1.3

Comparative Advantage and Gains from Trade

AP Microeconomics

Absolute advantage

Comparative advantage

Step-by-step calculation

Example where trade works

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Country A has steeper PPC (higher OC of cloth) → comparative advantage in wheat

The key rule

Gains from trade

Worked example

Terms of trade

Why the range works

Output vs. input problems

Output problem (more common)

Input problem

Comparative advantage with individuals

AP exam tips for 1.3

Common mistakes

Key equations

Vocabulary