| | Price Elasticity of Demand [Mackinac Center for Public Policy] (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-05) |
 | | The most commonly used measure of consumers' sensitivity to price is known as "price elasticity of demand." It is simply the proportionate change in demand given a change in price. |
 | | A good with a price elasticity stronger than negative one is said to be "elastic;" goods with price elasticities smaller (closer to zero) than negative one are said to be "inelastic." Goods that are more essential to everyday living, and that have fewer substitutes, typically have lower elasticities; staple foods are a good example. |
 | | For example, the demand for automobiles would, in the short term, be somewhat elastic, as the purchase of a new vehicle can often be delayed. |
| www.mackinac.org /1247 (676 words) |