Q2. Illustrates the market for pizza is characterized by a downward-sloping demand curve
and an upward-sloping supply curve. [1.5 Marks]
a. Draw the competitive market equilibrium. Label the price, quantity, consumer
surplus, and producer surplus. Is there any deadweight loss? Explain.
b. Suppose that the government forces each pizzeria to pay a $1 tax on each pizza sold. Illustrate the effect of this tax on the pizza market, being sure to label the consumer surplus, producer surplus, government revenue, and deadweight loss. How does each area compare to the pre-tax case?
c. If the tax were removed, pizza eaters and sellers would be better off, but the
government would lose tax revenue. Suppose that consumers and producers voluntarily transferred some of their gains to the government. Could all parties (including the government) be better off than they were with a tax? Explain using the labeled areas in your graph
Sample Solution
