Given that the employment elasticity of the formal sector with respect to GDP is 0.5, if real GDP grows by 4% in a year, what is the expected percentage change in formal sector employment? Show all steps.
Answer
2% increase
The correct answer is 2% increase — 3. Conclude that formal sector employment is expected to increase by 2%.
Step-by-step solution
- 1. Take the employment elasticity of formal sector: 0.5.
- 2. Multiply it by the percentage change in GDP: .
- 3. Conclude that formal sector employment is expected to increase by 2%.
Common mistake: Multiplying by elasticity instead of dividing, or confusing elasticity with growth rate
Concept tested: Employment elasticity calculation
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