Why the answer is B, and why the others tempt you.
**The reasoning**
Cross-elasticity of demand measures how the quantity demanded of **one good** changes when the **price of another good** changes. This reveals the relationship between two different products.
The formula: **Cross-elasticity = % change in quantity of Good A ÷ % change in price of Good B**
- If **positive** → the goods are **substitutes** (when Pepsi's price rises, people buy more Coke)
- If **negative** → the goods are **complements** (when petrol prices rise, people buy fewer cars)
- If **zero** → unrelated goods (rice and shoes have no connection)
So cross-elasticity specifically tells you whether goods are substitutes or complements.
**Why the wrong options tempt you**
**A) Same good** — That's regular price elasticity, not *cross*-elasticity. The word "cross" means it crosses between two different goods.
**C) Time** — You're confusing this with how elasticity *changes* over time, but cross-elasticity measures product relationships, not time periods.
**D) Income** — That's income elasticity, which shows how demand changes with consumer income.
**Quick takeaway**
"Cross" means crossing between two goods—it reveals if they're friends (complements) or rivals (substitutes).
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