In Analytical Methods in Economics Akira Takayama presents an exposition of the essential mathematical tools of economics and illustrates their applications to selected economic problems. Drawing on his own teaching experiences and research to provide concrete macro- and microeconomic illustrations of the concepts featured, Takayama clarifies the unifying analytical structure of economic theory and elucidates the mathematical tools that underlie it.Following a thorough review of preliminary mathematical tools, Takayama discusses the nonlinear programming, uncertainty, differential equations, and optimal control theory. Emphasizing "why" rather than "how-to" questions, the author focuses on explanation, considerations of motivation, and economic application.Analytical Methods is designed to enable economists, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates in economics to achieve a high level of comfort in the use of analytical techniques.

Akira Takayama was Vandeveer Professor of Economics, Southern Illinois University.