AP Macroeconomics : Tables

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Macroeconomics

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Tables

Each of the following is included in the gross domestic product EXCEPT _________.

Possible Answers:

Consumption

Net Exports

Transfer payments

Government Expenditures

Correct answer:

Transfer payments

Explanation:

To calculate the GDP, we add consumption, investment, government expenditures, and net exports. 

Transfer payments, such as social security, welfare, and unemployment checks, on the other hand, are not included in the calculation of the GDP.

Example Question #2 : Gross Domestic Product

Which of these methods is a correct model for GDP?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The quantity of money times the velocity of money is equal to the real output times the price level. So, if the above equation is solved for Y, it gives us: 

Example Question #1 : Gross Domestic Product

Which of the following is NOT a measure of income when using the income approach to calculate GDP?

Possible Answers:

Interest and investment income.

Income from farmers.

Governmental tax revenue.

Profits from corporations.

Wages and salaries.

Correct answer:

Governmental tax revenue.

Explanation:

The income approach to calculating GDP will arrive at the same number as other approaches, such as the production approach or expenditure approach. The five sources of income used to calculate Income GDP, or Gross Domestic Income, are wages and salaries; interest and investment income; corporate profits; farmers' income; and non-farm unincorporated business profits.

Example Question #2 : Tables

In a certain year, nominal gross domestic product grew by 8 percent. The inflation rate was 4 percent. Real gross domestic product for this year was _______.

Possible Answers:

grew by 8 percent

grew by 4 percent

remained constant

grew by 12 percent

Correct answer:

grew by 4 percent

Explanation:

Nominal GDP growth refers to the rate at which real GDP increases. To find real GDP growth (i.e. GDP growth that accounts for inflation), subtract the inflation rate from the nominal GDP growth rate.

In this case, the nominal GDP growth rate is 8 percent, and the inflation rate is 4 percent. Thus, the real GDP growth rate is 4%.

Example Question #2 : Tables

Countries A & B can produce the following maximum quantities of cars and computers (when they use all their resources to produce one of the goods):

Country A: 500 computers OR 200 cars

Country B: 300 computers OR 100 cars

Which of the following is true about their trade potential?

Possible Answers:

None of the other answers

Country A and Country B can both benefit from trade since each has a comparative advantage in one of the goods

If Country A and Country B were to enter into a trade agreement, Country B would be the only party to benefit

If Country A and Country B were to enter into a trade agreement, Country A would be the only party to benefit

Country A would not accept any trade terms with Country B since it can produce more of both good A and good B

Correct answer:

Country A and Country B can both benefit from trade since each has a comparative advantage in one of the goods

Explanation:

Trade does not depend on absolute advantage (who can produce the most of both goods) but comparative advantage (who can produce one good cheaper than the other). Country A can produce cars more cheaply than country B (1 car costs 2.5 computers for country A while it costs 3 computers for country B). Country B on the other hand can produce computers more cheaply than country A (1 computer costs 0.3 cars in country B while it costs 0.4 cars in country A). Thus they will both benefit from trade. 

Example Question #3 : Tables

Countries A & B can produce the following maximum quantities of cars and computers (when they use all their resources to produce one of the goods):

Country A: 500 computers OR 200 cars

Country B: 300 computers OR 100 cars

 

If these countries were to trade, which of the following options give possible terms of trade?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To answer this question, you would have to tabulate the opportunity costs of both Country A and Country B in the production of cars and computers, this will allow you to consider what trades are possible and which are not. This would be the result of the table:

Opp costs of computer production

Country A: 1 computer = 0.4 cars

Country B: 1 computer = 0.3 cars

 

Opp costs of car production

Country A: 1 car = 2.5 computers

Country B: 1 car = 3 computers

 

This tells us that Country B will produce the majority of the computers, since they have a comparative advantage in that, and Country A will produce most of the cars since they have a comparative advantage in that. It follows then, that any terms of trade where Country A has to pay more than 0.4 cars for a computer would be unacceptable since then they would be better off making them themselves. Similarly, any terms of trade where Country B has to pay more than 3 computers to get a car would be unacceptable for the same reason. The only acceptable terms of trade in the options are 1 computer = 0.35 cars.

Example Question #4 : Tables

Countries A & B can produce the following maximum quantities of cars and computers (when they use all their resources to produce one of the goods):

Country A: 500 computers OR 200 cars

Country B: 300 computers OR 100 cars

 

If these countries were to trade, which of the following options give the trade outcomes that would result?

Possible Answers:

There would be no agreeable terms of trade since Country A produces more cars and more computers than Country B does.

Country A would produce most of the cars and Country B would produce most of the computers

There is not enough information to answer the question as stated

Country B would produce most of the cars and Country A would produce most of the computers

Country A would produce more cars and more computers and trade them with Country B since they have a comparative advantage in producing both goods 

Correct answer:

Country A would produce most of the cars and Country B would produce most of the computers

Explanation:

To answer this question, you would have to tabulate the opportunity costs of both Country A and Country B in the production of cars and computers, this will allow you to consider what trades are possible and which are not. This would be the result of the table:

Opp costs of computer production

Country A: 1 computer = 0.4 cars

Country B: 1 computer = 0.3 cars

 

Opp costs of car production

Country A: 1 car = 2.5 computers

Country B: 1 car = 3 computers

 

This tells us that Country B will produce the majority of the computers, since they have a comparative advantage in that, and Country A will produce most of the cars since they have a comparative advantage in that. 

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