Define the elasticity of supply and show how it is calculated. ...

[Mr. Wonderful]

Define the elasticity of supply and show how it is calculated.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Why are losses acceptable in the short run but not the long run?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[anoriega3]

Answer to Question 1

The elasticity of supply measures the responsiveness of the quantity supplied to a change in the price of a good when all other influences on selling plans remain the same. The elasticity of supply is calculated by the percentage change in the quantity supplied divided by the percentage change in the price.

Answer to Question 2

Losses are acceptable in the short run because even if it is not possible to make a normal or economic profit the goal is to minimize losses. In the short run this would happen when the price is below average total cost but still above average variable cost. In the long run the goal is to make at least normal economic profit. Since this is the minimum that one would expect to earn in the long run losses are not acceptable.