course-details-portlet

SØK1001

Mathematics for Economists

Credits 7.5
Level Foundation courses, level I
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement School exam

About

About the course

Course content

The course treats basic mathematical concepts and methods of analysis and supports the appropriation of mathematical representations in other parts of the study programme. The following themes will be treated:

  • Elementary algebra (including solving equations and systems of equations)
  • Functions of one variable (including polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions and compound functions)
  • Differentiation and application of differentiation. Problems related to maximum and minimum
  • Implicit differentiation and elasticities
  • Sequences, series and sums (including arithmetical series, geometric series, infinite series and convergence)
  • Finance mathematics (including savings, present value, loan, annuities)
  • Integration (only for simple polynomial- and natural exponential functions)
  • Functions of several variables (including Cobb-Douglas functions)
  • Partial differentiation. Problems related to maximum and minimum for functions of several variables
  • Lagranges method

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The student

  • knows and understands basic mathematical concepts
  • knows and understands mathematical analysis of functions
  • knows and understands mathematical modelling

Skills: The student

  • masters a wide range of algebraic operations
  • is able to analyze different types of mathematical functions
  • is able to use mathematics and mathematical models to analyze economic problems

General competence: The student

  • has developed an ability for logical thinking
  • has a understanding of the possibilities of mathematics and its limitations as a tool in economic problems

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, exercises, a small preparatory course and supplementary lectures for students who feel that their previous knowledge in mathematics is insufficient.

Compulsory assignments

  • Mandatory assignment

Further on evaluation

Supporting material allowed on exams:

  • A collection of mathematical formulas is attached to the exam
  • Approved calculator in accordance with NTNU's support material code B-D "specific basic calculator".
  • Other calculators that are allowed in the course are: Casio FC-100V and Texas Instruments - BAII Plus.

Work requirements must be approved in order to gain admission to the exam. Form and extent of the work requirements is specified at the start of the term. Approved assignments from earlier years are valid until substantial changes are done with respect to course content.

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

Announced at the beginning of the term.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
SVSØ106 6 sp
SØK1010 7.5 sp Autumn 2011
MET1001 7.5 sp Spring 2017
AR100919 7.5 sp Autumn 2019
REA1153 7.5 sp Autumn 2019
REA1153F 7.5 sp Autumn 2022
This course has academic overlap with the courses in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Economics
  • Social Sciences

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Economics

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code D Date 2025-12-04 Time 09:00 Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room for school exam

The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.

Sluppenvegen 14
Room SL410 blå sone
51 candidates
Room SL111 lyseblå sone
72 candidates
Room SL110 lilla sone
23 candidates
Room SL111 grønn sone
9 candidates

Re-sit examination - Summer 2026

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.