Learning Objectives
In this class we will continue the study of elements of vector calculus begun in Math for Economics II. The topics covered will include line integrals and surface integrals, concluding with the Divergence theorem. These are essential in our Calculus III curriculum. Next we will concentrate on studying sequences and series, the latter of which has basic applications in Economics such as annuities, mortgage payments, internal rate of return, etc. The study of sequences and series form a big part of our Calculus II curriculum since they are a key focus of higher math courses such as real and complex analysis.
For the second main goal of the course we will continue the study of linear algebra begun in Math for Economics II, proceeding in a more thorough manner that includes the introductory study of vector spaces, matrix analysis, eigenvectors and eigenvalues. Though this will seem abstract at first, the payoffs in understanding and in application are immense. Change of basis and similar matrices are essential concepts in the framework of linear algebra, and, in practice, may be useful for student who pursues a career in quantitative analysis. Linear and nonlinear programming will complement the optimization methods encountered in the previous Math for Economics courses. We will also introduce a glimps of Game Theory from a linear algebraic approach.
By the end of the course, the students will be well-rounded in both formal reasoning and applicable knowledge of mathematics to economics. This will especially benefit students who double major in mathematics and economics, as those who take the three-part Math for Economics courses will have effectively taken the three-part Calculus curriculum.
Class Meetings
Lectures will meet twice a week for 75 minutes. There is a mandatory 75 minute recitation session. You must register for lecture and recitation separately.
Prerequisites
Students who wish to enroll in Math for Economics II must meet one of the following prerequisites:
- Placement into Math for Economics II by our departmental placement test.
- A grade of ‘C’ or higher in Math for Economics I, MATH-UA.211See the math department’s placement web page for more information.
Grades
Your course score will be determined as the following weighted average:
| Item | Weight |
| Midterm Exams | 40% |
| Problem Sets | 10% |
| WebAssign | 10% |
| Quizzes | 10% |
| Final Exam | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
We will convert this score to a letter grade beginning with these values as cutoffs:
| Cutoff | Letter Grade |
| 93 | A |
| 90 | A- |
| 87 | B+ |
| 83 | B |
| 80 | B- |
| 75 | C+ |
| 65 | C |
| 50 | D |
| 0 | F |
These cutoffs might be adjusted, but only in the downward direction (to make letter grades higher).
A note on grades of W and I
You may drop the course in the first two weeks without it appearing on your transcript. After that, and through the ninth week, you may withdraw and receive a grade of ‘W’ on your transcript. No withdrawals are granted after the ninth week.
A grade of ‘Incomplete’ (I) is granted only in the rare circumstances that an emergency prevents a student in good standing from finishing the course in its last few weeks. As per the CAS Bulletin:
“Students who are ill or have a serious personal problem should see, call, or write to an adviser in the College Advising Center, College of Arts and Science, New York University, Silver Center, 100 Washington Square East, Room 905, New York, NY 10003-6688; 212-998-8130.”
Textbook and Materials
The course lectures and notes will be self-contained, and all quizzes and exams will cover material discussed in class or in recitation. However, we will follow the sections from the textbooks below. Feel free to use them as a reference.
- Essential Calculus: Early Transcendentals by James Stewart, 2nd edition.
- Essential Mathematics for Economic Analysis by Knut Sydsaeter and Peter Hammond, 5th edition.
In addition, a WebAssign subscription will be required for the online homework component of this course. This subscription includes access to the eBook of Essential Calculus by James Stewart, 2nd edition.
The Calculator Question
A graphing calculator is encouraged for class discussion and on homework, but not allowed for exams or quizzes. No specific calculator is endorsed, so do not buy a new one. If you have one already, continue to use that one; if you do not, try free alternatives such as Wolfram Alpha.