Exam 1: Economics: Foundations and Models

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, income inequality in the United States was "significantly higher" in 2018 than in 2017, with the gap between the richest and poorest households the largest it has been in the last 50 years. At the same time, median U.S. income hit its highest level ever, with a national economy experiencing low unemployment and more than 10 years of consecutive GDP growth. According to Rutgers University Professor William M. Rogers III, the most troubling aspect of this report is that it "clearly illustrates the inability of the current economic expansion, the longest on record, to lessen inequality." The Census Bureau report also states that the nation's poverty rate fell in 14 states and Puerto Rico, and that for the 25 largest U.S. cities, the poverty rate either remained the same or fell in 2018. Source: Bill Chappell, "U.S. Income Inequality Worsens, Widening To A New Gap", NPR, September 26, 2019. -Refer to the Article Summary. The article discusses income inequality and how economic growth alone has not resulted in a more equitable distribution of income. If governments increased equity by reducing the incomes of high-income people and increasing the incomes of the poor, would it be possible that fewer goods and services would be produced and less saving would take place?

DeShawn's Detailing is a service that details cars at the customers' homes or places of work. DeShawn's cost for a basic detailing package is $40, and he charges $75 for this service. For a total price of $90, DeShawn will also detail the car's engine, a service that adds an additional $20 to the total cost of the package. What is the marginal cost of adding the engine detailing to the basic detailing package?

DeShawn's Detailing is a service that details cars at the customers' homes or places of work. DeShawn's cost for a basic detailing package is $40, and he charges $75 for this service. For a total price of $90, DeShawn will also detail the car's engine, a service that adds an additional $20 to the total cost of the package. What is DeShawn's marginal benefit if he sells a basic detailing package?

In 2019, Hooverville consumed 205,000 tons of sugar. In 2020, sugar consumption rose to 245,000 tons. Calculate the percentage change in sugar consumption.