Basic Math for Social Scientists: Concepts

Taking an informal approach, Hagle presents a review of the basic mathematical concepts that underlie most quantitative analysis in the social sciences. After an algebra review featuring sets and combinations, Hagle discusses limits and continuity. Calculus is presented next, with an introduction to differential calculus. Multivariate functions, partial derivatives and integral calculus are discussed; the author concludes with a discussion of matrix algebra. Aimed at readers who have taken one or two courses in algebra, this volume is packed with helpful definitions, equations, and examples as well as alternative notations. A useful appendix of common math symbol and Greek letters is also included.