A store has been selling calculators at Rs. 350 each. A market survey indicates that a reduction in price (\( p \)) of calculators increases the number of units (\( x \)) sold. The relation between the price and quantity sold is given by the demand function:
\[ p = 450 - \frac{x}{2}. \]
Based on the above information, answer the following questions:
Step 1: Express revenue as a function of \( x \)
Revenue is given by: \[ R(x) = x \cdot p(x) = x \cdot \left( 450 - \frac{x}{2} \right) = 450x - \frac{x^2}{2}. \] Step 2: Differentiate to find critical points
The first derivative of \( R(x) \) is: \[ \frac{dR}{dx} = 450 - x. \] For maximum or minimum, set \( \frac{dR}{dx} = 0 \): \[ 450 - x = 0 \implies x = 450. \] Step 3: Verify using the second derivative
The second derivative of \( R(x) \) is: \[ \frac{d^2R}{dx^2} = -1<0. \] Since \( \frac{d^2R}{dx^2}<0 \), \( R(x) \) is maximum when \( x = 450 \).
Step 4: Final result
The number of units that should be sold to maximise revenue is \( x = 450 \).