1. After reading the chapter on demand theory, a classmate turns to you and says, “I’m rather confused. According to economic theory, people demand a good or service because it yields utility. This obviously does not apply to medical services. Just last week I went to the dentist and had a root canal, and you can’t tell me I received any utility or satisfaction from that!” Explain to your classmate how utility analysis can be used to explain why he went to the dentist.
2. In your own words, explain what a fuzzy demand curve is. Why does it exist? What are its implications?
3. In reaction to higher input costs, a physician decides to increase the average price of a visit by 5 percent. Will total revenues increase or decrease as a result of this action? Use the concept of price elasticity to substantiate your answer.