JAMB UTME - Economics - 2022

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Holding money to take care of contingencies is a precautionary motive. This means that people keep money saved in case of unexpected events or emergencies, such as a sudden illness, job loss, or car repair. By having money set aside, they are better prepared to handle these situations and can avoid going into debt or facing financial hardship. In short, holding money for precautionary reasons is a way to protect one's financial security and peace of mind.

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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.

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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.

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The scale of preference refers to a list of a consumer's wants or desires arranged in order of importance or priority. It shows the consumer's preferences or choices among different options. The scale of preference is subjective and varies from person to person. For instance, if a person is given the choice to buy a new smartphone, a new pair of shoes, or a ticket to a concert, they may rank these options in order of priority. If they value communication more than entertainment, they may choose the smartphone as their top priority. Conversely, if they value entertainment more than communication, they may choose the concert ticket. Thus, the scale of preference is a way to understand how consumers make choices based on their preferences and priorities, and it helps in predicting their behavior in the market.

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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.

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Among the given options, the factor that may not affect the efficiency of labor is the race and color of the workforce. The efficiency of labor refers to the amount of output that a worker can produce within a given time frame. Education and training can enhance workers' skills and knowledge, improving their ability to perform their jobs efficiently. Providing welfare services such as healthcare, childcare, and paid time off can also increase worker satisfaction and well-being, which can positively impact their productivity. The quality of other factor inputs, such as machinery, raw materials, and technology, can also have a significant impact on labor efficiency. High-quality inputs can facilitate and enhance workers' ability to produce more output in less time, increasing their efficiency. However, the race and color of the workforce do not inherently affect the efficiency of labor. A worker's productivity is determined by their individual skills, knowledge, and work ethic, regardless of their race or color. Discrimination based on race or color can negatively impact worker morale, job satisfaction, and opportunities, which can indirectly affect labor efficiency. Still, race or color itself is not a direct determinant of worker efficiency.

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Under a floating exchange rate regime, the determinant of the exchange rate is "demand for and supply of foreign goods." In a floating exchange rate system, the exchange rate between two currencies is determined by the market forces of supply and demand. Factors such as interest rates, inflation rates, and trade flows can influence the demand for and supply of currencies, which in turn can affect the exchange rate. Unlike fixed exchange rate systems, where the exchange rate is determined by government policy, in a floating exchange rate system, the exchange rate can fluctuate based on market conditions.

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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.

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To solve this problem, we need to first understand what a pie chart is and how it works. A pie chart is a circular graph that is divided into sectors, with each sector representing a proportion of the whole. The size of each sector is proportional to the quantity it represents, so we can use it to determine the percentage or fraction of the whole that each quantity represents.

In this case, the city's population is represented by 45 degrees of the pie chart. If we assume that the pie chart represents the entire country's population, which is 10 million people, then the fraction of the country's population represented by the city is:

45 degrees / 360 degrees = 1/8

This means that the city's population is 1/8 of the entire country's population. To find out the actual population of the city, we can multiply the fraction by the total population:

(1/8) x 10 million = 1.25 million

Therefore, the correct answer is 1.25 million.

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Economic goods are termed scarce goods when they are not available in sufficient quantity to satisfy all wants for them. In other words, when there is a limited supply of a good or resource, but a potentially unlimited demand for it, that good is considered to be scarce. This concept is fundamental to economics because it helps to explain why goods have value and why individuals and societies must make choices about how to allocate scarce resources.

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If the mining sector contributes 60% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), then its contribution can be calculated by multiplying the GDP by 60% (or 0.60, which is the decimal equivalent of 60%).

So, the contribution of the mining sector to the GDP is:

Contribution of mining sector = GDP x 60%

= $540 x 0.60

= $324

Therefore, the contribution of the mining sector to the GDP is $324. 

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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.

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The demand for labour is an example of derived demand. Derived demand refers to the demand for a good or service that arises from the demand for another good or service. In the case of labour, the demand for it is derived from the demand for the goods and services that labour produces. For example, a factory may demand more labour to increase production of a particular product to meet customer demand. The demand for labour is not a direct demand, but rather a demand that is derived from the demand for the final product.

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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.

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When the demand for a commodity is perfectly price inelastic, it means that people will buy the same amount of the commodity no matter how much it costs. Therefore, if the government increases the tax on this commodity, people will still buy the same amount of it, and the tax revenue will increase. When the demand for a commodity is price inelastic, it means that people will buy a relatively small amount less of the commodity if the price increases. Therefore, if the government increases the tax on this commodity, people will still buy it, but they will pay more for it, and the tax revenue will increase. When the demand for a commodity is price elastic, it means that people will significantly reduce the amount they buy if the price increases. Therefore, if the government increases the tax on this commodity, people will buy less of it, and the tax revenue may not increase as much as expected. When the demand for a commodity is unitary elastic, it means that the change in quantity demanded is exactly proportional to the change in price. Therefore, if the government increases the tax on this commodity, the tax revenue will increase, but the increase in price may cause people to buy slightly less of it. Overall, if the demand for a commodity is relatively inelastic, the government may be able to increase revenue by increasing taxes on it. However, if the demand for a commodity is relatively elastic, the government may not be able to significantly increase revenue by increasing taxes on it, as people may switch to other alternatives or reduce their consumption of the commodity.

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Developments outside a given firm that reduce the firm's costs are called "external economies." External economies refer to the benefits that firms receive from positive externalities generated by other firms or industries in the same geographic area. For example, if a new technology park is established nearby, the firms in the area may benefit from lower input costs, better transportation links, or access to skilled workers. These benefits can result in lower production costs, higher productivity, and improved competitiveness for the firms in the area. The opposite of external economies is external diseconomies, which occur when external factors increase the costs of production for firms in a particular area.

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An iron rod cannot be classified as a natural resource. A natural resource is a material or substance that occurs naturally in the environment and can be used for economic gain. Natural resources can be classified into renewable and non-renewable resources. Renewable resources are those that can be replenished over time, such as solar energy, wildlife, and forests. Non-renewable resources are those that cannot be replenished, such as minerals and fossil fuels, including gold. An iron rod is not a natural resource because it is a manufactured item made from iron, which is a natural resource. The iron has been extracted from the earth and processed to make the rod, which is then used for various purposes. So, while the raw material (iron) may be a natural resource, the finished product (the iron rod) is not.

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An effect of inflation is that it "favors debtors at the expense of creditors." Inflation reduces the real value of money over time, which means that the value of debt also decreases. This can be an advantage for debtors, who are able to repay their debts with money that is worth less than when they borrowed it. In contrast, creditors are disadvantaged by inflation, as the value of the money they receive in repayment is worth less than the money they loaned out. Inflation can also have other effects, such as reducing the purchasing power of consumers, increasing uncertainty, and distorting economic decision-making.

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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.

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Statutory organizations usually established by Acts of parliament are called public corporations. A public corporation is a type of legal entity that is established by the government through legislation to perform a specific function or provide a particular service to the public. Public corporations can be formed at the national, state, or local level, and can take a variety of forms depending on their specific mandate. While public enterprises are also entities that are owned and controlled by the government, they may not necessarily be established by Acts of parliament. Cooperative societies are typically voluntary organizations formed by individuals or businesses to pool resources and share risks, while joint-stock companies are privately owned businesses that are established to generate profit for their shareholders.

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Wholesalers play an important role in the distribution of goods and services because they act as intermediaries between producers and retailers. Wholesalers buy goods in large quantities from producers and then sell them in smaller quantities to retailers. This enables producers to focus on their production process without worrying about marketing and distribution. On the other hand, retailers can buy smaller quantities of goods from wholesalers, which allows them to stock a variety of products without having to buy in bulk. Wholesalers also provide other important services, such as financing and logistics. They may provide credit to both producers and retailers, allowing them to manage their cash flow and invest in their businesses. Additionally, wholesalers can handle the transportation and storage of goods, which can be a complex and expensive task for smaller businesses. Therefore, wholesalers play a crucial role in the distribution process, providing valuable services and enabling the smooth flow of goods and services from producers to retailers, and ultimately to consumers.

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Based on the pie chart, the Education sector is represented by 1/3 of the total budget allocation. To find out how much is allocated to Education, we can calculate 1/3 of the total budget: 1/3 x $7,200 = $2,400 Therefore, the answer is $2,400.00.

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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.

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If the government imposes a minimum price on a commodity, it means that sellers cannot sell the commodity for a price lower than the minimum price set by the government. This is done to ensure that the producers of the commodity are getting a fair price for their goods. When a minimum price is set, it may result in excess supply (market surplus) of the commodity, as producers may be incentivized to produce more of the commodity at the higher price. However, the surplus can be reduced if the government buys the excess supply or if producers reduce their production. In the short-run, the market may be cleared, which means that all of the available supply of the commodity is sold at the minimum price set by the government. However, in the long-run, excess demand may occur as the minimum price may discourage buyers from purchasing the commodity. Therefore, government regulation may still be needed to ensure that the market operates efficiently, even with the minimum price in place.

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If workers at the school canteen cannot sell during the holidays, this is an example of seasonal unemployment. This means that the workers are temporarily out of work due to changes in demand for their labor, in this case because the school is not in session. Seasonal unemployment is a common occurrence in industries that are heavily influenced by the time of year, such as agriculture, tourism, and retail. While the workers may have other employment options, they are currently without work due to the seasonality of the school canteen.

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A price floor is typically set above the equilibrium price, and it creates a surplus of goods or services. When the price is set above the equilibrium level, it causes suppliers to offer more products than buyers are willing to purchase at that higher price. This leads to a surplus, where there are more goods available than there are buyers willing to buy them. Therefore, a price floor usually causes surpluses, and not shortages.

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The industry that adds more value to primary products is the processing industry. The processing industry takes raw materials, such as those produced by the mining industry, and turns them into finished products through various manufacturing processes. This added value comes from transforming the raw materials into something that is more useful and valuable to consumers. The service industry, on the other hand, provides services to individuals and businesses, such as consulting, financial advice, or customer support. While the service industry is important for the economy, it does not add value to primary products in the same way that the processing industry does. The construction industry involves the building of structures and infrastructure, such as buildings, roads, and bridges. While the construction industry uses materials produced by the mining industry, it does not add value to these materials in the same way that the processing industry does. In conclusion, the processing industry is the industry that adds the most value to primary products by transforming raw materials into finished goods that are more useful and valuable to consumers.

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A major function of the retailer is to break bulk and sell products in small units to consumers. This means that retailers purchase goods in large quantities from wholesalers or manufacturers and then sell them in smaller quantities to individuals or households. By doing so, retailers make it easier for consumers to access a wide range of products, as they do not have to buy in bulk or directly from the manufacturer. Additionally, retailers often play a key role in generating demand for products through advertising and marketing efforts. By showcasing products in stores and online, and through various forms of advertising, retailers can help to build brand awareness and encourage consumers to purchase products. While some retailers may offer credit to wholesalers or consumers, this is not a primary function of retailing. Similarly, while retailers can help to reduce the cost of distribution by consolidating products and shipping them in bulk, this is a secondary function of retailing that supports the primary function of breaking bulk and selling products in small units.

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Even if a firm closes down, it will still incur some fixed costs. Fixed costs are expenses that must be paid regardless of the level of production or whether the business is operating or not. These costs include things like rent, insurance, salaries of employees on long-term contracts, and equipment leases. Variable costs, on the other hand, are expenses that vary depending on the level of production or business activity. For example, the cost of materials or labor directly related to producing goods or services. If the firm closes down, it will not incur variable costs because it will not be producing any goods or services. Total cost is the sum of fixed and variable costs, so if the firm is not producing anything, the total cost will be equal to the fixed cost. Marginal cost is the cost of producing one additional unit of a good or service. If the firm is closed down, there is no production, so there is no marginal cost.

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In the long-run, a firm should shut down if its average revenue is less than its average cost. This is because, in the long-run, all costs are considered variable, meaning the firm can adjust its production and input levels. If the firm continues to operate despite having average revenue less than average cost, it will continue to incur losses. To understand this concept, it's essential to know what the average revenue and average cost mean. Average revenue is the total revenue earned by a firm divided by the quantity of output produced. On the other hand, average cost is the total cost incurred by a firm divided by the quantity of output produced. The average cost can further be divided into two categories: average variable cost and average fixed cost. The average variable cost is the cost that varies with the level of output, such as labor and raw material costs. In contrast, the average fixed cost is the cost that remains constant regardless of the level of output, such as rent and salaries. So, in the long-run, a firm must shut down if its average revenue is less than its average cost because it means that the firm is not generating enough revenue to cover all its variable and fixed costs. By shutting down, the firm can avoid further losses and redirect its resources elsewhere. On the other hand, if the firm's average revenue is greater than its average cost, it can continue to operate and earn profits.

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In perfectly elastic supply, the supply curve is a horizontal line. This means that the quantity of a good that a supplier is willing to sell is not affected by changes in the price of the good. The supplier will sell any quantity of the good at the market price, no matter how high or low it is. In other words, the supply is perfectly responsive to changes in the price, so the supply curve is flat.

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The ordinary partner in a partnership typically has unlimited liability in case of business failure. This means that they can be held personally liable for any debts or obligations of the business that are not satisfied by the assets of the partnership. This is a major disadvantage of a partnership, as it exposes the personal assets of the partners to the risk of loss in the event of business failure. While the extent of the involvement of the ordinary partner in the management of the business may vary, they are typically expected to take an active part in the management and decision-making of the partnership. As such, they cannot be said to take no active part in the management of the business. Furthermore, as a general rule, partners are jointly and severally liable for the actions of the partnership, which means that they can be sued personally on matters relating to the business. Limited liability, on the other hand, is a characteristic of some types of business entities such as limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations.