MICROECONOMICS / LEARN BY DOING
Explore · experiment · explain

5 connected labs · no account needed
Demand / marginal benefitSupply / private costPolicy / social cost
Adjust the sliders to change the diagram. Hover over the plot to read coordinates.

From diagram to argument

Build the chain of reasoning

    Equations behind the diagram

    Q* = (a − c)/(b + d); P* = a − bQ*. With specific tax t: Q = (a − c − t)/(b + d). With subsidy s, replace t with −s. Point PED magnitude = P*/(bQ*); PES = P*/(dQ*). With constant marginal external cost e, the social optimum is Qs = (a − c − e)/(b + d).

    Your evidence

    Experiment notebook

    Record results as you explore, then download your notes. Observations are held in this page only.

    LabPrice paidQuantity traded*PED at free equilibriumYour reasoning
    No observations yet. Change a condition, then record your findings.

    *For binding controls: maximum possible trades without government purchases.

    Exam technique

    Check your reasoning

    Self-review checklist, not an automated mark or grade.

    Concept toolkit

    Keep the distinctions clear

    Shift vs movement

    Own price changes cause movement along a curve. Other determinants shift it.

    Elasticity vs slope

    Elasticity compares percentage changes. It depends on the position on a linear curve.

    Revenue vs welfare

    Tax revenue is a transfer. Welfare loss reflects lost net benefits from trades.

    Private vs social

    Social costs include external costs imposed on third parties.