2016年美国CPA模拟试题：Business（五）

Which of the following would cause the demand curve for a commodity to shift to the left?

a.A rise in the population.

b.A rise in the price of a complementary commodity.

c.A rise in the price of a substitute product.

d.A rise in average household income.

答案：B

Explanation

Choice "b" is correct. A rise in the price of a complementary commodity would cause a shift to the left in any demand curve (representing decrease in demand, at all price levels, for that product). With respect to complementary goods, the demand for the primary product is directly impacted by the demand (and hence the price changes) for the complementary goods. For instance, if the price of gasoline goes up, the demand for cars will decrease, causing the demand curve for cars to shift left.

Choice "c" is incorrect. A rise in the price of a substitute product will make the demand curve shift to the right.

Choice "d" is incorrect. A rise in average household income would make the demand curve shift to the right, representing an increase in demand.

Choice "a" is incorrect. A rise in population, or a change in consumers' tastes in favor of the commodity are also changes that may cause an increase in demand, making the demand curve shift to the right.