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HomePearson Edexcel International IGCSE EconomicsThe Basic Economic Problem
Pearson Edexcel International · IGCSE · Economics · Revision Notes

The Basic Economic Problem

81 words · Last updated July 2026

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What you'll learn

Why scarcity forces economies to make choices.

Key ideas

  • Scarcity: limited resources, unlimited wants; opportunity cost.
  • The factors of production: land, labour, capital and enterprise.
  • The three questions: what, how and for whom to produce; the production possibility frontier (PPF).

Exam tips

  • Give a clear opportunity-cost example.
  • Explain what the PPF shows.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the factors of production.
  • Forgetting opportunity cost is the next best alternative.
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