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FMT204

Introduction To Mathematical Economics

  • Sciences
  • 200 level
  • 2 credit units
  • 220 pages
  • 6 units

This course introduces fundamental concepts in mathematical economics. It covers logarithms, exponential functions, growth mathematics, and production functions. Students will learn differential and total derivatives, matrix algebra, and input-output analysis. The course also explores comparative statistics, linear programming, dual programming, and game theory. The aim is to equip students with mathematical tools for solving financial problems and making informed economic calculations.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
150 hours
Maths
Intermediate
Content
Theoretical, problem solving
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor Marked Assignments
  • Final Examination

What you'll read

The real module and unit structure of FMT204, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

FMT204 · UNIT 1: GROWTH MATHEMATICS

The interpretation of these laws is that whenever you are to divide two numbers written in index form where their base(s) are equal, what you do is to subtract their powers from each other as demonstrated in the above definition.

What you should be able to do

  1. Explain the concept of logarithms and exponential functions.
  2. Apply matrix algebra to solve economic problems.
  3. Formulate and solve linear programming models.
  4. Analyze strategic interactions using game theory.
  5. Apply comparative statistics to economic analysis.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Financial Analyst
  • Economist
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Management Consultant
  • Investment Banker
Where it is applied
  • Finance
  • Economics
  • Operations Management
  • Consulting
  • Banking

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 3:

    Unit 1: Matrix Algebra and Vector

    Requires strong understanding of matrix operations and linear algebra concepts.

  • Module 4:

    Unit 1: Comparative Statics and the Concept of Derivative

    Involves abstract concepts of limits, derivatives, and their economic applications.

  • Module 5:

    Unit 1: Games Theory

    Game theory requires understanding of strategic interactions and complex decision-making processes.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 86 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1:
    • Unit 1: Indices, Exponential Equations and Logarithms · 6 hours

      Understand the laws of indices and their applications.. Solve problems related to indices.. Explain and solve problems on logarithms..

  2. Week 2Module 2:
    • Unit 1: Growth Mathematics · 7 hours

      Determine arithmetic and geometric progressions.. Calculate simple and compound interest.. Understand discounting principles..

  3. Week 3Module 3:
    • Unit 1: Matrix Algebra and Vector · 8 hours

      Define matrix algebra and vectors.. Identify different types of matrices.. Perform operations on matrices..

  4. Week 4Module 4:
    • Unit 1: Comparative Statics and the Concept of Derivative · 7 hours

      Understand comparative statics and the concept of derivative.. Apply derivatives to solve problems..

  5. Week 5Module 4:
    • Unit 2: Applications to Comparative Static Analysis · 6 hours

      Apply comparative static analysis to market models.. Apply comparative static analysis to national income models..

  6. Week 6Module 5:
    • Unit 1: Games Theory · 8 hours

      Understand the basic concepts of game theory.. Apply game theory to strategic decision-making..

  7. Week 7Module 6:
    • Unit 1: Linear Programming · 7 hours

      Apply linear programming to business problems.. Formulate linear programming models.. Solve linear programming models using graphical methods..

  8. Week 8Module 1:
    • Unit 1: Indices, Exponential Equations and Logarithms · 4 hours

      Review indices, exponential equations, and logarithms.. Practice solving problems related to indices and logarithms..

  9. Week 9Module 2:
    • Unit 1: Growth Mathematics · 5 hours

      Review arithmetic and geometric progressions.. Practice calculating simple and compound interest.. Solve problems on discounting..

  10. Week 10Module 3:
    • Unit 1: Matrix Algebra and Vector · 6 hours

      Review matrix algebra and vectors.. Practice matrix operations.. Solve simultaneous equations using matrices..

  11. Week 11Module 4:
    • Unit 1: Comparative Statics and the Concept of Derivative · 5 hours

      Review comparative statics and derivatives.. Practice applying derivatives to economic problems..

    • Unit 2: Applications to Comparative Static Analysis · 5 hours

      Review applications of comparative static analysis.. Solve problems related to market and national income models..

  12. Week 12Module 5:
    • Unit 1: Games Theory · 6 hours

      Review game theory concepts.. Practice solving game theory problems..

  13. Week 13Module 6:
    • Unit 1: Linear Programming · 6 hours

      Review linear programming concepts.. Practice formulating and solving linear programming models..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create concept maps linking logarithmic and exponential functions to economic applications.
  • Practice solving matrix algebra problems, focusing on simultaneous equations.
  • Formulate various business scenarios as linear programming models and solve them graphically.
  • Study game theory concepts, including Nash equilibrium and strategic dominance.
  • Review comparative statistics and practice applying derivatives to economic models.
  • Allocate study time evenly across all modules, with extra focus on challenging units.
  • Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their solutions.
  • Practice past exam papers to get familiar with question types and difficulty levels.
  • Create flashcards for key formulas and definitions.
  • Form study groups to discuss concepts and solve problems collaboratively.

Questions students ask about this course

What is FMT204 about?

This course introduces fundamental concepts in mathematical economics. It covers logarithms, exponential functions, growth mathematics, and production functions. Students will learn differential and total derivatives, matrix algebra, and input-output analysis. The course also explores comparative statistics, linear programming, dual programming, and game theory. The aim is to equip students with mathematical tools for solving financial problems and making informed economic calculations.

How many units does FMT204 have?

FMT204, Introduction To Mathematical Economics, has 6 units across 5 modules, over 220 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is FMT204?

FMT204 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Sciences.

Is FMT204 hard?

FMT204 is rated intermediate level, with intermediate mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and problem solving work.

How long does FMT204 take to study?

About 150 hours of study, spread across its 6 units.

How is FMT204 assessed?

FMT204 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.

What can I do with FMT204?

Financial Analyst, Economist, Operations Research Analyst, Management Consultant and Investment Banker.

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