What does a demand curve illustrate?

A demand curve illustrates the graphical representation of the relationship between the price of a good and the quantity demanded. It shows how much of a good or service consumers are willing to purchase at various price levels. As the price of a good decreases, the quantity demanded generally increases, which is reflected by a downward-sloping demand curve. This illustrates the law of demand, which states that there is an inverse relationship between price and quantity demanded, assuming other factors remain constant.

Understanding this concept is fundamental in economics, as it helps in analyzing consumer behavior and making forecasts about changes in the market based on price fluctuations. The demand curve is a critical tool for visualizing and interpreting consumer preferences in relation to price changes.