Research Article Open Access

Accelerators in Macroeconomics: Comparison of Discrete and Continuous Approaches

Vasily E. Tarasov1 and Valentina V. Tarasova1
  • 1 Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia

Abstract

We prove that the standard discrete-time accelerator equation cannot be considered as an exact discrete analog of the continuous-time accelerator equation. This leads to fact that the standard discrete-time macroeconomic models cannot be considered as exact discretization of the corresponding continuous-time models. As a result, the equations of the continuous and standard discrete models have different solutions and can predict the different behavior of the economy. In this study, we propose a self-consistent discrete-time description of the economic accelerators that is based on the exact finite differences. For discrete-time approach, the model equations with exact differences have the same solutions as the corresponding continuous-time models and these discrete and continuous models describe the same behavior of the economy. Using the Harrod-Domar growth model as an example, we show that equations of the continuous-time model and the suggested exact discrete model have the same solutions and these models predict the same behavior of the economy.

American Journal of Economics and Business Administration
Volume 9 No. 3, 2017, 47-55

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajebasp.2017.47.55

Submitted On: 17 July 2017 Published On: 10 November 2017

How to Cite: Tarasov, V. E. & Tarasova, V. V. (2017). Accelerators in Macroeconomics: Comparison of Discrete and Continuous Approaches. American Journal of Economics and Business Administration, 9(3), 47-55. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajebasp.2017.47.55

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Keywords

  • Macroeconomics
  • Accelerator
  • Harrod-Domar Growth Model
  • Finite Difference
  • Exact Difference