Compensated demand curve

Compensated demand curve

  • A compensated demand curve ignores the income effect of a price change.
  • It only measures the substitution effect.
  • A compensated demand curve is therefore less elastic than an ordinary demand curve.

An ordinary demand curve shows the effect of price on quantity demanded. A change in price causes a substitution effect, but also an income effect.

substitution-income-effect

  • Substitution effect – if the price of a good goes up, other goods become relatively cheaper.
  • Income effect – an increase in price means your cost of living goes up, so if you buy the good a lot – effectively it reduces your disposable income so you can’t afford to buy as much.

Therefore demand falls. Firstly because the good is more expensive and secondly because income is lower.

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