Question

1. how do economists typically measure income inequality?

by measuring average income
by calculating median home prices
only by counting those below poverty line
by comparing different income groups across the population

Explanation:

Income inequality is about the distribution of income among different groups. Measuring average income just gives a central value and doesn't show inequality. Calculating median home prices is related to housing, not income inequality. Counting those below the poverty line only focuses on the lower - end and not the overall distribution. Comparing different income groups across the population (e.g., using methods like quintile analysis) is a way to measure how income is spread out, which is what income inequality is about.

Answer:

By comparing different income groups across the population