ELEMENTS OF MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS
Instructional goals
Acquire the main basic elements of mathematics to aid the learning of
the subjects that use them (Statistics, Economics and others). Allowing,
with a limited commitment, the understanding of the main tools of
mathematical analysis even to those who have not had the opportunity to
learn them previously, thus reducing the differences in preparation
between students from different types of pre-university studies.
Intended learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: the student will have acquired the main
basic elements of mathematics for the analysis of functions, such as
evaluation of trends, search for minima, maxima or inflection points as
well as some basic rudiments for the study of discrete and continuous
random variables.
Applying knowledge and understanding: during the course of study the
student will be able to use both the language and the acquired contents
in Statistics, Economics or other disciplines that make use of
mathematical modeling. During the subsequent professional life,
whenever possible, the acquired rudiments will allow to address
quantitative questions; moreover when the complexity of the problem
requires the involvement of experts, the contents of the course will help
in order to design the requests and evaluate, effectively and consciously,
the related answers.
Making judgements: the student will have developed a greater critical
awareness and judgment skills in the evaluation of results inherent in
trend analysis, optimization, search for maxima or minima, in part also
probability assessments, etc.
Communication skills: both during the course of studies and subsequently
in professional life, the student will have enriched his/her vocabulary with
lexical terms mediated by mathematics and widely used. This knowledge
will allow a more effective communication with experts in case of indepth analysis on specific topics.
Learning skills: the student, thanks to the acquired mathematical "tools",
will be able to face and more easily understand the topics of the applied
disciplines that use them.
Course Contents
Set theory and numerical sets (natural numbers, integers, rational
numbers, real numbers). The concept of function. Real function of real
variable. First degree polynomial functions, geometrical representation,
angular coefficient. Basics on polynomial functions of higher degree.
Basics on fractional, exponential and logarithmic functions. Basics on
sequences and series. Limits. Limits of functions. Continuity of a function,
definition of derivative and geometrical meaning. Properties of
derivatives; second order derivatives. Function study and graphs:
domain, sign, intersections, extremal points, flexes, asymptotes. Basics
on indefinite and definite integral, the fundamental theorem of calculus.
Gaussian functions. Elements of combinatorics.
Reference Books
During the lectures didactic material will be made available; no specific
reference text is required. Any introductory text in mathematical analysis
can be helpful or serve as a complement. For example: Ernest Haeussler, Richard Paul, Richard Wood,
Codice Descrizione
"Introductory Mathematical Analysis for Business, Economics, and the Life
and Social Sciences", Global Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2022,
ISBN 9781292413020 (Chapters 1-5 and 10-15)
Teaching Methods
Lectures with the use throughout the course of presentations projected
on the screen and use of graphics made with web applications
(GeoGebra, WolframAlpha, Desmos ...) Encouragement to interact.
Examples and
learning assessment exercises.
Assessment Method
Multiple-choice test administered face-to-face on Luiss Learn platform,
with learning assessment exercises.
Alternatively: two intermediate tests during the course (same rules)
Thesis assignment criteria
N/A
Week 1
The course topics are accompanied by examples and
learning assessment exercises.
The temporal planning of the topics could be modified and adapted.
Presentation of the course.
Basics of logic and set theory. Numerical sets (natural numbers, integers,
rational numbers, real numbers)
Week 2
Functions. Real functions of a real variable. Injective and surjective
functions. Increasing and decreasing functions. Concave and convex
functions.
Examples: linear functions, polynomial functions, rational functions.
Absolute value.
Week 3
Compound functions and inverse functions. Non linear functions:
exponential, logarithm.
Week 4
Sequences and series. Limits.
Week 5
Function limits. Continuous functions.
Week 6
Incremental ratio. Derivatives and their properties.
Week 7
Function study: domain, sign, intersections, minima and maxima, flexes,
horizontal and vertical asymptotes.
Week 8
Function study: domain, sign, intersections, minima and maxima, flexes,
horizontal and vertical asymptotes.
Week 9
Definite and indefinite integrals. The fundamental
theorem of calculus.
Week 10
Integration.
Gaussian functions.
Week 11
Basics on combinatorics
Week 12
Summary of the topics covered in the course, clarifications and
preparation for the exam.