2.4

Price Elasticity of Supply

AP Microeconomics

What is price elasticity of supply?

Midpoint method for PES

Worked example

Classifying PES

2468101224681012QuantityPrice ($)Perfectly InelasticPerfectly ElasticUnit Elastic

Three extreme cases of price elasticity of supply

Determinants of supply elasticity

Time and supply elasticity

2468101224681012QuantityPrice ($)Momentary (perfectly inelastic)Short runLong run (more elastic)

Supply becomes more elastic as the time horizon increases

Industry examples

PES and the effect of demand shifts

246810121424681012QuantityPrice ($)D₁D₂Elastic Supply

With elastic supply, demand increase → large Q change, small P change

AP exam tips for 2.4

Common mistakes

Key equations

Vocabulary