Mathematical Economics-I

Paper Code: 
ECO 513
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

To understand the microeconomic concepts and theories through mathematical methods so as to refine the verbal logic.

12.00
Unit I: 
Review
  • Differential Calculus (Functions with one independent variable)-Increasing and decreasing functions, Concavity and convexity, optimization of functions;
  • Differential Calculus (Multivariable Functions)-First-and second-order partial derivatives, total differentials, optimization of multivariable functions, constrained optimization with Lagrange multiplier;
  • Matrix Algebra-Matrices and Determinants, Crammer’s rule, solving linear equations with the inverse matrix, Bordered Hessian determinant for constrained optimization.
12.00
Unit II: 
Theory of Consumer Behaviour-I
  • Nature of the utility function, Indifference curves, Rate of commodity substitution;
  • Maximization of Utility (First-and second-order conditions);
  • Ordinary and Compensated Demand Functions.
12.00
Unit III: 
Theory of Consumer Behaviour-II
  • Price and Income Elasticity of demand;
  • Income and Leisure;
  • The Slutsky Equation- Derivation for two commodity case, its elasticity form, Direct and Cross effects, Substitutes and Complements.
12.00
Unit IV: 
Theory of Firm-I

(All the concepts covered under unit IV and unit V 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.
12.00
Unit V: 
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.
Essential Readings: 
  1. Henderson, J.M. and R.E. Quandt, Microeconomic Theory: A Mathematical Approach, McGraw Hill, New Delhi.
  2. Chiang, A. C., Kevin Wainwright, Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics , McGraw Hill.
References: 
  1. Mehta, B.C. and G.M.K. Madnani, Mathematics for Economists, Sultan Chand & Sons, New Delhi.
  2. Dowling, E. T, Schaum’s Outline of Theory and Problems of Mathematical Methods for Business And Economics, McGraw Hill.
  3. Dowling, E. T. , Schaum’s Outline of Theory and Problems of Introduction to Mathematical Economics, McGraw Hill.
  4. Allen, R.G.D., Mathematical Analysis for Economists, Macmillan Press ,    London.
Academic Session: