Economics - Answers The study of how individuals and societies make choices under
conditions of scarcity
Scarcity - Answers The condition that arises because resources are limited but wants are
unlimited
Opportunity Cost - Answers The value of the next best alternative given up when a choice is
made
Explicit Cost - Answers A direct monetary payment made by a firm or individual
Implicit Cost - Answers A non-monetary opportunity cost such as time or foregone income
Marginal Thinking - Answers Comparing marginal benefits to marginal costs when making
decisions
Marginal Benefit - Answers The additional benefit from consuming one more unit of a good or
service
Marginal Cost - Answers The additional cost from consuming one more unit of a good or
service
Rational Decision Rule - Answers Do an activity if marginal benefit is greater than or equal to
marginal cost
Microeconomics - Answers The study of individual decision-makers such as households and
firms
Macroeconomics - Answers The study of the economy as a whole including inflation,
unemployment, and growth
Positive Economics - Answers Describes how the economy actually works
Normative Economics - Answers Expresses opinions or value judgments about how the
economy should work
Chapter 2: Economic Models & Trade - Answers
Economic Model - Answers A simplified representation of reality used to understand economic
relationships
Ceteris Paribus - Answers Holding all other relevant factors constant
Production Possibilities Curve (PPC) - Answers A graph showing maximum possible output
combinations of two goods