JAMB UTME - Economics - 2022
Question 1 Report
A greater burden of the taxes on essential goods is borne by the
Answer Details
A greater burden of the taxes on essential goods is typically borne by the lower income group. This is because essential goods such as food, clothing, and shelter make up a larger proportion of the budget of low-income households than they do for high-income households. When taxes are applied to these goods, the cost of living increases proportionally for low-income households, putting a greater burden on their limited resources. In contrast, high-income households can more easily absorb the higher costs without significantly affecting their standard of living.
Question 3 Report
Fiscal policy measures imply a change in
Answer Details
Fiscal policy measures imply a change in government revenue and expenditure to regulate an economy. Fiscal policy is a tool used by governments to influence the economy by adjusting their spending levels and tax rates. This can be done by either increasing or decreasing government spending and taxes in order to achieve specific economic goals, such as controlling inflation, boosting employment, or promoting economic growth. For example, if the government wants to stimulate economic growth, it may increase its spending on infrastructure projects or offer tax incentives to businesses. Conversely, if the government wants to control inflation, it may decrease government spending and increase taxes to reduce the amount of money circulating in the economy. Therefore, fiscal policy measures involve making changes to both government revenue and expenditure in order to achieve specific economic objectives.
Question 5 Report
If at 10K per kg, 1000kg of yam were purchased, the resultant point elasticity of demand is
Answer Details
Question 6 Report
Which of the following is not emphasized in a product possibility curve?
Answer Details
The concept of unemployment of labor is not emphasized in a product possibility curve. A product possibility curve is a graphical representation of the trade-off between two goods that an economy can produce, given its limited resources and technology. The curve shows the maximum combinations of the two goods that can be produced with the available resources, taking into account that some resources are better suited for producing one good over the other. The emphasis is on the scarcity of resources and the efficiency with which they are being used, not on the employment of labor.
Question 7 Report
There is unemployment of resources when production is
Answer Details
Unemployment of resources occurs when production is below the production possibility curve, which means that the economy is not using all of its available resources to produce goods and services. These unused resources can include labor, capital, land, and natural resources. When production is within the production possibility curve, it means that the economy is using all of its resources efficiently and producing as much as it can given its current level of resources. Along the production possibility curve, the economy is also producing efficiently, but it is not using all of its resources. If production is outside the production possibility curve, it means that the economy is not capable of producing that level of output given its current resources. Finally, if production is adequate to meet market demand, it means that the economy is producing enough goods and services to satisfy the needs and wants of consumers. In summary, unemployment of resources occurs when the economy is not using all of its available resources to produce goods and services, which results in an output level below the production possibility curve.
Question 8 Report
Marginal cost is?
Answer Details
Marginal cost refers to the cost of producing one additional unit of a good or service. It is the cost of producing the last or extra unit of output. This cost includes the variable costs of producing the additional unit, such as the cost of materials and labor, but it does not include fixed costs like rent or salaries, which do not change with the level of production. The concept of marginal cost is important in economics because it helps businesses and policymakers make decisions about how much to produce, what price to set for their goods or services, and whether to enter or exit a market. By analyzing their marginal costs, businesses can determine whether producing an additional unit of a good will be profitable or not.
Question 9 Report
Holding money to take care of contingencies is
Answer Details
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.
Question 10 Report
If W stands for wages/salaries, P for profits, R for interest and Z for rent on land and real estate, then national income is
Answer Details
If W stands for wages/salaries, P for profits, R for interest, and Z for rent on land and real estate, then the national income is given by:
W + P + R + Z
This is because national income is the total amount of income earned by individuals and firms within a country's borders, and it includes all four components of W, P, R, and Z.
Wages and salaries are earned by employees, profits are earned by business owners, interest is earned by lenders, and rent is earned by landlords. When we add up all of these components, we get the total national income.
Therefore, "W+P+R+Z," is the correct answer.
Question 11 Report
The theory of comparative advantage states that a commodity should be produced in that nation where the
Answer Details
The theory of comparative advantage states that a commodity should be produced in that nation where the opportunity cost is least. Opportunity cost is the cost of choosing one option over another, and in the context of comparative advantage, it refers to the cost of producing a particular good or service in terms of what has to be given up to produce it. A country should specialize in producing and exporting the goods and services for which it has a comparative advantage, which means that it can produce them at a lower opportunity cost than other countries. While the absolute cost and absolute money cost of production can be important factors in determining the competitiveness of a particular commodity, the theory of comparative advantage emphasizes the importance of considering opportunity cost. Furthermore, the production possibility curve, which shows the maximum combination of two goods that can be produced with a given set of resources, is not directly related to the theory of comparative advantage, although it can help illustrate some of the concepts involved in the theory.
Question 12 Report
A consumer of a single commodity is in equilibrium when
Answer Details
A consumer of a single commodity is in equilibrium when they have reached a point where they are satisfied with the amount of the commodity they have purchased and consumed, and do not feel the need to buy any more or any less of it. This equilibrium can be achieved in different ways, but one common way is when the marginal utility, or the additional satisfaction gained from consuming one more unit of the commodity, is equal to the price paid for that unit. In other words, the consumer is willing to pay the price because they feel they are getting enough satisfaction from the additional unit. At this point, the consumer has no incentive to buy more of the commodity, because the marginal utility would be lower than the price, and they would feel like they are overpaying for the satisfaction gained. Conversely, if the price were to decrease, the marginal utility would be higher than the price, and the consumer may feel like they are getting a good deal and may want to purchase more of the commodity. Ultimately, the consumer is in equilibrium when they have found a balance between the satisfaction gained from the commodity and the price paid for it.
Question 13 Report
If the marginal utility of commodity is equal to its price, then
Answer Details
If the marginal utility of a commodity is equal to its price, then the consumer is in equilibrium. This means that the consumer is getting the maximum satisfaction possible from the commodity, given its price. If the marginal utility was greater than the price, the consumer would be willing to pay more for an additional unit of the commodity, indicating that they are not yet at their maximum level of satisfaction. Conversely, if the marginal utility was less than the price, the consumer would not be willing to pay the price for an additional unit, indicating that they have already exceeded their maximum level of satisfaction. Therefore, when the marginal utility is equal to the price, the consumer is in a state of balance, and does not want to consume more or less of the commodity.
Question 14 Report
Which of the following factors is not a cause of diminishing returns?
Answer Details
The factor that is not a cause of diminishing returns is "Technological innovations". Diminishing returns refers to the decrease in marginal output or production as more units of a variable input (such as labor or capital) are added to a fixed amount of other inputs (such as land or machinery). This occurs because the fixed inputs become increasingly scarce relative to the variable inputs, which can lead to inefficiencies and reduced productivity. The other three factors listed - an increase in variable inputs, land fragmentation, and constant technology - can all contribute to diminishing returns. For example, adding more workers to a fixed amount of land may lead to overcrowding and reduced productivity (land fragmentation). Similarly, if technology remains constant while more inputs are added, the additional inputs may not be fully utilized and may even become redundant. In contrast, technological innovations can actually help to overcome diminishing returns by allowing for more efficient use of inputs and increasing productivity. New technologies can improve the efficiency of production processes, reduce waste, and create new products or services, all of which can lead to increased output and economic growth.
Question 15 Report
The major role of multi-national companies in the petroleum industry in Nigeria is
Answer Details
The major role of multinational companies in the petroleum industry in Nigeria is oil prospecting. Multinational companies, also known as International Oil Companies (IOCs), play a significant role in the exploration and production of oil and gas in Nigeria. These companies invest heavily in the exploration of new oil fields, as well as the development and production of existing fields. While some IOCs are also involved in oil marketing and refining, their primary role in Nigeria is oil prospecting. The IOCs in Nigeria include major companies such as Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Total.
Question 16 Report
Answer Details
The concept described in the given scenario is called "double coincidence of wants." It refers to the situation where two parties have goods or services that the other party desires and are willing to exchange, and both parties are able to meet each other's wants at the same time. In the example, the housewife wants tomatoes, and she has meat that she can offer in exchange. However, she can only trade with someone who has tomatoes and also wants meat. The double coincidence of wants occurs when both parties have what the other wants, and both are willing and able to trade. This concept is important in understanding how bartering works, which is an exchange of goods and services without the use of money.
Question 17 Report
The use of the bank rate, cash ratio and open market operations constitute
Answer Details
The use of the bank rate, cash ratio, and open market operations are tools used in monetary policy. Monetary policy is a set of actions taken by a country's central bank to manage the supply of money and credit in the economy to achieve specific economic goals, such as controlling inflation, stabilizing prices, and promoting economic growth. The bank rate is the interest rate at which commercial banks can borrow money from the central bank. When the central bank increases the bank rate, it becomes more expensive for commercial banks to borrow money, which reduces the amount of money in circulation in the economy. Conversely, when the central bank lowers the bank rate, it becomes cheaper for commercial banks to borrow money, which increases the amount of money in circulation in the economy. The cash ratio is the percentage of deposits that commercial banks are required to hold in reserve with the central bank. When the central bank increases the cash ratio, it reduces the amount of money that commercial banks have available to lend, which reduces the amount of money in circulation in the economy. Conversely, when the central bank lowers the cash ratio, it increases the amount of money that commercial banks have available to lend, which increases the amount of money in circulation in the economy. Open market operations refer to the buying and selling of government securities by the central bank in the open market. When the central bank buys government securities, it injects money into the economy, which increases the amount of money in circulation. Conversely, when the central bank sells government securities, it withdraws money from the economy, which reduces the amount of money in circulation. So, the use of bank rate, cash ratio, and open market operations are all tools used in monetary policy to manage the amount of money in circulation in the economy, with the aim of achieving specific economic goals.
Question 18 Report
The figure above shows change in demand for commodity x which is a normal good. Use it to answer the questions that follows
Which of the following caused the change in demand from D0 D0 to D2 D2?
Answer Details
Question 19 Report
If the government imposes a minimum price on a commodity
Answer Details
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.
Question 20 Report
Which of the following forms of economic integration is a member nation free to impose duty against non-members
Answer Details
A free trade area is a form of economic integration where member nations agree to eliminate tariffs and trade barriers on goods and services traded among themselves. However, each member nation is still free to impose duties against non-member nations. In other words, members have a free trade agreement with each other, but they can still have their own trade policies towards non-members. In contrast, a customs union is an advanced form of a free trade area where member nations not only eliminate tariffs among themselves, but they also agree to have a common external tariff towards non-member nations. This means that all goods entering the customs union must pay the same tariffs, regardless of which member nation they are entering. A common market is a further step towards integration, where not only goods, but also factors of production such as capital and labor can freely move among member nations. This allows for a more integrated and efficient market, but it also means that member nations have less control over their trade policies. An economic community is a broader form of integration, where member nations agree to coordinate and harmonize their economic policies in a wide range of areas, including trade, monetary policy, and fiscal policy. This is the most advanced form of integration, as it involves a high degree of cooperation and coordination among member nations.
Question 21 Report
Commercial banks are different from development banks in that the latter
Answer Details
Commercial banks and development banks serve different functions within the financial system. Commercial banks are focused on providing financial services to individuals and businesses, such as deposit accounts, loans, and credit cards. They generally lend on a short-term basis and deal in a variety of currencies, including foreign currencies. In contrast, development banks are focused on promoting economic development and supporting long-term projects that may not be attractive to commercial banks. They typically provide financing for large infrastructure projects, such as highways, railways, and power plants, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. Development banks may be government-owned, private, or a combination of both, and their main goal is to support economic growth and development. Development banks may also offer technical assistance and advisory services to help businesses and governments develop the skills and expertise needed to manage large-scale projects effectively. Unlike commercial banks, development banks may not pay interest on current accounts and may have different lending terms and requirements based on the specific needs of the project or business being financed.
Question 22 Report
A positive effect of a rapid population increase is
Answer Details
A positive effect of a rapid population increase is a wider market for goods and services. When there are more people in a country, there is a higher demand for goods and services, which can lead to economic growth and development. As more people are born and immigrate to a country, they will need housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and other goods and services, which can lead to an increase in jobs and businesses. This wider market for goods and services can stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, and ultimately improve the standard of living for individuals in the country. However, it is important to note that rapid population growth can also bring challenges such as pressure on resources and infrastructure, which can lead to other negative effects.
Question 23 Report
Developments outside a given firm that reduce the firm’s costs are called
Answer Details
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.
Question 24 Report
A major function of the retailer is to
Answer Details
A major function of the retailer is to break bulk and sell products in small units to consumers. This means that retailers purchase goods in large quantities from wholesalers or manufacturers and then sell them in smaller quantities to individuals or households. By doing so, retailers make it easier for consumers to access a wide range of products, as they do not have to buy in bulk or directly from the manufacturer. Additionally, retailers often play a key role in generating demand for products through advertising and marketing efforts. By showcasing products in stores and online, and through various forms of advertising, retailers can help to build brand awareness and encourage consumers to purchase products. While some retailers may offer credit to wholesalers or consumers, this is not a primary function of retailing. Similarly, while retailers can help to reduce the cost of distribution by consolidating products and shipping them in bulk, this is a secondary function of retailing that supports the primary function of breaking bulk and selling products in small units.
Question 25 Report
An exceptional demand curve can result from
Answer Details
An exceptional demand curve can result from an expectation of future price increase. When people think that the price of a good or service is going to increase in the future, they may start buying more of it now in order to avoid paying the higher price later. This increase in demand can cause the price of the good or service to go up in the present, creating an exceptional demand curve that deviates from the typical downward-sloping demand curve. The other factors, such as an increase in the price of raw materials, increase in the size of the population, or change in taste of consumers, can also impact the demand for a good or service, but an expectation of future price increase is a unique factor that can result in an exceptional demand curve.
Question 26 Report
Economics problems arise in all societies because
Answer Details
Economics problems arise in all societies because of the fundamental concept of scarcity. Scarcity means that the resources available to society are limited, while the wants and needs of individuals are virtually unlimited. This leads to a situation where individuals, businesses, and governments have to make choices about how to allocate scarce resources in the most efficient and effective way possible. For example, a society may want to provide free healthcare to all its citizens, but it may not have the resources to do so. Alternatively, a business may want to produce more products, but it may not have the resources to expand its production line. These are just two examples of the countless economic choices that are made every day. Mismanagement of resources by leaders, lack of planning, inadequate supply of resources, and underutilization of economists are some of the factors that can exacerbate economic problems in a society. However, the underlying cause of economic problems is the scarcity of resources, which requires individuals and institutions to make difficult choices about how to allocate those resources.
Question 27 Report
If inflation is anticipated, people may
Answer Details
If inflation is anticipated, people may choose to spend less money. This is because inflation reduces the purchasing power of money, meaning that the same amount of money can buy fewer goods and services. In response, people may decide to be more frugal with their spending, save more money, or look for ways to reduce their expenses. By spending less, they can try to maintain their purchasing power and avoid the negative effects of inflation.
Question 28 Report
To compare the standard of living among nations, the most widely used economic indicator is the
Answer Details
To compare the standard of living among nations, the most widely used economic indicator is the real per capita income. This is a measure of the average income per person in a given country, adjusted for inflation to reflect the purchasing power of that income. It is calculated by dividing the real gross domestic product (GDP) of a country by its population, which gives a sense of the economic output per person. While per capita nominal income and real gross national income are also used as economic indicators, they do not take into account inflation or differences in the cost of living across countries, which can make them less useful for comparing living standards. Real domestic output is not as widely used as real per capita income as it does not take into account the size of the population, which is an important factor in determining the standard of living.
Question 29 Report
If the cost of production for a firm continues to increase as its output rises, the firm is said to be experiencing
Answer Details
The firm is said to be experiencing diseconomies of scale if the cost of production continues to increase as its output rises. Diseconomies of scale occur when the firm becomes too large, and the increased complexity and coordination costs of managing a large organization outweigh the benefits of increased production. This can result in a decrease in efficiency, productivity, and profitability for the firm.
Question 30 Report
If units of a variable factor are increasingly added to a fixed factor and the marginal physical product keeps increasing, production is said to be taking place under condition of
Answer Details
The production process described in the question, where the marginal physical product of the variable factor increases as more units of it are added to a fixed factor, is referred to as increasing returns to the variable factor. In this case, the variable factor is becoming increasingly productive as more units of it are added, which results in an increase in the marginal physical product. Increasing returns to scale, on the other hand, refer to the situation where an increase in all factors of production leads to a more than proportionate increase in output. Constant returns to the variable factor occur when increasing the variable factor by a certain percentage leads to a proportional increase in output. Finally, external economies of scale refer to the cost advantages that a firm experiences as a result of factors outside of its control, such as the growth of an industry or the development of infrastructure.
Question 31 Report
Increasing national income without effective control of population size in a country can lead to
Answer Details
Question 33 Report
Which of the following factors may not affect the efficiency of labour?
Answer Details
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.
Question 34 Report
In a country with large population of full-time house wives, national income
Question 35 Report
A disadvantage of a joint-stock company is
Answer Details
A disadvantage of a joint-stock company is the potential for loss of controlling interest. In a joint-stock company, ownership is divided into shares, which can be bought and sold by individual shareholders. If a large number of shares are sold to other individuals or entities, it can dilute the ownership and control of the original shareholders, making it more difficult for them to have a significant say in the decision-making process. Limited liability is actually an advantage of a joint-stock company, as it protects shareholders from personal financial liability beyond their investment in the company. Continuity is also an advantage of a joint-stock company, as it can continue to exist even if shareholders come and go or if one or more shareholders die. Unlimited liability, on the other hand, is a disadvantage of a sole proprietorship or partnership, where the owner or partners can be held personally liable for the debts and obligations of the business.
Question 36 Report
A made obstacle to economic development is
Answer Details
A major obstacle to economic development is low farm productivity. Agriculture is a significant sector in many developing countries, and low farm productivity can have a significant impact on economic growth and development. Low productivity in agriculture can result from a range of factors, including inadequate access to credit, poor infrastructure, low-quality inputs, and limited knowledge of modern farming techniques. This can limit the production of food and raw materials for industrial processes, resulting in higher prices, reduced exports, and lower economic growth. Increasing farm productivity is often a key focus of development programs and policies aimed at promoting economic development in developing countries.
Question 37 Report
A possible factor which limits the extent of growth of a firm is the
Answer Details
One possible factor that limits the extent of growth of a firm is the unwillingness to share ownership and control. When a firm is controlled by a single owner or a small group of owners who are not willing to share ownership or decision-making power, it can limit the firm's ability to raise capital, make strategic partnerships, or expand into new markets. In contrast, allowing outside investors or partners to have a stake in the company can provide the firm with access to more resources, expertise, and new opportunities for growth.
Question 38 Report
Statutory organisations usually established by Acts of parliament are called
Answer Details
Statutory organizations usually established by Acts of parliament are called public corporations. A public corporation is a type of legal entity that is established by the government through legislation to perform a specific function or provide a particular service to the public. Public corporations can be formed at the national, state, or local level, and can take a variety of forms depending on their specific mandate. While public enterprises are also entities that are owned and controlled by the government, they may not necessarily be established by Acts of parliament. Cooperative societies are typically voluntary organizations formed by individuals or businesses to pool resources and share risks, while joint-stock companies are privately owned businesses that are established to generate profit for their shareholders.
Question 39 Report
An effect of inflation is that it
Answer Details
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.
Question 40 Report
Demand-pull inflation is likely to be caused by
Answer Details
Demand-pull inflation occurs when the overall demand for goods and services in an economy exceeds the supply of those goods and services, leading to an increase in the general price level. This increase in demand may be caused by a number of factors, such as an increase in consumer confidence, an increase in government spending, or an increase in exports. Out of the given options, an increasingly large budget deficit is the most likely cause of demand-pull inflation. When the government spends more money than it collects in taxes, it may finance the deficit by borrowing from the central bank, other banks or the public. This increases the overall amount of money in circulation in the economy, which in turn leads to an increase in demand for goods and services. This increased demand can then lead to higher prices for those goods and services, resulting in demand-pull inflation. An increase in the cost of factor inputs, such as labor or raw materials, may also contribute to inflation, but this is known as cost-push inflation, which occurs when the cost of producing goods and services increases, leading to higher prices. An increase in the income tax rate and an increase in the bank lending rate can reduce the overall demand for goods and services and lead to a decrease in inflation.
