Economics
Mathematics for Economics
6 books for Mathematics for Economics, part of the Economics course map, listed from introductory to advanced. 1 of them have an official free edition.
Suggested reading compiled by this site for university students and independent learners. This is not an official university reading plan. Check your own syllabus before buying; editions and exercise numbers differ.
Books in this reading list · 6
Reading order
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Basic Mathematics for Economists
A gentle introduction to the mathematics used in first-year economics, written for students whose school mathematics is limited or rusty. It rebuilds arithmetic and algebra, then covers functions, linear programming, financial mathematics, calculus and optimisation, difference and differential equations, and matrix algebra, with topics explained through applications in economics, finance and business.
Prerequisites: Only basic arithmetic is assumed; the book revisits fractions, powers and equations before moving on.
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Essential Mathematics for Economic Analysis
An introductory textbook on the mathematics that economics students need, written by economists. It starts from elementary algebra and works up through single- and multi-variable calculus, optimisation and basic linear algebra, always tying the techniques to economic examples and supporting them with many worked problems and exercises.
Prerequisites: School mathematics up to basic algebra and functions; the opening chapters review that material.
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Mathematics for Economics and Business
A first-year text on the mathematics used in economics and business, from algebra and finance through calculus, matrices and linear programming to difference and differential equations, with worked examples and exercises.
Prerequisites: School algebra, arithmetic and basic functions are enough to start. Calculus and matrix methods are developed within the book; practise explaining units and economic meaning as well as manipulating symbols.
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Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics
A long-established textbook that teaches the mathematics economists use by applying each technique directly to economic models. It explains methods patiently with worked examples, moving from equilibrium analysis and matrix algebra through calculus-based optimization to the dynamic tools needed for growth and macroeconomic models.
Prerequisites: School-level algebra and some exposure to principles of economics; the book develops calculus from the derivative onward, so prior calculus helps but is not required.
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Differential Equations, Stability, and Chaos in Dynamic Economics
A rigorous graduate-level introduction to differential equations in economics, exploring stability analysis, optimal control, nonlinear dynamics, and chaos, with practical applications to microeconomic, investment, and macroeconomic models.
Prerequisites: Multivariable calculus, linear algebra and intermediate economic theory. Review ordinary differential equations, eigenvalues and constrained optimization before studying nonlinear stability and chaos.
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Dynamic Programming: Finite States
Read the official free edition ↗A freely readable mathematical treatment of dynamic programming, linking finite-state models, fixed points, stochastic decisions and economic applications.
Prerequisites: Linear algebra, probability, multivariable calculus and proof-based mathematics are recommended. Familiarity with Markov chains and basic programming helps with the examples and runnable code. Readers should connect an abstract operator with a concrete optimisation problem.