Macro/micro economics Textbook for a mathematian

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the need for a mathematical approach to macro and microeconomics, particularly for students with a strong background in mathematics. Recommended resources include "Principles of Microeconomics" by Greg Mankiw for foundational knowledge and "Microeconomic Theory" by Walter Nicholson for intermediate study. Additional resources include R. Preston McAfee's free online textbook and Deirdre McCloskey's work, which is also available for free. A solid understanding of calculus is essential, and exposure to real analysis is highly beneficial for deeper comprehension.

PREREQUISITES
  • Calculus knowledge, ideally at the level of Thomas' Calculus (4th edition)
  • Familiarity with nonlinear dynamics, as covered in Strogatz's "Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos"
  • Basic understanding of mathematical methods from Mary Boas' "Mathematical Methods of the Physical Sciences"
  • Exposure to real analysis, preferably through Apostol or Spivak's Calculus
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Principles of Microeconomics" by Greg Mankiw for foundational economic concepts
  • Study "Microeconomic Theory" by Walter Nicholson for intermediate microeconomic analysis
  • Explore R. Preston McAfee's online textbook for a rigorous introduction to economics
  • Learn the basics of game theory to enhance understanding of strategic interactions in economics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for high school students, aspiring economists, and anyone interested in applying mathematical techniques to the study of macro and microeconomics.

vadiraja
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Hello. I am a Junior in Highschool who is very interested in mathematics. Most ap macro/microeconomics teach the subject like social studies or english. But I am aware there are more mathematical treatements.

I have done
Thomas calculus and analytic geometry(4th edition. not the watered down later editions)
Mary Boas Mathematical Methods of the Physical Sciences
Strogatz Nonlinear Dynamics and chaos(-nonlinear differential equations focus on bifurcations etc)
Applied Nonlinear Dynamics Nayfeh and Balachandran
Courant and Hilbert methods in mathematical physics

I want a mathematical treatement on macro/microeconomics(it should be very mathematical)
 
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I would recommend that you start with microeconomics and then move on to macro stuff.

Starting with the most basic and increasing in sophistication:

Principles of Microeconomics by Greg Mankiw (any edition will do; no need to buy the newest editions) - Standard first year ‘principles’ textbook in micro;

Microeconomic Theory by Walter Nicholson - Typically used in intermediate micro.


Other books I would recommend:

http://www.introecon.com/" by R. Preston McAfee - Haven’t used before but heard it’s the most rigorous ‘principles’ tb around. Has micro+macro and it’s kindly provided by the author free online.

http://www.deirdremccloskey.com/docs/price.pdf" by Deirdre/Donald McCloskey - Out of print but again kindly provided by author for free online. At intermediate level.


A note on mathematics. Calculus is prerequisite for the intermediate books and recommended for the ‘principles’ level books. Real analysis isn’t needed for the books listed above but I would highly recommend having exposure to real analysis at Apostol/Spivak's Calculus level (to begin with and eventually moving on to Rudin’s Principles of Mathematical Analysis) because the mathematical maturity developed at that level will help in a lot areas of mathematics and any discipline that uses mathematics. Nonlinear dynamics isn’t really used in economics except at advanced levels and in esoteric fields i.e. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complexity_economics" .

If you find once you start that you want to continue your education in economics I recommend learning a bit of game theory.
 
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