What does the downward slope of the demand curve indicate about the relationship between price and quantity demanded?

The downward slope of the demand curve indicates that price and quantity demanded are inversely related. This means that as the price of a good or service decreases, the quantity demanded by consumers increases. Conversely, when the price rises, the quantity demanded tends to decrease. This relationship reflects the fundamental principle of demand: consumers are generally more willing to purchase a product at a lower price than at a higher price, leading to a negative correlation between price and quantity demanded.

In a graphical representation, this relationship is visually depicted by a line that slopes downwards from left to right, demonstrating how changes in price affect consumer behavior regarding their willingness to buy. Understanding this concept is essential because it helps explain market dynamics and consumer decision-making in response to price changes.