Microeconomics 4th Edition Krugman Solutions Manual

(a) The principle “Resources are scarce” applies because at the local discount store, the price of the same item is less when compared to that of the local department store. The difference amount can be used to get some other product or benefit which is useful to us.

(b) As the concept is linked to budget, the principle “Resources are scarce” applies. The limited money in our hand is used for the trip so we cannot cross the budgeted level.

(c) Here, the students are trying to dispose of their used materials at whatever price which they could fetch. The principle that is underlying this attitude is “People usually exploit opportunities to make them better off.”

(d) As the hurricane caused huge damage to the residential houses, people are ready to procure home building materials on a large scale even though the supply is not enough to meet the demand. So the prices rose high. This stands as an example for the principle “Overall spending sometimes gets out of line with the economy’s productive capacity.”

(e) The money exchanged between the friends is for different objects. This is an indication for the principle “One person’s spending is another person’s income.”

(f) The decision to take another cup of coffee to take for another hour of study clearly indicates the principle “How much; is a marginal decision.”

(g) The facilities at the lab are limited and they need to be made available to every student. This reminds us the principle “Resources are scarce” and they should be used to the optimum.

(h) All it takes to pursue a semester abroad is ‘forgoing to complete graduation early.’ “The real cost of something is what you must give up to get it” is the underlying principle.

(i) All the bikes sell for the same price. This means that nobody can sell their bike at a higher price because there are other similar bikes which are available at a lower price. So we can infer the underlying principle as “Markets move toward equilibrium.”

(j) It is an understanding between us to perform lab experiment and to write the lab report. One is good at one point and another is wise in the other work. This is sharing of work which indicates the principle “gains from trade.”

(K) Driving without a valid driving license is illegal. If people are left to their will, they will drive without license and without proper training and this will result in accidents. To avoid this, the State governments mandate that passing driving exam is necessary to drive. This is a clear example of “When markets don’t achieve efficiency, government intervention can improve society’s welfare.”

(l) The government’s policy of tax reduction to parents has resulted in your increased spending level during the spring break vacation. The principle “Government policies can change spending” is illustrated here.