Fundamentals of Business Mathematics

Differentiation of one-variable and multivariable functions in economics. Marginal and elasticity. Optimization in economics. Linear algebra and linear programming. Simplex and dual simplex method.

NB! This course will take place in autumn semester 2024/2025 which starts on 2nd of September and ends 26th of January (you can find that information under Start date section). The real course start and end dates will be announced at the beginning of September at the latest.

After completing the course the student will:

• be able to investigate one-variable functions;
• know the basic notions of differential calculus and will be acquainted with economic interpretations of these notions;
• will be able to solve unconstrained optimization problems with one and two decision variables and constrained optimization problems by substitution and using the Lagrange method;
• will know basic notions and relations of linear algebra;
• will be able to formulate simple problems of linear programming and solve them graphically and with the help of the ordinary or dual simplex method.

Final assessment can consist of one test/assignment or several smaller assignments completed during the whole course. After declaring a course the student can re-sit the exam/assessment once. Assessment can be graded or non-graded. For specific information about the assessment process please get in touch with the contact person of this course. For specific information about grade transfer please contact your home university

• Soper, J. (2004). Mathematics for Economics and Business, 2nd edition. Blackwell Publishing;
• Bailey, D. (1998). Mathematics in Economics. McGraw-Hill;
• Bradley, T., Patton, P. (2002). Essential Mathematics for Economics and Business, 2nd edition. John Wiley & Sons Ltd;
• Chiang, A. C., Wainwright, K. (2005). Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics, 4th edition. McGraw-Hill.

lectures, exercises