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Introductory Microeconomics Tutorial Tasks

The document outlines the tasks for the first tutorial of the Introductory Microeconomics course, scheduled for the week of July 28th. It emphasizes socializing, logistics, and basic math skills needed for the course, while providing specific tasks such as defining demand and supply, analyzing price changes, and graphing demand and supply curves. Students are encouraged to prepare by reading the Subject Guide and signing up for a tutorial group.

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Humayra Tasnim
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
12 views2 pages

Introductory Microeconomics Tutorial Tasks

The document outlines the tasks for the first tutorial of the Introductory Microeconomics course, scheduled for the week of July 28th. It emphasizes socializing, logistics, and basic math skills needed for the course, while providing specific tasks such as defining demand and supply, analyzing price changes, and graphing demand and supply curves. Students are encouraged to prepare by reading the Subject Guide and signing up for a tutorial group.

Uploaded by

Humayra Tasnim
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

ECON10004: INTRODUCTORY MICROECONOMICS

TASKS FOR TUTORIAL 1


(Week beginning July 28th)

Welcome to your Introductory Microeconomics tutorial!

Your tutorials will usually contain a set of tasks based on the lectures in the preceding week.
The first week’s tutorial is a little bit different. Its main purpose is to answer any questions you
may have about the delivery of the subject and give you the opportunity to meet your tutor, and
classmates. Think of it as a “how is this going to work?” and “don’t be shy just say hi!”
logistics/socialising tutorial. You will also be given some information about the basic math
skills you will need during the course.

Here’s what you should do in preparation for your first tutorial. First, carefully read the Subject
Guide. Then sign up for a tutorial group (if you haven't already). If you have any questions
about the logistics, note them down, and raise them during your tutorial – your tutor will do
the best they can to answer them.

In the tutorial, you will have about a minute to introduce yourself. This is your opportunity to
tell your classmates and your tutor a little bit about yourself, as well as what you expect to get
out of this subject. While others introduce themselves, pay attention and try to think about who
you would like to hang out with and/or study with.

Now if all the logistics are crystal clear and saying “hi!” doesn’t come easy to you, do not
worry. You will solve some simple tasks in groups today. Your tutor will instruct you on how
to proceed.

TASK 1
What is your experience with economics? What do you think of when you hear economics?
What do you hope to gain from this subject?

(There is no right answer! Whether you have studied economics in high school before, or
nothing at all, this course is suitable for everyone, and it is likely there is something for
everyone)

(Think, pair, and share)

TASK 2
a) Define demand and supply in your own words
b) Describe what happens to the quantity demanded when the price of a product
increases, and why (hint: think about a real-world example – how does your quantity
demanded change when prices change?)
c) Describe what happens to the quantity supplied when the price of a product increases,
and why

TASK 3
a) On a graph, with price on the vertical axis (y-axis) and quantity on the horizontal axis
(x-axis), draw a demand curve and a supply curve

1
b) On a new graph (with the same axes, price on the y-axis and quantity on the x-axis),
draw the following demand and supply curves on the same graph:
QD = 480 – 4P
QS = 2P

c) Find Q and P where QD and QS intersect

d) Find a new function (QD’) with the same slope as QD but shifted 100 units up. Plot it on
the same graph. Write down the equation.

e) Is this the same QD shifted 100 units to the right? Why or why not?

In preparation for the mathematics required for this course, please review the Basic pre-
requisite maths or FBE Quantitative Online Resource (available from week 1) linked on
Canvas and ask your tutor or attend a weekly consultation with any clarification questions.

Common questions

Powered by AI

To find the equilibrium point, set the demand equation QD = 480 - 4P equal to the supply equation QS = 2P. Solving for P, we equate 480 - 4P = 2P, which results in 480 = 6P, giving P = 80. Substitute P = 80 back into either the demand or supply equation for Q to find Q = 160. Therefore, the equilibrium point is where P = 80 and Q = 160 .

Shifting a demand curve upwards involves increasing all values by a constant, affecting the intercept of the demand equation, but not its slope. In economic terms, this reflects a change like an increase in consumer income. Shifting it to the right, however, would involve adding to the quantity for a given price level, affecting demand due to non-price factors, such as a change in consumer preference. The rightward shift would require modifying both the intercept and possibly the slope, indicating a fundamentally different economic effect .

Upward shifts in demand curves, such as from an increase in income, lead to higher quantities demanded at the same prices, indicating greater purchasing power. Rightward shifts, which might result from a boost in consumer preferences, result in larger quantities demanded across all price levels, implying a change in tastes or market conditions. Both types of shifts increase overall demand, but they imply different underlying causes, such as income changes versus preference alterations, affecting short-term and long-term market strategies .

Shifting the demand curve 100 units up involves increasing the intercept of the original demand equation. If the original demand equation is QD = 480 - 4P, the new equation will be QD' = 580 - 4P, reflecting the upward shift without altering the slope. Graphically, the entire demand curve shifts upwards by 100 units without changing its slope .

Tutorial group dynamics can significantly impact students' learning experiences. Positive interaction within groups facilitates peer learning, where students explain concepts to each other, deepening their understanding. Additionally, forming study groups can enhance collaborative learning outside tutorials, contributing to better comprehension and retention of the material .

The introductory microeconomics tutorial is designed to address any logistical questions students might have about the course delivery, allowing them to meet their tutor and classmates in a less formal setting. It emphasizes the importance of reading the Subject Guide and signing up for a tutorial group. The tutorial also includes simple group tasks to ease students into the subject. This approach helps students to become familiar with their environment and peers, reducing anxiety and preparing them for the course .

When the price of a product increases, the quantity supplied usually increases. This occurs because higher prices provide an incentive for producers to supply more in order to increase their revenue. This direct relationship presumes producers aim to maximize profit by responding to price changes .

When the price of a product increases, the quantity demanded typically decreases due to the substitution effect and income effect, assuming other factors remain constant. For example, if the price of coffee increases, consumers may buy less coffee or switch to a cheaper alternative like tea, demonstrating the inverse relationship between price and quantity demanded .

The course emphasizes basic mathematical skills such as graphing, solving equations, and understanding functions. These skills are essential for analyzing economic models and interpreting data. Proficiency in these areas enables students to understand concepts of demand, supply, and equilibrium, which are fundamental in microeconomics .

Introducing themselves and discussing expectations allows students to establish a sense of community and engage with each other and the tutor. This exercise helps in forming study groups, breaking the ice, and ensuring that the course meets individual learning goals. It also helps tutors tailor their teaching strategies to suit the students’ needs .

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