Mathematical Economics-I

Paper Code: 
ECO 502(A)
Credits: 
3
Contact Hours: 
45.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 
  1. To apply mathematical techniques to consumer behavior.
  2. To apply mathematical techniques to the theory of firms.
  3. Tounderstand the Price and Output Determination under Perfect Competition mathematically.

 

 

Course Outcomes (COs):

 

Course

 Outcome (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies 

Paper Code

Paper Title

ECO 502(A)

Mathematical Economics-I

CO 37: Students will apply the mathematical techniques in the analysis of behaviour of consumers, producers and firms.

 

Approach in teaching: Interactive Lectures and Discussions.

 

Learning activities for the students:

Practice Modules and

Assignments.

Class activity, Assignments and Semester end examinations.

 

9.00
Unit I: 
Theory of Consumer Behaviour-I
  • Nature of the utility function, properties of indifference curves, Rate of commodity substitution;
  • Maximization of Utility ;
  • Derivation of ordinary and Compensated Demand Functions.

 

9.00
Unit II: 
Theory of Consumer Behaviour-II
  • Price and Income Elasticity of demand; nature of goods
  •  Income and Leisure-derivation of labour supply function and its properties ;
  • The Slutsky Equation- Derivation for two commodity case, its elasticity form, Direct and Cross effects, Substitutes and Complements.

 

9.00
Unit III: 
Theory of Firm-I

(All the concepts covered under unit III and unit IV shall be illustrated with the help of Cobb-Douglas production function only).

  • Nature of  the production function, isoquants and isocost line;
  • Optimizing Behaviour- constrained output maximization, constrained cost minimization and profit maximization;
  • Elasticity of substitution.

 

9.00
Unit IV: 
Theory of Firm-II
  • Homogeneous Production Functions-Properties, Euler’s theorem, Linearly homogeneous production function as a special case;
  • Properties of Cobb-Douglas production Function.

 

9.00
Unit V: 
Price and Output Determination under Perfect Competition
  • Perfect Competition:  short run and long run equilibrium, derivation of supply function, effects of taxes,
  • Existence and uniqueness of equilibrium, Stability of equilibrium, Static stability, dynamic stability- Lagged adjustment- Cobweb model.

 

Essential Readings: 
  • Henderson, J.M. and R.E. Quandt (1980), Microeconomic Theory: A Mathematical Approach, McGraw Hill, New Delhi.
  • Chiang, A. C., Kevin Wainwright, Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics  (Fourth Edition), McGraw Hill, 2005

 

References: 
  • Mehta, B.C. and G.M.K. Madnani, Mathematics for Economists, Sultan Chand & Sons, New Delhi.
  • Mehta, B.C. , Mathematical Economics: Microeconomic Models, Sultan Chand & Sons, New Delhi.

 

Academic Session: