Mathematics
The optimization, calculus, and linear algebra that make every other course possible — the prerequisite most economics programs assume you already have.
What the four units cover
Curated from MIT OpenCourseWare's 18.01SC Single Variable Calculus, 18.02SC Multivariable Calculus, and 18.06 Linear Algebra — filtered to the topics economics actually uses.
Differentiation & Optimization
Definitions and basic rules of differentiation; optimization and related rates; the mean value theorem and antiderivatives.
Multivariable Calculus & Constrained Optimization
Functions of two variables, tangent approximation, and optimization; the chain rule, gradient, and directional derivatives; Lagrange multipliers and constrained differentials — the machinery behind every utility- and cost-minimization problem.
Linear Algebra I: Systems & Structure
The geometry of linear equations and elimination with matrices; matrix operations and inverses; vector spaces and solving Ax = b; least squares approximations — the algebra underneath every regression model.
Linear Algebra II: Dynamics & Applications
Eigenvalues and eigenvectors; Markov matrices; linear programming.
Who this is for
Everyone — from complete beginners to those looking to deepen existing knowledge. The only prerequisite is an interest in economics.