Questions: (Figure: Interpreting Short-Run Supply Curves) Based on the graph, which of the curves would MOST likely depict a supply curve in the short run?
curve a
curve b
curve c
curve d
Transcript text: (Figure: Interpreting Short-Run Supply Curves) Based on the graph, which of the curves would MOST likely depict a supply curve in the short run?
curve a
curve b
curve c
curve d
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the Characteristics of a Short-Run Supply Curve
In the short run, a supply curve typically shows the relationship between the price of a good and the quantity supplied, holding other factors constant. It is usually upward sloping, indicating that as the price increases, the quantity supplied also increases.
Step 2: Analyze the Given Curves
Examine the curves labeled a, b, c, and d in the graph:
Curve a: Upward sloping
Curve b: Upward sloping
Curve c: Vertical
Curve d: Downward sloping
Step 3: Determine the Most Likely Short-Run Supply Curve
Based on the characteristics of short-run supply curves, the most likely candidates are the upward sloping curves (a and b). However, curve a is steeper, which is more typical of a short-run supply curve due to limited flexibility in production capacity.