Economics and Mathematics


Topics and Problem Sets

Math skills necessary for all incoming MIA and MPA students:

Variables, Functions and Equations
Problem Set: Functional Notation

Graphs of Two Variable Functions

Summation Notation

Greek Symbols

Linear Functions
Problem Set:Graphing Linear Functions

Slope of Linear Functions
Problem Set: Slope of a Linear Function

Intercepts of a Linear Equation

Slope Intercept Form of a Linear Equation

Finding the Equation of a Line
Problem Set: Equation of a Line

Applications of Linear Functions

Systems of Linear Equations
Problem Set: Solving Systems of Linear Equations

Non-Linear Functions

Exponents
Problem Set: Laws of Exponents

Logarithms
Problem Set: Logarithms

The Exponential Function

The Quadratic Function
Problem Set: Quadratic Function

The Logarithmic Function

The Slope of a Non-linear Function

Additional Topics necessary for all MPA students and for MIA students planning to take the Economic Analysis Sequence (This course is required for concentrations in International Finance and Business, International Economic Policy and International Energy Management and Policy, Environmental Policy. The course is highly recommended for students planning careers in any other area related to economics, for example, economic development, even if their concentrations at SIPA do not require it.):

The necessity of calculus and some theory to get started

Rules of calculus - functions of one variable
Problem Set: Rules of calculus - functions of one variable

Economic interpretation of calculus operations - univariate
Problem Set: Economic interpretation of calculus operations - univariate

Rules of calculus - multivariate
Problem Set: Rules of calculus - multivariate

Economic interpretation of calculus operations - multivariate
Problem Set: Economic interpretation of calculus operations - multivariate