Year 12s: what will be the first way you research your future options? >>

Most complicated maths in economics degrees?

Is the maths learnt in an econ degree at the top universities really that complicated? What's the most difficult mathematical concept that you need to learn?

Reply 1

username963570

Original post by Trapz99

Is the maths learnt in an econ degree at the top universities really that complicated? What's the most difficult mathematical concept that you need to learn?

Its not that bad, but it is pretty hard if I'm honest. The major change is that instead of handling actual numbers and solving equations and such (there is a lot of this in 1st year) but especially when it comes to 2nd year, theres an expectation on you to be able to prove things and conduct derivations. Which in turn, means the algebra that you study, gets MESSY. A lot of the maths starts becoming 'Maths without numbers' so to speak.

So, if you put the work in, you'll be fine, but you definitely cannot coast it, like you could with GCSE Maths and to some extent AS-Level Maths (depending on how good you were).

First Year is really a grounding of the maths that you have learnt at A-Level. So expect to go over topics such as Differentation/Integration etc, and you'll encounter some additional topics like Difference Equations and whatnot. You'll most likely have pure maths modules to take in 1st year, but honestly speaking, the pure Maths modules were the best ones I found, much more motivation to work through the problem sets/past papers/go through the notes for them than for any other modules.

(edited 8 years ago)

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Articles for you

Dealing with depression at university

Here’s what to expect on A-level results day

Students who got A*s at A-level explain study, learning and revision tips that everyone can follow

Edexcel A-Level Economics Paper 1 - Unofficial Mark Scheme - 18 May 2023