1. Production Possibilities Curve

2. Watermelons (millions of tons) Shoes (millions of pairs) 25 20 15 10 5 0 252015105 Production Possibilities Graph Watermelons (millions of tons) 0 a (0,15) 15 814 b (8,14) 14 18 20 21 12 9 5 0 A production possibilities frontier c (14,12) d (18,9) e (20,5) f (21,0) A production possibilities graph shows alternative ways that an economy can use its resources. The production possibilities frontier is the line that shows the maximum possible output for that economy.

3. Watermelons (millions of tons) Shoes (millions of pairs) 25 20 15 10 5 0 252015105 Production Possibilities Graph Watermelons (millions of tons) 0 a (0,15) 15 814 b (8,14) 14 18 20 21 12 9 5 0 A production possibilities frontier c (14,12) d (18,9) e (20,5) f (21,0) If you were in charge of this society, which would you focus on? Explain your reasoning why.

4. Shoes (millions of pairs) 25 20 15 10 5 0 252015105 Watermelons (millions of tons) Production Possibilities Graph g (5,8) A point of underutilization c (14,12) d (18,9) e (20,5) f (21,0) a (0,15) b (8,14) S Efficiency Efficiency means using resources in such a way as to maximize the production of goods and services. An economy producing output levels on the production possibilities frontier is operating efficiently.

5. Shoes (millions of pairs) 25 20 15 10 5 0 252015105 Watermelons (millions of tons) Production Possibilities Graph T Future production Possibilities frontier c (14,12) d (18,9) e (20,5) f (21,0) a (0,15) b (8,14) S Growth Growth If more resources become available, or if technology improves, an economy can increase its level of output and grow. When this happens, the entire production possibilities curve “shifts to the right.” What would you do to grow the watermelon/shoe economy?

6. Do we spend enough of college education? The U.S. government spent $62 billion last year in aid and an equivalent amount on housing and community development. Should money be adjusted between these two? Give real examples to explain why.