Introduction

In this section, we take a closer look at the slope of the demand curve which indicates that a negative or inverse relationship exists between the price of a good or service and the quantity demanded.

After you have worked through this section of the learning unit, you should be able to:

  • explain why the demand curve is downward sloping and clearly distinguish between an upward and downward movement along the demand curve

An important property of a demand curve is that it slopes downwards from left to right. This reflects the inverse or negative relationship between the price and the quantity demanded. This downward slope of the demand curve represents the law of demand.

In our example, as the price of fried chicken pieces decreases, the quantity demanded increases. There is thus a downward movement along the demand curve.

Watch the following clip about the demand curve.

As the price of fried chicken pieces increases, the quantity demanded decreases. An upward movement along the demand curve thus takes place.

A decrease in the price increases the quantity demanded. This is represented as a downward movement along the demand curve.

An increase in the price decreases the quantity demanded. This is represented as an upward movement along the demand curve.

Watch the following video for more on a downward and upward movement along a demand curve: