Opportunity Cost and Financial Cost EXAM CORNERINTRO ACTIVITY 2019 Sample Paper Q15
In January 2018 the government introduced a scheme giving grants for solar panels for home use.
Seán and Maureen O’Mahony were considering landscaping their back garden this summer but have now decided to take advantage of the grant scheme and install solar panels in their home.
Using the above information explain what is meant by opportunity cost.
The opportunity cost of a decision is the item you go without after a decision. If Seán and Maureen install the solar panels, the opportunity cost of that decision is not landscaping their back garden.
You would need to reference Seán and Maureen in your answer to get full marks as the question says ‘using the above information’.
TOP TIP
Q8 Ava has €80. Her two options are shown below: Option 1
A ticket to a music festival – €80
Option 2 A new pair of headphones – €80
Ava decides to buy the headphones. Identify the financial cost and the opportunity cost of Ava’s choice.
Financial Cost: Opportunity Cost:
Q9 Mr and Mrs Doyle have €9,000 in savings. Their two options are shown below: Option 1
Option 2 A family holiday abroad – €9,000 Mr and Mrs Doyle decide to install the new kitchen.
Identify the financial cost and the opportunity cost of their choice, and give a reason for each.