Math Tools for Economists II

Econ 1088-001

Fall 2003

Syllabus and Tentative Outline

 

Instructor: Azim Sadikov                                               Class: MWF 2:00 – 2:50

Office: Econ 307                                                          Classroom: CLRE 207

Office phone: (303) 492-76-17                                    Office hours: TBA

 

E-mail: mailto: Azim.Sadikov@Colorado.edu (preferred way of communication)

Class webpage: http://ucsub.colorado.edu/~sadikov/econ1088.html

 

Course Description:

This class is a continuation of Econ 1078. Basically, it consists of two parts: derivatives and integrals (chapters 9-11 of the text). These tools will help you to better understand the mathematical framework on which economic models are based.

 

Prerequisite: Econ 1078 or equivalent.

 

Textbook:

Required: R. Barnett and M. Ziegler, “Essentials of College Mathematics”, 3rd edition.

Recommended: Study Guide for Essentials of College Mathematics.

Recommended: A scientific calculator.

 

Homework:

Homework will be assigned during each class. It is vital part of learning to use math tolls and its applications (mathematics is best learnt by practicing). Student Solution Manual to accompany textbook provides solutions to every odd numbered problem. You are recommended to practice them. Because all of us want you to learn better I will assign only even numbered problems. During the class when homework is due I will randomly name several students who will need to turn their homeworks. I will post answer keys (with solutions) the day I collect homeworks. Therefore, late homeworks will not be accepted. You are encouraged to work together, but your answers must be written individually to be sure that you understand and get credit for your homework. Homework, exams, and solutions will be posted on the course web site.

 

Grading:

Homework                   15 points

In-class Exam 1            25 points

In-class Exam 2            25 points

In-class Exam 3            25 points

Final                             35 points

 

There will be three in-class exams and a compulsory cumulative final exam. Each in-class exam is worth 25 points (I will drop the lowest in-class exam grade). The dates of exams 1-3 will be announced in class and posted on the class webpage at least a week prior taking place. The date of the final exam: Wednesday, December 17 (7:30 – 10:00 am).

There will be absolutely no make-ups. Your grade will be assigned based on the following scale:

Average Points

94-100

90-93

87-89

84-86

80-83

77-79

Grade

A

A-

B+

B

B-

C+

 

Average Points

74-76

70-73

67-69

64-66

60-63

0-59

Grade

C

C-

D+

D

D-

F

Topics covered in the course include:

 

Chapter 9

9-1             Limits and Continuity. A geometric Introduction.

9-2             Computation of Limits

9-3             The Derivative

9-4             Derivative of Constants, Power Forms, and Sums

9-5             Derivative of Products and Quotients

9-6             Chain Rule: Power Form

9-7             Marginal Analysis in Business and Economics

 

Chapter 10

10-1         First Derivative and Graphs

10-2         Second Derivatives and Graphs

10-3         Curve Sketching Techniques

10-4         Optimization. Absolute Maxima and Minima

10-5         Derivative of Logarithmic and Exponential Functions

10-6         Application of Chain Rule to Logarithmic and Exponential Functions

 

Chapter 11

11-1         Antiderivatives and Indefinite Integrals

11-2         Integration by Substitution

11-3         Definite Integrals

11-4         Area under the curve and the Definite Integral

11-5         Economic Application of Definite Integrals: Consumer’s and Producer’s Surplus.

 

General policies:

1)      It is the students’ responsibility to take control of their own education.  If you are having problems, I am more than willing to help you. You just need to approach me at some point. 

 

2)      No make-ups will be given unless prior permission is obtained and only in extremely extenuating circumstances. If you miss an exam or a quiz, you will be given a zero.

 

3)      The Final is mandatory.  It cannot be replaced with any other exam under any circumstances.

 

4)      Note: The Economics Department will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a letter from Disability Services (DS) and discuss specific needs with the instructor during the first two weeks of class.  DS determines accommodations based on documented disabilities (303-492-8671, Willard 322, www.colorado.edu/sacs/disabilityservices)

 

5)      This syllabus outlines rules and policies for this course. If the rule for some specific case has not been outlined in this syllabus, Academic and Research Policies of the University of Colorado at Boulder will apply. You can read them at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/index.html.