This book contains a compact, accessible treatment of the main mathematical topics encountered in economics at an advanced level, moving from basic material into the twin areas of static and dynamic optimization.

Nearly half of the book is devoted to a survey of univariate calculus, matrix algebra and multuvariate calculus. This fundamental material is made vigorous by the inclusion of a variety of applications. The later chapters focus on the Lagrange multiplier technique: when it will work, why it works and what economic insights it yields. The properties of maximum value functions and...

For equity, societies may wish to eliminate certain forms or manifestations of inequality. Horizontal equity and vertical equity in the income tax are topics which have interested me for some years. Although any shortfall from each of these objectives can be measured in terms of unwanted inequalities, equity per se is a different concept from equality. Equity relates to fairness, justice and other societal norms which give expression to the best aspirations of our collective social conscience. For example, equal access to health care for those in equal need is an accepted norm for horizontal...