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NotesEconomicsTopic 2.5
Unit 2 · Microeconomics · Topic 2.5

IB Economics — Elasticity of demand

PED and income elasticity basics, interpretation, and implications for revenue and policy.

Exam technique guidePractice questions

Key concepts in Elasticity of demand

Key Idea: Topic 2.5 covers **three types of demand elasticity**: PED (price), YED (income), and XED (cross-price). Each measures how **responsive** quantity demanded is to a change in one variable.

📐 Price elasticity of demand (PED)

PED = \\frac{\\%\\Delta Q_d}{\\%\\Delta P}
Always negative (inverse relationship) — use the absolute value

🔑 Determinants of PED


💰 PED and total revenue

Firms want to know PED: set prices higher for inelastic goods (petrol) and lower for elastic goods (supermarket sales).

📊 Income elasticity (YED) and cross-price elasticity (XED)

YED sign tells you the **type of good**. XED sign tells you the **relationship between goods**. Always state both the sign AND the magnitude.

What you'll learn in Topic 2.5

  • 2.5.1 Price elasticity of demand (PED)
  • 2.5.2 PED and total revenue
  • 2.5.3 Income and cross-price elasticity
Suggested study order: Read the notes for each sub-topic below → test yourself with flashcards → attempt practice questions → review exam technique.

Study resources — 2.5 Elasticity of demand

2.5.1

Price elasticity of demand (PED)

Notes
2.5.2

PED and total revenue

Notes
2.5.3

Income and cross-price elasticity

Notes

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Topic 2.5 Elasticity of demand forms a core part of Unit 2: Microeconomics in IB Economics. Mastering these concepts will strengthen your understanding of connected topics across the syllabus and prepare you for exam questions that require analysis, evaluation, and real-world application.

Frequently asked questions

What does Topic 2.5 Elasticity of demand cover in IB Business Management?
Topic 2.5 covers elasticity of demand as part of the IB BM syllabus. Students learn key business concepts, tools, and frameworks that are assessed in Paper 1 (case study) and Paper 2 (structured questions).
How should I revise Elasticity of demand for IB Business Management exams?
Start with the micro-topic notes to build understanding, then use flashcards for key terms and formulas. Practise applying concepts to case study scenarios and review how marks are allocated in IB mark schemes.
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