JAMB UTME - Economics - 2019
Question 1 Report
A method of analysis that draws conclusions from data rather than general Principles already known is________
Answer Details
Inductive reasoning is a method of analysis that draws conclusions from data rather than general principles already known.
In simple terms, inductive reasoning takes specific observations or pieces of evidence and uses them to form a general conclusion or pattern. For example, if you observe that every time it rains, the streets get wet, you can use inductive reasoning to conclude that rain causes the streets to get wet.
In contrast, deductive reasoning starts with a general principle or premise and uses it to reach a specific conclusion. For example, if you know that all birds have feathers and you observe a creature with feathers, you can use deductive reasoning to conclude that it's a bird.
Inductive reasoning is often used in scientific research, where data is collected and analyzed to form hypotheses or theories that can then be tested through further experimentation.
Question 2 Report
A rise in the supply of a commodity cause__________
Answer Details
When the supply of a commodity increases, it means that there is more of that commodity available in the market than before. This increase in supply causes the market to shift, leading to a change in the equilibrium price and quantity of that commodity.
As the supply of the commodity increases, sellers will want to sell more of the commodity, but buyers may not want to buy as much at the higher price. This creates a surplus, where there is more supply than demand, causing the price to decrease.
As the price decreases, buyers are more willing to buy the commodity, and sellers may reduce the amount they are willing to sell, until the market reaches a new equilibrium. This new equilibrium will have a lower price and a higher quantity bought and sold than before the increase in supply.
Therefore, the correct answer is: a decrease in the equilibrium price and an increase in the equilibrium quantity bought and sold.
Question 3 Report
A supply curve slopes upwards from the left to the right indicating__________
Answer Details
A supply curve that slopes upwards from left to right indicates a positive slope. This means that as the price of a good or service increases, the quantity supplied by suppliers also increases. In other words, producers are willing to supply more of a good or service at higher prices.
To understand why this is the case, think about it from the perspective of a supplier. If the price of a good or service goes up, it becomes more profitable for suppliers to produce and sell that good or service. As a result, suppliers are incentivized to increase their production in order to take advantage of the higher prices and earn more profits. This is why the quantity supplied by suppliers tends to increase as the price of a good or service increases.
It's important to note that this explanation applies to the long run. In the short run, supply may be relatively fixed and a supply curve may be upward sloping or even backward sloping, indicating that the quantity supplied doesn't change much in response to changes in price. However, over the long run, suppliers have more time to adjust their production levels and the supply curve typically slopes upward.
Question 4 Report
The demand curve facing the monopolist in the foreign market is__________
Question 5 Report
A permit that allows an importer to bring a certain quantity of foreign goods into a country is_________
Answer Details
An import quota is a permit that allows an importer to bring a certain quantity of foreign goods into a country. It is a government-imposed limit on the quantity of a certain good that can be imported into a country during a specific period of time. The purpose of an import quota is to protect domestic producers and limit the amount of foreign competition in the domestic market. The government sets the quota to regulate the flow of goods into the country and to ensure that domestic producers are not overwhelmed by foreign competition.
Question 6 Report
Economics is a social science concerned with the proper use and______
Answer Details
Economics is a social science concerned with the proper use and allocation of resources for growth.
Economics is the study of how society uses its limited resources to satisfy its unlimited wants and needs. It is concerned with how individuals, businesses, and governments make choices about how to use resources to produce goods and services, and how these goods and services are distributed among the members of society. The proper use and allocation of resources are essential for economic growth, which is the increase in the production and consumption of goods and services over time. This growth is achieved through the efficient use of resources to create more goods and services, which can then be distributed to meet the needs of society. Economics helps us to understand how resources are allocated and used in different economies and how these decisions affect the overall well-being of individuals and societies.
Question 7 Report
The arithmetic mean of 5, 8, 10, 15, 24 and 28 is_______
Answer Details
To find the arithmetic mean of a set of numbers, you need to add up all the numbers and divide the sum by the total number of numbers. In this case, we have six numbers, so we need to add them up and divide by 6.
Adding up the numbers, we get:
5 + 8 + 10 + 15 + 24 + 28 = 90
Then, we divide the sum by the total number of numbers:
90 / 6 = 15
Therefore, the arithmetic mean of 5, 8, 10, 15, 24 and 28 is 15.
Question 10 Report
Which of the following matters may account for changes in demand?
I - changes in consumer preferences
II - changes in real income
III - changes in distribution of incomes
IV - changes in levels of taxation
Answer Details
Changes in demand can be influenced by various factors. Among them, changes in consumer preferences, real income, distribution of incomes, and levels of taxation can all affect the quantity of a good or service that consumers are willing and able to buy at a given price.
I. Changes in consumer preferences refer to shifts in the tastes and preferences of consumers. For example, if people start to prefer healthier food options, the demand for fruits and vegetables may increase while the demand for processed foods may decrease.
II. Changes in real income can also impact demand. If people's real income increases, they may be able to afford more goods and services, which can lead to an increase in demand for those products. Conversely, if real income decreases, consumers may cut back on their spending, leading to a decrease in demand.
III. Changes in the distribution of incomes can also affect demand. If the distribution of incomes becomes more unequal, with some people becoming much richer and others becoming much poorer, this can impact the demand for certain products. For example, if the rich become richer, they may be more willing to purchase luxury goods, leading to an increase in demand for those products. On the other hand, if the poor become poorer, they may not be able to afford certain goods, leading to a decrease in demand.
IV. Changes in levels of taxation can impact demand by affecting the disposable income of consumers. If taxes increase, consumers may have less disposable income, leading to a decrease in demand for certain goods and services. Conversely, if taxes decrease, consumers may have more disposable income, leading to an increase in demand for certain products.
Therefore, the answer is: I, II, III, IV, since all four factors can account for changes in demand.
Question 11 Report
If AC and MC are represented on a graph, the MC curve will cut the AC curve_______
Answer Details
The MC (marginal cost) curve will cut the AC (average cost) curve at the minimum point on the AC curve. This is because the minimum point on the AC curve represents the lowest average cost of production, and the MC curve intersecting the AC curve at this point indicates that the marginal cost of producing one more unit is equal to the average cost. In other words, at the minimum point on the AC curve, any further increase in production would lead to an increase in the average cost.
Question 12 Report
A contractionary monetary policy is used to control__________
Answer Details
A contractionary monetary policy is used to control inflation.
Inflation is a sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over time. It occurs when there is too much money chasing too few goods, leading to an increase in demand and upward pressure on prices. A contractionary monetary policy is a type of economic policy used by central banks to reduce the money supply and increase the cost of borrowing, with the aim of slowing down the economy and reducing inflationary pressures. This can be achieved through several measures, such as raising interest rates, increasing reserve requirements for banks, and selling government securities in the open market. By reducing the supply of money and making it more expensive to borrow, the central bank aims to reduce spending and investment in the economy, which can help to lower inflation. A contractionary monetary policy is the opposite of an expansionary monetary policy, which is used to stimulate economic growth by increasing the money supply and lowering interest rates.
Question 13 Report
An economic condition in which much reduced economic activity co-exists with inflation is referred to as__________
Answer Details
Question 14 Report
Most of the National debts is "dead weight" in the sense that is____
Answer Details
Most of the national debt is "dead weight" in the sense that it is not covered by any real asset. This means that the debt is not backed up by any tangible property or valuable resource. Instead, it is simply a financial obligation that the government owes to its creditors, who have loaned the government money. The government must pay back this debt with interest, which can add up over time and become a burden on the economy. This type of debt is sometimes referred to as "dead weight" because it does not contribute to the growth or development of the economy, but instead represents a financial obligation that must be met.
Question 15 Report
ECOWAS was formed for the purpose of________
Answer Details
ECOWAS, or the Economic Community of West African States, was formed for the purpose of promoting co-operation and integration among its member countries. This means that the organization was created to help the countries work together and coordinate their efforts in areas such as trade, politics, and development. The goal of ECOWAS is to promote economic and social progress in the region and improve the lives of the people living in West Africa.
Question 16 Report
The determination of price by bargaining between buyers and sellers is________
Answer Details
The determination of price by bargaining between buyers and sellers is called Haggling or Higgling.
This is a process where buyers and sellers negotiate the price of a product or service, typically in an informal setting. The buyer wants to pay as little as possible, while the seller wants to get as much as they can. They both compromise and agree on a price that is acceptable to both parties. Haggling is common in open-air markets, street vendors, and in some cultures it's a part of the normal purchasing process.
In this process, the buyer and the seller communicate and exchange information about the value of the product or service, and how much each is willing to pay or receive. The price is ultimately determined through a give-and-take negotiation, and both parties must agree on the final price for the transaction to occur.
Question 17 Report
Let capital formation = CF, Production = P, C = consumption. Then CF =_______
Answer Details
Capital formation (CF) is equal to P minus C, where P is production and C is consumption.
Capital formation refers to the process of creating new capital goods, such as factories, machines, and infrastructure, which are used to produce goods and services. This process requires investment in new capital goods and is therefore reflected as a reduction in consumption.
So, CF = P - C, where P is the total amount of goods and services produced and C is the amount consumed by households, businesses, and government. This equation shows that the amount of new capital being formed is equal to the difference between what is produced and what is consumed.
In simpler terms, capital formation is the amount of investment made in the economy to increase its productive capacity and support future economic growth.
Question 18 Report
The money market equilibrium is defined as_________
Answer Details
The money market equilibrium is defined as when the demand and supply of money are equal. In other words, the amount of money people want to hold (demand) is equal to the amount of money available (supply).
Think of the money market as a marketplace where people buy and sell money. Just like any other market, when there is high demand for a product, its price (in this case, the interest rate) will increase. When there is low demand, the price (interest rate) will decrease.
In the money market, the interest rate is a measure of the cost of borrowing money. If there is a high demand for money, people are willing to pay a higher interest rate to borrow it. This results in an increase in the interest rate. On the other hand, if there is low demand for money, people are not willing to pay a high interest rate, and the interest rate decreases.
When the demand and supply of money are equal, the interest rate will be at the level where the quantity of money that people want to hold is equal to the amount of money available. This is the money market equilibrium.
Question 19 Report
Effective demand for a commodity is desire for that commodity backed by_______
Answer Details
Effective demand for a commodity is the desire or want for that commodity backed by the ability and willingness to pay for it. This means that a person not only wants the commodity, but also has the means to purchase it and is willing to part with their money in exchange for it.
For example, if someone wants to buy a new car but does not have the money to pay for it, their desire for the car is not effective demand. Similarly, if someone has the money but is not interested in buying a car, their willingness to pay is not effective demand.
Effective demand requires both the desire for the commodity and the ability and willingness to pay for it. It is the combination of these two factors that drives the demand for goods and services in the economy.
Question 20 Report
Whatever form an economic system may take, choice is essential for members of the community because resources are__________
Answer Details
Scarce. This means that there is not enough of a certain resource to meet the demand or needs of everyone in the community. As a result, choices have to be made about how to allocate these limited resources among different individuals, groups, or uses. When resources are scarce, it is important to make decisions about their use in the most efficient and effective way possible.
Question 21 Report
A commodity is defined as normal when its demand changes in the same direction as______
Answer Details
A commodity is defined as normal when its demand changes in the same direction as income. This means that as income increases, demand for the commodity will also increase, and as income decreases, demand for the commodity will decrease. Normal goods are those goods for which demand increases as income increases, and decreases as income decreases.
For example, as people's incomes increase, they may choose to buy more luxury items such as expensive cars, jewelry, or designer clothing, which would be considered normal goods. On the other hand, as people's incomes decrease, they may choose to cut back on these purchases and switch to more budget-friendly options, causing demand for normal goods to decrease.
Question 22 Report
Given two substitute goods (X and Y) with demand and supply function;
Qd = 7p - 12
Qs = 4p + 9
Find the magnitude of excess demand when p = ₦18
Answer Details
Question 23 Report
One of these is not a problem of agriculture___________
Answer Details
"Provision of employment" is not a problem of agriculture. It is actually a benefit of agriculture. Agriculture provides job opportunities for people, from farmers to food processing workers.
The other three options listed are actual problems faced by the agriculture industry:
- Lack of preservation and storage facilities can lead to food waste and loss of income for farmers.
- Land tenure system refers to the rules and regulations governing who can use and own land. In many countries, the land tenure system is not favorable for small farmers and can limit their ability to produce food.
- Poor transportation systems can make it difficult for farmers to get their products to market and for consumers to access fresh food.
Question 24 Report
Which of the following is not a cause of unemployment_______
Answer Details
"Good government planning" is not a cause of unemployment.
Unemployment refers to the situation where individuals who are actively seeking employment are unable to find work. The causes of unemployment can be complex and multi-faceted, but typically include factors such as a lack of available jobs, poor education and lack of relevant skills, and corruption.
"Good government planning" is not a direct cause of unemployment, but it can have an indirect effect by helping to create a favorable economic environment that supports job growth and job creation. For example, good government planning can help to attract businesses to an area, provide funding for education and training programs, and reduce corruption, all of which can help to reduce unemployment over time.
Question 25 Report
Assume that, for a certain country in a given year, the index of import prices stands at 102, the index of export prices stands at 106. The terms of trade are (to the nearest whole number)
Answer Details
Question 26 Report
One of these is not an assumption of the cardinalist theory of utility?
Answer Details
Question 27 Report
External economies arises essentially from__________
Answer Details
External economies arise essentially from the localization of industry.
External economies occur when an industry or group of firms in a specific geographical area experience benefits beyond what they could achieve individually. This can include access to specialized suppliers, a skilled labor force, and a larger market for their products or services.
Localization of industry refers to the concentration of firms in a specific area. This can create a cluster of related industries and suppliers, allowing for easier collaboration, lower transportation costs, and increased efficiency.
Government policies, such as subsidies or tax incentives, may encourage the localization of industries, but they do not create external economies themselves. Similarly, a firm's individual policies and the free transferability of shares do not create external economies as they are focused on the internal operations of the firm.
Overall, external economies are a result of the benefits that arise from firms operating in close proximity to each other in a specific geographic location, which can lead to increased efficiency and productivity for all firms involved.
Question 28 Report
The method obtained by adding all the reward of factors of production in national income is________
Answer Details
The method of adding up all the rewards of the factors of production in national income is known as the "income approach."
The income approach calculates national income by summing up all the income received by individuals and firms in the economy. This includes wages, salaries, interest, rent, and profits earned by the factors of production, such as labor, capital, and land. The idea behind this approach is that the total income generated in an economy is equal to the total amount spent on consumption and investment, and this spending creates the demand for goods and services produced in the economy.
This method provides a comprehensive picture of the total income generated in the economy and is useful in understanding the distribution of income among different groups in the economy and the sources of economic growth.
Question 29 Report
The determination of wages in a labour market depends on the_______
Answer Details
The determination of wages in a labor market depends on the interaction between the demand for and supply of labor. In simple terms, employers demand labor to produce goods and services, while workers supply their labor to earn wages. The wage rate is then determined by the equilibrium point where the demand for labor meets the supply of labor in the market.
When there is a high demand for labor and a low supply, wages tend to increase because employers are competing for a limited number of workers. On the other hand, when there is a low demand for labor and a high supply, wages tend to decrease because there are more workers than jobs available.
Other factors such as government policies, economic conditions, and the skills and qualifications of workers can also influence the wage rate, but the main determinant is the interaction between the demand for and supply of labor in the market.
Question 30 Report
If wage rate is less than the average revenue product, the firms would be earning________
Answer Details
If the wage rate is less than the average revenue product (ARP), the firms would be earning a profit. The ARP is the amount of revenue generated by one unit of labor and is typically greater than the wage rate. If the firm is paying its workers less than the amount of revenue they generate, the firm will have extra revenue left over, which is a profit.
So, in this situation, the firm would either be earning a normal profit or a super normal profit, depending on the size of the gap between the wage rate and the ARP. A normal profit is the minimum level of profit necessary for a firm to stay in business, while a super normal profit is a profit that is higher than the normal profit.
Question 31 Report
Which of the following persons is engaged in "Secondary Production"?
I - a bricklayer
II - an automobile assembly-line worker
III - an accountant
IV - a cinema projectionist
Answer Details
Secondary production refers to the process of transforming raw materials into finished goods, typically in a factory setting.
Out of the four options, only one involves transforming raw materials into finished goods in a factory setting, and that is option II, an automobile assembly-line worker.
A bricklayer (option I) works in construction and is not involved in transforming raw materials into finished goods in a factory setting. An accountant (option III) works in the service sector and is not involved in producing goods. A cinema projectionist (option IV) is also not involved in producing goods but rather in providing a service.
Therefore, the answer is option II, an automobile assembly-line worker.
Question 32 Report
The use of government income and expenditure instrument to regulate the economy is termed______
Answer Details
The use of government income and expenditure instrument to regulate the economy is called fiscal policy.
Fiscal policy is a tool used by the government to influence the economy by changing the level and composition of government spending and taxation. The main aim of fiscal policy is to achieve macroeconomic objectives, such as controlling inflation, promoting economic growth and stability, and reducing unemployment.
When the government increases its spending and/or reduces taxes, it injects more money into the economy, which can increase consumer spending and business investment. This can help to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and increase aggregate demand. On the other hand, when the government reduces its spending and/or increases taxes, it takes money out of the economy, which can help to cool down an overheating economy and reduce inflation.
In summary, fiscal policy involves using government income (taxation) and expenditure (spending) to influence the economy and achieve macroeconomic objectives.
Question 33 Report
If the demand for a commodity is perfectly elastic, the incidence of a tax on that commodity will be, other things being equal, entirely on the_______
Answer Details
If the demand for a commodity is perfectly elastic, it means that even a small change in price will cause a significant change in the quantity demanded. In other words, consumers are very sensitive to changes in price, and if the price increases, they will simply buy another substitute product that is cheaper.
Now, if a tax is imposed on this commodity, it will cause the price of the commodity to increase. Since the demand is perfectly elastic, consumers will not be willing to pay the higher price and will switch to substitute products. As a result, the entire incidence of the tax falls on the seller or producer of the commodity. This is because the higher price caused by the tax will result in a decrease in the quantity demanded, and the producer will have to reduce the price in order to sell the product. Therefore, the producer bears the entire burden of the tax.
In summary, if the demand for a commodity is perfectly elastic, the incidence of a tax on that commodity will be entirely on the seller or producer, as consumers are very sensitive to price changes and will switch to substitute products if the price increases.
Question 34 Report
Whether a monopolist is able to increase his revenue by restricting his output depends on the shape of the_________
Answer Details
The shape of the demand curve determines whether a monopolist is able to increase their revenue by restricting output.
A monopolist is the only seller in the market and has some control over the price of the good or service they provide. If the demand for their product is high, they can increase the price, and if they restrict the quantity of the product they supply, the price will go up even more.
The demand curve shows the relationship between the price of a good and the quantity of it that consumers are willing and able to buy. If the demand curve is downward sloping, it means that as the price of the good increases, the quantity demanded decreases. This is because consumers will switch to cheaper alternatives when the price of the good goes up.
So, if the monopolist restricts their output, the price will go up and they will make more profit as long as the demand curve remains downward sloping. However, if the demand curve becomes perfectly inelastic, meaning that the quantity demanded does not change with the price, then the monopolist will not be able to increase their revenue by restricting output.
Therefore, in simple terms, the shape of the demand curve determines whether a monopolist can increase their revenue by restricting output.
Question 35 Report
As indifference curve shows equal level of satisfaction at all points, An isoquant shows equal level of_________
Answer Details
An isoquant shows equal level of output.
An isoquant is a curve that represents all the possible combinations of inputs (such as labor and capital) that can produce the same level of output for a particular product or service. In other words, it represents all the different ways to produce the same amount of output using different combinations of inputs.
So, all points on an isoquant represent the same level of output, and this level of output gives us the same satisfaction or usefulness. As we move along the isoquant, we can produce the same output using different combinations of inputs, but the level of output remains constant.
In simple terms, an isoquant is a line that shows the different combinations of inputs that can produce the same level of output.
Question 36 Report
An economy system that uses what is regarded as the "Market mechanism" is called_______
Answer Details
Capitalism is an economic system that uses the market mechanism. In a capitalist economy, individuals and businesses own and operate the means of production, and the prices of goods and services are determined by supply and demand in the marketplace.
In simple terms, this means that people are free to produce and sell whatever they want, and consumers are free to buy whatever they want, at prices that are determined by the market. This creates an economy that is driven by competition and innovation, and is often associated with growth and prosperity.
It is important to note that capitalism can take on different forms, ranging from a more laissez-faire approach with minimal government intervention, to a more regulated form with a larger role for the government in managing the economy.
Question 37 Report
When of the following matters may account for changes in supply?
I - technological advances in an industry
II - changes in labour costs
III - changes in source of supply
IV - changes in levels of taxation
Answer Details
All of the options listed - I, II, III, and IV - can contribute to changes in supply.
Technological advances in an industry can increase the efficiency of production and lower costs, leading to an increase in supply.
Changes in labor costs, such as an increase in wages, can make production more expensive, leading to a decrease in supply.
Changes in the source of supply, such as a new supplier entering the market or a current supplier becoming unavailable, can also impact supply.
Finally, changes in levels of taxation, such as an increase in taxes on production, can make production more expensive and lead to a decrease in supply.
Therefore, all four options can impact changes in supply.
Question 39 Report
The average curve and the marginal curve are U-shaped in the short-run and flatter in the long-run due to________
Answer Details
The reason why the average curve and the marginal curve are U-shaped in the short-run and flatter in the long-run is due to economies of scale.
Economies of scale refer to the cost advantages that firms experience as they increase their production output. In the short-run, firms are often operating at less than their optimal capacity and therefore may experience diseconomies of scale as they increase output, which leads to higher average costs and a U-shaped average curve. Meanwhile, the marginal cost curve intersects the average cost curve at its minimum point, which is why it is also U-shaped in the short-run.
However, in the long-run, firms have more time to adjust their inputs and can increase the scale of their operations. As they do so, they can experience economies of scale, which lead to lower average costs and a flatter average curve. This means that the marginal cost curve intersects the average cost curve at a lower point than in the short-run, making it flatter. Overall, this illustrates how economies of scale can affect a firm's production costs and how this can be reflected in the shape of the average and marginal cost curves.
Question 40 Report
A retailer is distinguished by the nature of its sales, which is in___________
Answer Details
A retailer is distinguished by the nature of its sales, which is in units. Retailers sell products in small quantities directly to consumers for their personal or household use. They purchase products from wholesalers or manufacturers and sell them to the end-users at a markup. This type of retailing typically involves a physical store where customers can browse and purchase products, but it can also include online retailing. The focus of retailing is on selling individual units of products to the consumer, rather than selling in bulk to other businesses.
