Elasticity of Demand

Elasticity of demand is the consumer's responsiveness or sensitivity to changes in price.  If the demand is elastic a change in price will either increase or decrease consumers' buying.  If the demand is inelastic a change in price will not make a significant change in consumers' buying.  The price elasticity of demand is equal to the percent change in quantity divided by the percent change in price.

Products that are considered to have elastic demand are products that we don't necessarily need to have, but rather items that we want.  Some examples of these products are candy, shoes, purses, televisions, etc.  We don't need to have these items so if the price went up a ridiculous amount, the demand for the might decrease and less of these products would be bought.  If the price of these products went down, the demand for them might increase and more of the products might be sold.

Products that are considered a necessity, instead of just a want, are products that have an inelastic demand.  For instance, one product that has an inelastic demand is oil.  Oil is a necessity.  No matter if the price goes up or down oil still must get bought.  Therefore, the demand for oil is inelastic.

Can you think of some other products that have an inelastic demand?  Do you believe the consumer has any control over prices of products with an inelastic demand?  Why or why not?