The graph to the right illustrates this simple relationship between the desired quantity demanded and the market price. At P1 the consumer (or consumers) for whom this demand curve applies, would like to purchase Q1; while at P2 she (or they) would like to purchase Q2 (a smaller amount), because the price has risen. A change due only to price variation, like this one, is called a change in quantity demanded.

   A change or shift in demand occurs when some factor, other than price, varies. A shift in demand means that the entire relationship, between price and desired quantity demanded, has changed.

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