Law of supply

The law of supply is a fundamental principle of economic theory which states that, keeping other factors constant, an increase in price results in an increase in quantity supplied.[1] In other words, there is a direct relationship between price and quantity: quantities respond in the same direction as price changes. This means that producers are willing to offer more of a product for sale on the market at higher prices by increasing production as a way of increasing profits.[2]

In short, the law of supply is a positive relationship between quantity supplied and price and is the reason for the upward slope of the supply curve.

Mathematical definition

In non-differentiable terms, the law of supply can be expressed as:

${\displaystyle (p-p')(y-y')\geq 0}$

where y is the amount that would be supplied at some price p, and y' is the amount that would be supplied at some other price p' . Thus for example if p > p' then y > y' .[3]

See also

• Demand curve
• Law of demand
• Supply (economics)
• Supply and demand

References

1. Mas-Colell, A., Whinston, M. Green, J.: Principles of Microeconomics. Oxford University Press., pg 138. 1995.
2. Rittenberg, L. & Tregarthen, T.: Microeconomics
3. Mas-Colell, d., lucrezi, M. Green, J.: Principles of Microeconomics. Oxford University Press., pg 138. 1995.