Maths Essentials from edX

This course introduces some of the basic ideas and methods of mathematics with an emphasis on their application.

It works at an elementary level with the aim of developing sophisticated mathematical skills and bridging the gap between school leavers and undergraduate study.

At the end of the mathematics course, you should be able to:

Manipulate and use algebraic expressions
Graph, differentiate and integrate simple functions
Calculate basis quantities in financial mathematics

Related skills developed during this course include Algebra, Basic Math, Calculus, Differential Calculus, Elementary Algebra, Integral Calculus, Linear Equations.

Looking to study at the University of London on one of their EMFSS programmes but do not have the required mathematics qualifications? Prospective students who don't meet the mathematics entrance requirements are now able to meet this requirement by passing the LSE Maths Essentials: Proctored Exam.

What's inside

Learning objectives

This course will provide you with:
A grounding in arithmetic and algebra

An overview of functions and the fundamentals of calculus
An introduction to financial mathematics

This course will provide you with:
A grounding in arithmetic and algebra
An overview of functions and the fundamentals of calculus
An introduction to financial mathematics

Syllabus

Arithmetic and Algebra

A review of arithmetic and the manipulation of algebraic expressions (including the use of brackets and power laws).

Solving linear equations and the relationship between linear expressions and straight lines.

Solving quadratic equations

The relationship between quadratic expressions and parabolae.

Functions

An introduction to functions such as polynomials, exponentials, logarithms, and trigonometric functions.

The existence of inverse functions and how to find them.

The laws of logarithms and their uses.

Calculus

The meaning of the derivative and how to find it (including the product, quotient, and chain rules).

Using derivatives to find approximations and solve simple optimisation problems with economic applications.

Curve sketching

Integration of simple functions and using integrals to find areas.

Financial mathematics

Compound interest over different compounding intervals.

Arithmetic and geometric sequences.

Investment schemes

Assessing the value of an investment

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Bridges the gap between secondary school mathematics and the mathematical knowledge expected at the undergraduate level, particularly for economics and finance programs

Covers arithmetic, algebra, functions, calculus, and financial mathematics, which are fundamental topics for various undergraduate programs

Offers a review of arithmetic and algebraic expressions, which is helpful for students who need to refresh their knowledge before starting university

Includes an introduction to financial mathematics, covering compound interest, sequences, and investment schemes, which is useful for students interested in finance-related fields

Passing the LSE Maths Essentials proctored exam fulfills the mathematics entrance requirements for certain University of London EMFSS programs

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Maths Essentials with these activities:

Review Elementary Algebra

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Strengthen your understanding of fundamental algebraic concepts to prepare for the course's algebra and equation-solving sections.

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Review key concepts like variables, expressions, and equations.
Practice solving linear equations and inequalities.
Work through example problems involving algebraic manipulation.

Review: Algebra I For Dummies

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Solidify your algebra foundations with a beginner-friendly guide that breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-understand explanations.

View Algebra I For Dummies on Amazon

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Read the chapters on solving equations and inequalities.
Work through the practice problems in the book.
Identify any areas where you need further clarification.

Practice Solving Quadratic Equations

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Sharpen your skills in solving quadratic equations, a key topic covered in the course.

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Solve quadratic equations by factoring.
Solve quadratic equations using the quadratic formula.
Solve quadratic equations by completing the square.

Four other activities

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Review: Calculus: Early Transcendentals

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Supplement your understanding of calculus concepts with a widely used textbook that provides in-depth explanations and examples.

View Calculus on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to derivatives and integrals.
Work through the example problems in the book.
Compare the book's explanations with the course materials.

Create a Cheat Sheet for Calculus Derivatives

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Consolidate your knowledge of calculus derivatives by creating a cheat sheet that you can reference later.

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List all the derivative rules covered in the course.
Provide examples for each derivative rule.
Organize the cheat sheet for easy reference.

Create a Presentation on Investment Schemes

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Deepen your understanding of financial mathematics by creating a presentation that explains different investment schemes and their pros and cons.

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Research different investment schemes.
Prepare slides with clear explanations and visuals.
Practice presenting the material.

Build a Compound Interest Calculator

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Apply your knowledge of financial mathematics by building a compound interest calculator using a programming language or spreadsheet software.

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Choose a programming language or spreadsheet software.
Implement the compound interest formula.
Test the calculator with different inputs.
Add features like calculating future value or present value.

Career center

Learners who complete Maths Essentials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Actuary

The role of an Actuary involves assessing and managing financial risks, often within the insurance and finance industries. This career utilizes mathematical and statistical methods to analyze the probability of events and their financial consequences. The course introduction to financial mathematics helps build a foundation in the concepts of compound interest, investment schemes, and assessing investment value, directly applicable to actuarial work. Furthermore, the grounding in algebra and an overview of functions and calculus may be useful for the complex modeling actuaries undertake. The LSE Mathematics Essentials course is a great introduction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts, often working in the finance industry, develop and implement mathematical models for pricing derivatives, managing risk, and making trading decisions. The calculus and financial mathematics modules within this course may provide a basic understanding of the mathematical tools used in quantitative analysis, covering concepts such as derivatives, optimization, and investment valuation. For aspiring quantitative analysts, this course may be a great first step.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst evaluates financial data, provides investment recommendations, and helps businesses make sound financial decisions. The mathematics course could be helpful in developing skills to calculate key financial metrics and analyze investment opportunities, particularly through the financial mathematics section covering compound interest and investment valuation. The algebra and calculus modules may be useful in modeling financial scenarios and understanding market trends. For anyone seeking to enter the world of finance, this course may provide a solid stepping stone.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Economist

Economists study the production and distribution of resources, analyzing trends and developing theories about economic activity. This maths course may be useful to the economist, particularly the sections on functions and calculus. These provide essential quantitative tools for modeling economic phenomena. The financial mathematics component helps build an understanding of investment valuation, which is crucial for economic forecasting and policy analysis. The LSE Mathematics Essentials course may be a worthwhile resource when embarking on a career as an economist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Accountant

Accountants prepare and analyze financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations. This career leverages mathematical skills for tasks such as balancing accounts, calculating taxes, and preparing financial statements. The financial mathematics module within the maths course, covering compound interest, arithmetic sequences, and investment schemes, relates to accounting practices. The understanding of algebraic expressions is relevant for manipulating financial data. Aspiring accountants may find this to be a useful introductory course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accountant

Budget Analyst

A Budget Analyst is responsible for helping organizations plan and manage their finances. An understanding of basic mathematical concepts may be useful for creating budgets, analyzing spending, and forecasting future financial needs. This course's coverage of algebra and financial mathematics, including compound interest and geometric sequences, helps build an understanding of these core financial principles. Aspiring budget analysts may find this a helpful first step.

See salaries and explore the career path for Budget Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights and inform decision-making across various fields. While more advanced mathematical training is usually required, this mathematics course helps build a foundation in the fundamental mathematical concepts necessary for statistical analysis. The algebra, functions, and calculus components may be useful for understanding statistical models and performing calculations. Aspiring statisticians may find the the LSE Mathematics Essentials course useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts study consumer behavior and market trends to advise companies on their marketing strategies. Mathematics may be useful for analyzing data, interpreting statistical results, and making predictions about future trends. The grounding in arithmetic and algebra may be essential for data manipulation, and the overview of functions and calculus may be useful for building predictive models. The LSE Mathematics Essentials course may be a worthwhile resource when embarking on a career as a market research analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze large datasets to extract meaningful insights and help organizations make data-driven decisions. While data science typically requires more advanced mathematical knowledge, a maths course helps build a foundation in the core mathematical concepts underpinning many data science techniques. The algebra, calculus and function modules may be useful for understanding algorithms and statistical models. To begin a journey into data science, the LSE Mathematics Essentials course may provide a useful foundation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Business Intelligence Analyst

Business Intelligence Analysts examine data to identify trends and insights that can improve business decision-making. While business intelligence analytics is not necessarily a math heavy role, a knowledge of mathematics may assist to understand data more clearly. the grounding in arithmetic and algebra helps to build an understanding of working with data. The LSE Mathematics Essentials course may be a good place to start.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst

Management Consultant

Management Consultants advise organizations on how to improve their performance and efficiency. A general understanding of mathematical concepts may be useful for analyzing data, identifying trends, and developing solutions to business problems. The algebra skills and the financial mathematics knowledge developed in this maths course may be useful for analyzing financial data and evaluating investment opportunities. This may be a worthwhile course for aspiring management consultants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers are responsible for identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, building relationships with clients, and driving revenue growth. While there isn't a huge mathematical element, having knowledge of calculating basis quantities in financial mathematics may be useful. Additionally, the grounding in arithmetic and algebra helps to build an understanding of working with numbers. The LSE Mathematics Essentials course may be a great choice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design, construct, and maintain infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. While this course does not cover the specifics of civil engineering, it does provide the basics foundations for further education. In particular, the knowledge of manipulating and using algebraic expressions may be useful. The LSE Mathematics Essentials course may be a great choice for those wanting to brush up on their maths.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and test software applications. Although the connection may not be immediately obvious, mathematics, especially algebra and calculus, may be useful for understanding algorithms, data structures, and other fundamental programming concepts. The maths course's modules on these topics, along with functions, may be useful for building a foundation in the mathematical principles that underpin computer science. For those interested in software engineering, this course may be a good place to ensure mathematical foundations are strong.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Engineer

Data Engineers build and maintain the infrastructure that allows data scientists to access and analyze data. While this role has a lower need for mathematics than data scientists, mathematics still provides a foundation of knowledge. Concepts taught on arithmetic and algebra may be useful day to day. For those interested in data engineering, this course may be a good place to ensure mathematical foundations are strong.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Maths Essentials.

Calculus

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Provides a comprehensive introduction to calculus, covering topics such as limits, derivatives, integrals, and infinite series. It useful reference for the calculus portion of the course, offering detailed explanations and numerous examples. While not required, it can significantly enhance understanding and problem-solving skills. It is commonly used as a textbook in introductory calculus courses.

Algebra I For Dummies

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Offers a friendly and accessible introduction to algebra, covering topics such as variables, equations, inequalities, and graphing. It is particularly helpful for students who need a refresher on basic algebra concepts before starting the course. The book provides clear explanations and numerous practice problems. It is more valuable as background reading than as a current reference.

Algebra I For Dummies

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Maths Essentials

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Activities

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