Ditto about Marshall's text.

I also explain that, strictly speaking, the demand function of  Q =
f(P) is actually a relation, and thus its mirror is P = f(Q).

Suspecting that math majors may have issues with the reversed axes, I
often point this out, but few students seem that concerned.

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On Wed, Feb 2, 2011 at 10:31 PM, Steve Horwitz <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Folks,
>
>
>
> It’s been a long time since I looked at this issue, so I’m going to rely on
> the wisdom of this wise crowd.
>
>
>
> What is the most accepted explanation for why we have the independent and
> dependent variables reversed in supply and demand graphs?  It came up in
> class today and I gave “an” answer, but I admitted to my class that I wasn’t
> confident that I was correct.  I also promised them I’d ask all of you.
>
>
>
> So what’s the consensus in HET on this issue?
>
>
>
> Thanks.
>
>
>
> Steve
>
>
>
>
>
> --
>
> Steven Horwitz
>
> Charles A. Dana Professor and Chair
>
> Department of Economics
>
> St. Lawrence University
>
> Canton, NY 13617
>
> Tel (315) 229 5731
>
> Fax (315) 229 5819
>
> Email [log in to unmask]
>
> Web: http://myslu.stlawu.edu/~shorwitz
>
>