of the short run can vary depending on the industry and the specific circumstances of the firm. For some businesses, the short run may be a few months, while for others it could be several years. However, what remains consistent is that during the short run, the firm is restricted in its ability to modify certain inputs, which can impact its production and overall performance.
Question 14 Report
The economies of West African Countries depend majorly on
Answer Details
The economies of West African countries primarily depend on primary products.
Primary products refer to raw materials or natural resources that are extracted directly from the earth or sea. These resources typically include agricultural products such as crops, livestock, and fisheries, as well as minerals and natural resources like oil, gas, and minerals.
West African countries, like many developing nations, tend to have economies that are heavily reliant on these primary products. This reliance is due to a combination of factors such as the abundance of natural resources in the region and historical patterns of economic development.
Agriculture plays a significant role in the economies of West African countries, with a large percentage of the population engaged in farming activities. These countries export a variety of agricultural products, including cocoa, coffee, palm oil, cotton, and timber. These exports generate significant revenue and contribute to the overall economic growth of these nations.
Additionally, West Africa is rich in mineral resources such as gold, diamonds, bauxite, and iron ore. The extraction and export of these minerals also contribute to the economic development of these countries.
While some West African countries have started to diversify their economies and develop secondary and tertiary sectors, the primary sector remains a vital component of their economies. However, it is important for these countries to also focus on diversification and value addition to their primary products to reduce their vulnerability to fluctuations in global commodity prices and achieve sustainable growth.
Question 15 Report
The following are economic agents in any economy EXCEPT
Answer Details
Economic agents are entities that make economic decisions. They include households, firms, and the government. The Central Bank, while an important institution, is not considered an economic agent as it does not make decisions about what, how, and for whom to produce. It is responsible for monetary policy and regulating the financial system.
Question 16 Report
Answer Details
- Monetary policy is implemented by reducing the interest rates in the economy in order to increase the supply of money to enhance growth.
- The fiscal policy is implemented by the reduction of taxes and increasing government spending in order to boost demand.
- Policymakers may choose to implement a stabilization policy to close the recessionary gap and increase real GDP.
Question 17 Report
Macroeconomics focuses on the following units in an aggregative manner
Answer Details
Macroeconomics focuses on the units of an economy in an aggregative manner, meaning it looks at the economy as a whole rather than focusing on individual units. This helps us understand how different parts of the economy interact and influence each other.
The correct option is **household, firms, government, corporate sector, and external sector**. Macroeconomics analyzes the behavior and interactions of these units to understand the overall performance of the economy.
1. **Households**: These are the individual consumers who make up the economy. They play a vital role in determining the consumption and saving patterns that influence economic activities.
2. **Firms**: Firms are the businesses that produce goods and services in the economy. Macroeconomics looks at their investment decisions, production levels, and employment to understand the overall economic growth and productivity.
3. **Government**: The government plays a significant role in macroeconomics. It collects taxes, provides public goods and services, regulates the economy, and influences economic policies such as fiscal and monetary measures to stabilize the economy.
4. **External sector**: The external sector represents international trade and the flow of goods, services, and capital across borders. Macroeconomics considers factors like exports, imports, exchange rates, and foreign investment to understand the impact of global interactions on the economy.
By examining these units in an aggregative manner, macroeconomics helps us understand how changes in one sector affect the others and ultimately impact the overall performance of the economy.
Question 18 Report
Overpopulation is caused by
Answer Details
The causes of overpopulation are: falling mortality rate, underutilized contraception, lack of female education etc.
Question 19 Report
The marginal propensity to consume is
Answer Details
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.
Question 20 Report
An increase in money income with constant price results in
Answer Details
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.
Question 21 Report
Indicator of underdevelopment is
Answer Details
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.
Question 22 Report
A persistence rise in the prices of inputs will lead to
Answer Details
A persistence rise in the prices of inputs, such as raw materials or labor, can lead to **cost push inflation**. Cost push inflation occurs when the increased costs of production for firms are passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services. This can happen when the prices of inputs used in production rise over a sustained period. When input costs increase, businesses often have two options: absorb the increased costs and accept lower profit margins, or pass on the higher costs to consumers by raising prices. If firms choose to raise prices, it can lead to a general increase in the overall price level in the economy. Here's a simple example to help illustrate this concept: Let's say there is a town where the main industry is manufacturing shoes. The cost of leather, which is a key input in shoe production, starts to rise due to factors like high demand or scarcity. In response, shoe manufacturers have to pay more for leather, and this increases their production costs. To maintain their profit margins, the manufacturers decide to increase the prices of shoes they sell to retailers. Now, if the retailers decide to pass on the higher costs to the consumers, the prices of shoes will increase. This can create a ripple effect throughout the economy because consumers will have to spend more money on shoes, reducing their purchasing power for other goods and services. As a result, the overall price level in the economy increases, and this is what we call cost push inflation. It is important to note that cost push inflation is different from demand pull inflation. Demand pull inflation occurs when there is an increase in aggregate demand, leading to an excess of demand over supply. In contrast, cost push inflation is driven by increased production costs. Hyperinflation, on the other hand, is an extreme form of inflation characterized by an uncontrollable increase in prices. It is typically caused by factors like rapid money supply growth or loss of confidence in the currency. Stagflation refers to a situation where there is a combination of high inflation and high unemployment, typically accompanied by low economic growth. This can occur when an economy experiences a supply-side shock, such as a significant increase in the prices of key inputs. In summary, a persistence rise in the prices of inputs can lead to cost push inflation, as firms pass on the increased costs to consumers by raising prices.
Question 23 Report
A major factor contributing to productivity is
Answer Details
Labour is by far the most common of the factors used in measuring productivity. One reason for this is, of course, the relatively large share of labour costs in the value of most products.
Question 24 Report
If demand function for a product is Qd = 30 - 4P, and the price and quantity of products is 4 and 14 respectively. What is the price elasticity of demand for the product?
Answer Details
Q = 14, P = 4
Qd = 30 - 4p
∆q/∆p = - 4
Ed = ΔqΔp×pq
= - 4 x 4/14
= Ed = -1.14
since price elasticity is positive, then Ed = 1.14
Question 25 Report
An industry is
Answer Details
An industry is a group of firms producing similar products and under separate administration or management.
Question 26 Report
Economics is often described as a science because it
Answer Details
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.
Question 27 Report
One major criticism of foreign aid to developing countries is that it
Answer Details
The loans help to create poverty, as capital that could have been invested instead was channeled into debt repayment.
Question 28 Report
The demand for a good is price inelastic if
Answer Details
The demand for a good is price inelastic if the price elasticity is less than one. Price elasticity measures how responsive the quantity demanded of a good is to a change in its price. If the price elasticity is less than one, it means that the quantity demanded is not very responsive to changes in price. In other words, a change in price will have a relatively small impact on the quantity demanded. Even if the price increases or decreases, people will still buy a similar amount of the good. This can happen when the good is a necessity or when there are limited substitutes available. For example, if the price of water increases, people will still need to buy a similar amount because water is essential for survival. Similarly, if the price of a specific medication increases, people with no alternative options will still purchase it regardless of the price. Therefore, when the price elasticity is less than one, we say that the demand for the good is price inelastic.
Question 29 Report
When a generalization is made based on observed facts, it is
Answer Details
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.
Question 30 Report
Money could be defined as
Answer Details
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.
Question 31 Report
Multiplier can be described as
Answer Details
A multiplier is a factor of proportionality that measures how much an endogenous variable changes in response to a change in some exogenous variable such as investment, consumption, government expediture etc.
Question 32 Report
40 men were employed in a farm, and they produced an average of 30 tonnes of cassava per person. Calculate the total product.
Answer Details
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.
Question 33 Report
The diagram above represent
Answer Details
The diagram above represent a monopolist diagram.
Question 34 Report
Which of the following shows why individual demand curve for a good usually slopes downward from left to right?
Answer Details
A normal demand curve slopes downward from left to right indicating at higher price, less quantity will be demanded and vice versa.
Question 35 Report
Which of the following is NOT one of the characteristics of developing countries?
Answer Details
Mono- product economy ( an economy that produces one product or commodity) is not a characteristics of developing country. The characteristics are: high level of illiteracy, dependence on agriculture, low savings and investment, low standard of living, population explosion, high death rate etc.
Question 36 Report
The theory of ............... was propounded by ..................
Answer Details
The theory of absolute advantage was propounded by Adam Smith while the theory of comparative advantage was propounded by David Ricardo.
Question 37 Report
Institutions serving as links between surplus and deficit units can be identified as
Answer Details
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.
Question 38 Report
Public corporation is financed with
Answer Details
Public corporations are run by the government through the tax paid by the people. They are established by an act of parliament or decree and it is controlled by the board of directors, appointed by the government.
Question 39 Report
Among all the determinants of economic growth, the most important one is
Answer Details
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.
Question 40 Report
The law of supply states that, other things being constant, as price increases
Answer Details
The law of supply states that, other things being constant, as price increases, the quantity supplied also increases. Basically, when the price of a good or service goes up, suppliers have an incentive to produce and sell more of that item. This is because they can earn more profit by selling at the higher price. So, as the price rises, suppliers are motivated to increase their production and offer more of the product to the market. On the other hand, when the price of a good or service decreases, suppliers have less motivation to produce and sell it. This is because they can earn less profit or even incur losses at the lower price. As a result, they will reduce the quantity supplied. In summary, the law of supply tells us that there is a direct relationship between price and quantity supplied. When the price increases, suppliers respond by increasing the quantity they are willing to supply to the market. Conversely, when the price decreases, the quantity supplied decreases.
