Leftward Shift

Definition

A leftward shift refers to a change in the demand or supply curve that results in a decrease in the equilibrium quantity and a decrease in the equilibrium price. This shift occurs when there is a change in one or more of the determinants of demand or supply, causing the entire demand or supply curve to move to the left.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A leftward shift in the demand curve indicates a decrease in the quantity demanded at any given price, resulting in a lower equilibrium price and quantity.
2. A leftward shift in the supply curve indicates a decrease in the quantity supplied at any given price, resulting in a lower equilibrium price and quantity.
3. Factors that can cause a leftward shift in the demand curve include a decrease in consumer income, a change in consumer preferences, or the introduction of a substitute good.
4. Factors that can cause a leftward shift in the supply curve include an increase in the cost of production, a decrease in the number of suppliers, or a change in technology.
5. A leftward shift in both the demand and supply curves can lead to a new equilibrium with a lower price and quantity compared to the initial equilibrium.

Review Questions

• Explain how a leftward shift in the demand curve affects the equilibrium price and quantity.
  • A leftward shift in the demand curve indicates a decrease in the quantity demanded at any given price. This shift causes the equilibrium price and quantity to decrease. The new equilibrium point will be at a lower price and lower quantity compared to the initial equilibrium. This shift occurs when there is a change in one or more of the determinants of demand, such as a decrease in consumer income, a change in consumer preferences, or the introduction of a substitute good.
• Describe the factors that can cause a leftward shift in the supply curve and the resulting effects on the equilibrium.
  • Factors that can cause a leftward shift in the supply curve include an increase in the cost of production, a decrease in the number of suppliers, or a change in technology. A leftward shift in the supply curve indicates a decrease in the quantity supplied at any given price. This shift causes the equilibrium price to decrease and the equilibrium quantity to decrease as well. The new equilibrium point will be at a lower price and lower quantity compared to the initial equilibrium.
• Analyze the impact of a simultaneous leftward shift in both the demand and supply curves on the market equilibrium.
  • If both the demand and supply curves experience a leftward shift, the resulting impact on the market equilibrium will be a decrease in both the equilibrium price and equilibrium quantity. The new equilibrium point will be at a lower price and lower quantity compared to the initial equilibrium. This can occur when there are changes in multiple determinants of both demand and supply, such as a decrease in consumer income and an increase in the cost of production. The combined leftward shifts in both the demand and supply curves lead to a new equilibrium with a lower price and quantity.

Related terms

Demand Curve:

A graphical representation of the relationship between the quantity demanded of a good or service and its price, holding all other factors constant.

Supply Curve:

A graphical representation of the relationship between the quantity supplied of a good or service and its price, holding all other factors constant.

Equilibrium:

The point where the quantity demanded is equal to the quantity supplied, resulting in a stable market price and quantity.