Principles Of Microeconomics
Principles Of Microeconomics
7th Edition
ISBN: 9781260111088
Author: Robert H. Frank, Ben Bernanke, Kate Antonovics, Ori Heffetz
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
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Chapter 2, Problem 1RQ
To determine

The difference between comparative advantage and absolute advantage.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

Comparative advantage refers the ability of a nation to produce goods and services at a lower opportunity cost than others. On the other hand, absolute advantage refers to the cost advantage of a nation, which can produce large quantity of goods and services using same level of inputs. Suppose an individual or a firm can produce a particular good at a lower cost than others can, then the individual or the firm has a comparative cost in the production of that good. In addition, if an individual or a firm can produce greater quantity of a good using less units of input than others, then the individual or firm has an absolute advantage in the production of that particular good.

Economics Concept Introduction

Absolute advantage: Absolute advantage refers to the ability to produce a good using fewer inputs than another producer does.

Comparative advantage: Comparative advantage refers to the ability to produce a good at a lower opportunity cost than another producer.

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Students have asked these similar questions
The principle of comparative advantage does not provide answers to certain questions. One of those questions is   Do specialization and trade benefit more than one party to a trade? Is it absolute advantage or comparative advantage that really matters?          How are the gains from trade shared among the parties to a trade? Is it possible for specialization and trade to increase total output of traded goods?
What does it mean to have an absolute advantage? What does it mean to have a comparative advantage?
What is comparative advantage?
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