Theory

Sign Analysis of the Price Change Resulting from a Demand Shock (∂P*/∂a)

The direction of the change in equilibrium price following a demand shock can be determined by analyzing the sign of the partial derivative ∂P*/∂a. The denominator of the fraction representing this derivative, (∂S/∂P) - (∂D/∂P), is positive, as the supply curve's slope (∂S/∂P) is positive and the demand curve's slope (∂D/∂P) is negative. Given that the numerator is also positive by the definition of the demand function, the entire fraction is positive. Consequently, ∂P*/∂a > 0, which mathematically confirms that a positive demand shock (an increase in the parameter 'a') results in an increased equilibrium price.

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Updated 2025-08-09

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