Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics, 3rd Edition [Hardcover]

Alpha C Chiang (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0070108137 | ISBN-13: 978-0070108134 | Publication Date: February 1, 1984 | Edition: 3rd

The best-selling, best known text in Mathematical Economics course, Chiang teaches the basic mathematical methods indispensable for understanding current economic literature. the book's patient explanations are written in an informal, non-intimidating style. To underscore the relevance of mathematics to economics, the author allows the economist's analytical needs to motivate the study of related mathematical techniques; he then illustrates these techniques with appropriate economics models. Graphic illustrations often visually reinforce algebraic results. Many exercise problems serve as drills and help bolster student confidence. These major types of economic analysis are covered: statics, comparative statics, optimization problems, dynamics, and mathematical programming. These mathematical methods are introduced: matrix algebra, differential and integral calculus, differential equations, difference equations, and convex sets.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Alpha C. Chiang is a professor at the University of Connecticut

Product Details

• Hardcover: 788 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill, Inc.; 3rd edition (February 1, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070108137
• ISBN-13: 978-0070108134
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.6 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #84,501 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Best of Three, September 3, 2004

By 

D. B. Levenstam (Centreville, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fundamental methods of mathematical economics (Hardcover)

Chiang has written the best of the three mathematical economics books with which I'm familar. Unlike the book by Simon and Blume, and the book by de la Fuente, Chiang's book actually doesn't assume that you already think fluently in mathematics when trying to teach you math econ. It also contains one of the most pedagogically-sound (or, as we say in economics, efficient) teaching devices we know: exercises. Chiang even provides answers to selected exercises so that the student can test whether he or she has actually done the exercises correctly. Unlike the other two books, Chiang makes learning math econ, if not easy, at least possible. Before writing this review I cracked open Chiang and learned in literally two minutes something that two years with the other two books never taught me. If you're struggling to learn math econ, don't even open the other two books--just focus on Chiang.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Foundation, August 9, 2001

By 

bibliomane01 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics, 3rd Edition (Hardcover)

Professor Chiang's "Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics" has become the classic preparatory text for students beginning a course of quantitative study in economics and finance. It has been in print for nearly a generation, and with good reason. Chiang's achievement is to have created a learning programme that can take a modestly numerate person all the way from basic matrix algebra through limits, continuity and derivatives past simple differential equations all the way to optimisation theory and linear programming. And all in one volume! Little prior training is required for this journey - all you need is basic algebra. The explication is admirably clear, there are plenty of good practice examples and the pace is moderate. "Mastering Chiang," as one of my old professors used to call it, provides an excellent foundation for the economics or finance student and will admirably equip him or her to deal with the more rigorous challenges ahead.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for graduate students in economics, December 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics, 3rd Edition (Hardcover)

Alpha Chiang's text should serve as the foundation for all quantitive analysis done in economic theory. It is an invaluable teaching tool for graduate students in economics and will help them better understand the mathematical techniques that have become so necessary for economic modeling.(p)

I am not a highly quantitative person myself, but I found Chiang's book comprehensible and a useful reference guide in my gradaute economics classes. Along with Hal Varian's "Microeconomic Theory" and Jan Kmenta's "Econometrics", I would say that Chiang's "Fundamentals of Mathematical Economics" should serve as sacred literature for any prospective graduate student in economics.