1. Notebook # 16 - Economics 6-2
The Price system at work

2. The price system at work
Economics 6-2
The price system at work
ESSENTIAL QUESTION:
How are prices determined in a competitive market?

3. The Price system at work
Economics 6-2
The Price system at work
GPS STANDARD: SSEMI2- The student will explain how…prices and profits work to determine production and distribution in a market economy.

4. The Price system at work
Economics 6-2
The Price system at work
One of the most appealing features of a competitive market economy is that everyone who participates has a hand in determining prices.
This is why economists consider prices to be neutral and impartial.

5. The Price system at work
Economics 6-2
The Price system at work
The process of establishing prices is remarkable because buyers and sellers have exactly the opposite hopes and desires.
Buyers want to find good buys at low prices.
Sellers hope for high prices and large profits. less and for buyers to buy more.

6. The Price system at work
Economics 6-2
The Price system at work
The process of establishing prices is remarkable because buyers and sellers have exactly the opposite hopes and desires.

7. The Price system at work
Economics 6-2
The Price system at work
Buyers want to find good buys at low prices. Sellers hope for high prices and large profits.
Neither can get exactly what they want, so some adjustment is necessary to reach a compromise.

8. Together, demand and supply make a complete picture of the market.
The Price Adjustment Process
Together, demand and supply make a complete picture of the market.
Price adjustments help a competitive market reach market equilibrium, with fairly equal supply and demand.

9. The equilibrium price is the price at which supply meets demand.
The Price Adjustment Process
The equilibrium price is the price at which supply meets demand.

10. Economics 6-2
Imagine that you want to go to a concert but you find it is sold out at ticket outlets.
What effect will this shortage of tickets have on the price of any remaining concert tickets?

11. Economics 6-2
Imagine that you want to go to a concert but you find it is sold out at ticket outlets. What effect will this shortage of tickets have on the price of any remaining concert tickets?
Their price will increase.

12. Economics 6-2 U.S. soybean farmers had a record-high harvest in 1998.
What likely effect did the increase in the supply of soybeans have on their price?

13. Economics 6-2
What likely effect did the increase in the supply of soybeans have on their price?
the price of soybeans dropped dramatically.

14. Economics 6-2
The Competitive Price Theory
The theory of competitive pricing represents a set of ideal conditions and outcomes; it serves as a model to measure market performance.
In theory, a competitive market allocates resources efficiently.

15. Economics 6-2
The Competitive Price Theory
To be competitive, sellers are forced to lower prices, which makes them find ways to keep their costs down.
Competition among buyers keeps prices from falling too far.

16. Economics 6-2
Why do experts say that a market economy is one that “runs itself”?

17. Economics 6-2
Why do experts say that a market economy is one that “runs itself”?
A market economy offers a climate where buyers and sellers set prices; there is no need for a government bureaucracy or planning commission.