JAMB UTME - Economics - 2023
Question 1 Report
------------- is NOT the cause of balance of payments (BOP) deficits in Nigeria
Answer Details
The causes of balance of payment deficit are: low level of agriculture, low level of technological development, inadequacies in export promotion strategy, political instability, poor social and economic infrastructure, servicing of huge external debts, existence of import dependent industries etc.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 Report
The diagram above represent
Answer Details
The diagram above represents the production possibility curve.
The production possibility curve shows the different combinations of goods and services that can be produced given the available resources and technology.
On the curve, each point represents a specific combination of goods and services that can be produced. Points on the curve are considered efficient because all available resources are fully utilized. Points inside the curve represent inefficient production because resources are not fully utilized. Points outside the curve represent combinations that are currently unattainable given the available resources and technology.
In summary, the production possibility curve helps us understand the trade-offs and limitations in production based on available resources and technology. It is a visual representation of the production possibilities in an economy.
Question 7 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 8 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 9 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 10 Report
The quantity of commodity a consumer is willing and able to buy at a particular time is called
Answer Details
The quantity of a commodity that a consumer is willing and able to buy at a particular time is called demand.
Demand refers to the consumer's desire or willingness to purchase a specific product or service at a given price and at a given time. It represents the customer's intent to buy and the amount they are willing to buy at various price levels.
It is important to note that demand is not just about the desire for a particular item, but also the consumer's ability to pay for it. For example, someone may wish or desire to buy a luxury car, but if they do not have the financial means to afford it, their demand for that car is limited.
In summary, demand is the quantity of a commodity that a consumer is both willing and able to buy at a given time, reflecting their desire for the product and their ability to pay for it.
Question 11 Report
Overpopulation is caused by
Answer Details
The causes of overpopulation are: falling mortality rate, underutilized contraception, lack of female education etc.
Question 12 Report
An increase in nominal income without increase in price will result to
Answer Details
An increase in nominal income without an increase in prices will result in an **increased real income**. Nominal income refers to the amount of money a person earns or receives in a given period, without taking into account changes in prices. On the other hand, real income takes into consideration the effects of inflation by adjusting for changes in prices. When nominal income increases but prices remain constant, it means that the purchasing power of an individual's income has increased. In other words, they can afford to buy more goods and services with the same amount of money. This increase in purchasing power leads to an increase in real income. For example, let's say a person's nominal income is $1,000 per month, and the prices of goods and services they consume also remain constant. If their nominal income increases to $1,200 per month, without any increase in prices, they now have an additional $200 to spend on other things. This additional purchasing power translates to an increase in their real income. It is important to note that an increase in nominal income without an increase in prices does not necessarily lead to an **increased GDP** or a **decreased GNP**. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) measures the total value of goods and services produced within a country's borders, while GNP (Gross National Product) measures the total value of goods and services produced by a country's residents, including those produced abroad. The increase in real income of individuals does not automatically impact the overall production levels captured by GDP or GNP.
Question 13 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 14 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 15 Report
The principle that specified that the amount, when and how to pay tax should be made known to tax payer is known as
Answer Details
The principle that specifies that the amount, when, and how to pay tax should be made known to the taxpayer is known as the Principle of Certainty. This principle ensures that taxpayers have a clear understanding of their tax obligations, which includes knowing the amount of tax they owe, the deadline for payment, and the method of payment.
The Principle of Certainty is important because it promotes transparency and accountability in the tax system. By providing clear and specific information to taxpayers, it enables them to accurately calculate and plan for their tax obligations. This helps to avoid confusion or misunderstandings between the taxpayer and the tax authorities.
Furthermore, the Principle of Certainty also ensures fairness and consistency in the tax system. By clearly stating the rules and requirements, it ensures that all taxpayers are treated equally and that there is no ambiguity or room for arbitrary decisions in the tax assessment process.
Overall, the Principle of Certainty provides a solid foundation for the relationship between taxpayers and tax authorities. It establishes clear expectations, promotes compliance, and adds credibility to the tax system.
Question 16 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 17 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 18 Report
Economic problem occurs when
Answer Details
The economic problem occurs when there is scarcity relative to demand. Scarcity means that resources are limited, while demand refers to people's desires and needs for goods and services. In simple terms, the economic problem arises when there are not enough resources to satisfy everyone's wants and needs. This is because resources, such as land, labor, and capital, are finite, while people's desires are infinite. For example, imagine a small community with a limited amount of food available. If everyone in the community wants to eat, but there is not enough food for everyone, it creates an economic problem. This scarcity can lead to competition, as individuals and businesses try to obtain the limited resources. The economic problem is not caused by raw materials being imported or people being out of work. These factors can contribute to a country's economic challenges, but they are not the direct cause of the economic problem. Similarly, the absence of buyers for goods is a symptom of the economic problem, rather than the cause. If people cannot afford or do not want to buy goods, it indicates a mismatch between supply and demand. However, this does not explain why the economic problem exists in the first place. In summary, the economic problem occurs when there is scarcity relative to demand, meaning there are not enough resources to fulfill everyone's wants and needs. This scarcity leads to competition and the need for individuals and businesses to make choices regarding resource allocation.
Question 19 Report
..................... is the highest body in ECOWAS organogram
Answer Details
The highest body in the ECOWAS organogram is the Authority of Head of State and Government. This body consists of the presidents and heads of government of the member states in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Authority of Head of State and Government is responsible for making major decisions and policies for the entire ECOWAS community. They meet regularly to discuss and address regional issues, such as political stability, economic cooperation, and security.
This body holds the highest level of political power in ECOWAS and has the authority to make decisions that affect the entire organization. It plays a crucial role in promoting regional integration and cooperation among member states.
To sum up, the Authority of Head of State and Government is the most important body in the ECOWAS organogram as it consists of the leaders of the member states and is responsible for making key decisions and policies for the organization.
Question 20 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 21 Report
Given the table demonstrating the law of diminishing marginal utility below, what is the value of X?
No. of oranges Consumed |
Total Utility | Average Utility | Marginal Utility |
| 1 | 9 | 9 | - |
| 2 | 16 | 8 | x |
| 3 | 24 | 8 | 6 |
| 4 | 30 | 7.5 | 4 |
| 5 | 34 | 6.8 | y |
| 6 | 36 | 6 | 2 |
| 7 | 36 | 5.1 | 0 |
Answer Details
The Marginal Utility is the additional satisfaction a consumer gains from consuming one more unit of a good or service. It can be calculated by subtracting the total utility of the previous consumption from the total utility of the current consumption. In this case, the total utility of consuming 2 oranges is 16 and the total utility of consuming 1 orange is 9. Therefore, the marginal utility (X) of the second orange is 16 - 9 = 7.
Question 22 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 23 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.
Question 24 Report
Answer Details
The measure that represents the natural growth rate of a population is the **Birth rate minus the Death rate**, which is the second option. The natural growth rate of a population refers to the rate at which the population increases or decreases due to births and deaths, without taking into account migration. It solely focuses on the difference between the number of births and the number of deaths occurring within a population during a specific period of time. When the birth rate exceeds the death rate, it results in a positive natural growth rate, meaning the population is increasing. On the other hand, if the death rate is higher than the birth rate, it leads to a negative natural growth rate, indicating a decrease in the population. The first option, "Natural increase - Birth rate + Net migration," takes into account both the birth rate and the net migration (the difference between the number of people migrating into and out of a population in a specific period). This measure considers factors beyond just births and deaths, so it does not accurately represent the natural growth rate. The third option, "Birth rate/Death rate," is a ratio of the birth rate to the death rate. It does not give a measure of the natural growth rate itself, but rather shows the relationship between the number of births and the number of deaths. The fourth option, "Birth + Net migration = Death," suggests an equality between the sum of births and net migration and the number of deaths. This equation does not accurately represent the natural growth rate since it assumes that the number of births and net migration should exactly match the number of deaths, which is unlikely in most populations. Therefore, the most appropriate measure for the natural growth rate of a population is the **Birth rate minus the Death rate**.
Question 25 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 26 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 27 Report
The number of people who are qualified to work and who offered themselves for employment are called
Answer Details
The correct term for the number of people who are qualified to work and who offer themselves for employment is the working population.
The working population refers to the subset of the total population that is actively engaged or seeking employment. It includes individuals who are qualified, available, and willing to work. This encompasses both employed individuals and those who are actively looking for work, such as job seekers.
The working population is an important measure for understanding the labor market. It helps policymakers, businesses, and economists in assessing the job market's health and determining factors such as employment rates, labor force participation, and unemployment rates.
Options like "mobility of labor" and "migrant labor" focus on the movement of workers between different locations, which is a related concept but not the same as the total number of qualified individuals available for employment. "Labor turnover" refers to the rate at which workers leave and join a particular company or industry, which is also not synonymous with the working population as a whole.
Therefore, the working population is the term that correctly describes the number of qualified individuals who are available for employment.
Question 28 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 29 Report
Which of the following would not be a reason for a government to impose a quota on imports?
Answer Details
A quota on imports is a restriction imposed by a government on the quantity of goods that can be imported into a country. It is typically done to protect domestic industries and promote economic growth.
Out of the given options, a government imposing a quota on imports would not be done to decrease tax revenue. In fact, the purpose of implementing import quotas is quite the opposite – to increase tax revenue by protecting domestic industries and promoting their growth.
Let's understand this further:
1. To support strategic industry: One of the main reasons governments impose import quotas is to protect and support domestic industries that are considered strategically important for the country's economy. By limiting imports, the government aims to give domestic industries an advantage by reducing competition from foreign firms.
2. To prevent dumping: Dumping refers to the practice of selling goods in another country at prices lower than their production costs or market value. This undermines domestic industries and poses a threat to their survival. By imposing import quotas, the government can control the influx of dumped products and protect domestic industries from unfair competition.
3. To decrease tax revenue: This option is incorrect because imposing import quotas does not aim to decrease tax revenue. When imports are restricted, domestic industries have less competition, which allows them to charge higher prices. As a result, the government can collect more tax revenue from these higher-priced goods, thus increasing its overall revenue.
4. Employment opportunity: Another reason governments may impose import quotas is to create employment opportunities. By limiting imports, domestic industries can expand their production and hire more workers to meet the local demand. This helps in reducing unemployment and improving the overall economic conditions of the country.
In conclusion, the correct answer is that a government would not impose a quota on imports to decrease tax revenue. Import quotas are intended to protect strategic industries, prevent dumping, and create employment opportunities, while also increasing tax revenue.
Question 30 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 31 Report
The rate of output per worker (or group of workers) per unit time is called
Answer Details
The correct answer is labour productivity.
Labour productivity refers to the rate at which output is produced by a worker or a group of workers in a given amount of time. It measures how efficiently and effectively workers are using their skills, time, and resources to produce goods or services.
To understand this concept, let's imagine a scenario where we have two workers producing bicycles. Worker A is able to produce 5 complete bicycles in one hour, while Worker B can only produce 3 complete bicycles in the same amount of time.
In this case, Worker A has a higher labour productivity because they are able to produce more output (bicycles) per unit of time (one hour) compared to Worker B.
Labour productivity is an essential measure for companies and economies because it directly impacts their profitability and competitiveness. Higher labour productivity means that more goods or services can be produced using the same amount of resources or in less time. This leads to lower costs per unit and can result in higher profits or the ability to lower prices for customers.
In summary, labour productivity is a measure of how efficiently workers are producing goods or services and is calculated by dividing the total output by the number of workers or the amount of time it took to produce that output.
Question 32 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 33 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 34 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 35 Report
Which of the following is the resultant effect of a fall in the profit margin of producers in an economy?
Answer Details
A fall in the profit margin of producers in an economy will likely result in an increase in unemployment.
When the profit margin of producers decreases, it means that they are earning less profit from their business activities. As a result, they may struggle to cover their costs, sustain their operations, or expand their businesses. To manage their financial situation, producers may need to cut costs, reduce production, or even close down their business altogether.
Reduced production and business closures lead to a decrease in job opportunities and an increase in unemployment. When businesses are not making enough profit, they may need to lay off workers or reduce their workforce in order to cut costs. This means that fewer people will have jobs, resulting in higher unemployment rates.
Additionally, a fall in profit margins can also deter new businesses from entering the market or existing businesses from expanding. This further limits job creation and can exacerbate the unemployment problem.
In summary, a fall in the profit margin of producers in an economy leads to reduced production, business closures, job cuts, and a decrease in job opportunities. Therefore, the most likely resultant effect of such a decline in profit margin is an increase in unemployment.
Question 36 Report
The type of unemployment that occurs when an individual cannot find job as a result of obsolete skill is
Answer Details
The type of unemployment that occurs when an individual cannot find a job as a result of obsolete skills is known as Structural unemployment.
Structural unemployment happens when there is a mismatch between the skills that job seekers possess and the skills required for available jobs in the market. In this case, individuals may no longer be qualified for the jobs that are available due to changes in technology, market conditions, or shifts in the economy.
For example, let's say there is a rapid advancement in technology that makes certain job skills obsolete. Workers who had those skills may struggle to find employment because companies are now looking for individuals with more up-to-date skills.
This type of unemployment is different from cyclical unemployment, which is caused by fluctuations in the business cycle, or seasonal unemployment, which occurs due to seasonal variations in demand for certain jobs. Frictional unemployment, on the other hand, refers to the temporary unemployment that occurs when individuals are transitioning between jobs or entering the workforce for the first time.
To sum up, structural unemployment is the type of unemployment that arises when an individual cannot find a job because their skills are no longer in demand.
Question 37 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 38 Report
Agriculture accounts for about 60% of the
Answer Details
Agriculture accounts for about 60% of the active labour force in West Africa. This is because a large portion of the population in West Africa is engaged in farming and other agricultural activities for their livelihood. The other options are incorrect as agriculture does not account for 60% of the arable land, service sector activities, or the commodity market in West Africa.
Question 39 Report
The maximum price is
Answer Details
The maximum price is **P4**. To explain why, we need to understand that the prices are listed in ascending order. This means that **P1** is the lowest price and **P4** is the highest price. When we say "maximum price," we are referring to the highest possible price among the given options. In this case, **P4** is the highest price listed. Therefore, the maximum price is **P4**.
Question 40 Report
Suppose the public expenditure as a percentage of GDP of four countries is shown in the table below
| A | 40% |
| B | 50% |
| C | 33% |
| D | 36% |
Which type of economy exists in these countries?
Answer Details
The type of economy that exists in these countries is Mixed economy.
A mixed economy is an economic system that combines elements of both market and planned economies. It includes both private and public sectors, and the government plays a significant role in regulating and defining the structure of the economy.
In the given scenario, the fact that the countries have different levels of public expenditure as a percentage of GDP indicates that the government plays a role in the economy and is involved in spending a portion of the national income.
While the exact percentage of public expenditure varies between the countries, the presence of any public expenditure suggests government intervention and regulation in the economy. This means that these countries have a mixed economy, where both public and private sectors coexist and contribute to economic activities.
The government's involvement can take various forms, such as funding public goods and services, implementing social programs, and regulating industries. The level of government intervention may vary, but the presence of public expenditure indicates that the government has an active role in shaping the economy.
Therefore, based on the information provided, it can be concluded that the countries mentioned in the table have a mixed economy.
