Question: The demand and supply curves that we use can also be represented with equations. Suppose that the demand for low-skill labor,
QD, is represented by the following equation, where W is the wage rate:
QD = 53,000,000 - 3,000,000W
The supply of low-skill labor, QS, is represented by the equation: QS = -10,000,000 + 6,000,000 W
a. Find the equilibrium wage.
b. Find the equilibrium quantity of labor.
c. What happens if the minimum wage is $8? Does this cause a surplus or a shortage?
d. What happens if the minimum wage is $6? Does this cause a surplus or a shortage?