Which of the following illustrates a trade-off?

The choice of purchasing a new car instead of saving for a house clearly illustrates a trade-off because it involves making a decision that weighs conflicting options against each other. In this scenario, the decision to buy a car means allocating resources—specifically money—that could otherwise be saved to invest in a house. This reflects the core concept of trade-offs in economics, where choosing one option often requires sacrificing the opportunity to pursue another. The act of prioritizing immediate needs or desires, such as transportation through a car, over a potentially greater long-term investment, like purchasing a home, encapsulates the essence of weighing benefits and costs associated with each choice.

Increasing production to meet demand does not represent a trade-off in a clear sense, as it typically relates to scaling operations rather than choosing between mutually exclusive options. Similarly, investing in stocks for long-term growth and offering discounts to boost sales are strategic decisions focused on investment opportunities and pricing strategy, respectively, rather than direct trade-offs. These options involve enhancing business outcomes without the necessity of sacrificing other opportunities or resources in a way that distinctly represents a trade-off.