For a finance major, what calculus would be required or be helpful?

Question

I am currently taking Single variable calculus, I am wondering if I should take Multivariable calculus(or above)? What jobs would require it(Calc I or II)? For stock trading or to generalize wall street? And are there any (easy to understand)books available to learn multi-calculus? Because the textbook I have right now does nothing(literally).

Answer 1

It depends. Finance at the undergrad level is usually dumbed down to just basic algebraic equations, if even that anymore (it's mostly just done in excel spreadhseets these days). So the level of math you need is just... basic algebra. Although certainly I realize most biz programs require some intro calculus course as a requirement.

Undergrad finance is really just for people to get into banking (mostly), institutional policy making, pre-planned investments, and the like. Nothing hard core and in fact people skills are more important.

If you want to do hard core finance, you'll either have to be a gifted self-learner or go to grad school. Quant-fin topics require a good deal of mathematics background. You definitely should take calculus up to dif-eq. Knowledge of linear algebra and partials come in really handy. Also, you should have the ability to program a major computer language, as this is also a skill required.

Answer 2

Multivariate Calculus seems advisable for anyone who intends to pursue a finance career. It could be especially useful to actuaries who have to assess the affects multiple factors can have on risk factors, and birth and mortality rates, among other things.

Answer 3

helpful? who cares!!