JAMB 2018 Economics · Question 24

The ultimate objectives of economics is to_________?

Options

  1. A.decide under what circumstances that government should intervene in the economy
  2. B.Organize production at the lowest cost
  3. C.Make the best use of scarce resources
  4. D.make efforts to understands how the economy works

Answer: C. Make the best use of scarce resources

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the ultimate objective of economics as a subject. This is about the core purpose of the discipline, not a side goal or a method.

Step 2: Explain the concept Economics is defined as the study of how individuals, firms, and governments make choices about using scarce resources to satisfy unlimited wants. Because resources are limited and wants are unlimited, the central problem is scarcity. The aim of the whole subject is to find ways of allocating these resources so that society gets the maximum benefit from them.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

  • A. Decide when government should intervene: This is a policy question within economics, not its ultimate goal.
  • B. Organize production at the lowest cost: This is a goal for a firm (cost minimization), which is narrower than the discipline's overall objective.
  • C. Make the best use of scarce resources: This matches the core definition. Efficient allocation and use of scarce resources is the ultimate aim.
  • D. Understand how the economy works: This is an intermediate objective. Understanding the economy is a means to the end of using resources well.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. Make the best use of scarce resources.

Tip: In JAMB Economics, whenever you see "ultimate objective" or "basic problem," think scarcity → choice → best use of resources. Options about "understanding" are usually just stepping stones, while the option that links to scarcity is typically the answer.

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