Math Skills Self-Assessment and Math Preparation

We will offer a math preparation workshop in three intensive non-credit sessions near the beginning of the program. The workshop will be held May 22, May 24 and May 29 from 1:30pm - 4:30pm. Listed below are the topics that will be addressed.  The course is designed as a review for students who were comfortable with this content at one time and need only a refresher.
 

Math Skills Self-Assessment


If you think you might not need to take the Math Preparation Workshop, we suggest you take the Math Skills Self-Assessment. Use the Answer Key to score your exam and learn your results. If you score below 80%, we strongly recommend that you register for the Math Preparation Workshop or use another method to ensure you are prepared.

If you have little confidence in your basic algebra and calculus skills, we recommend the following online tutorials from HBS or something comparable to ensure that you are ready for the Math Preparation Workshop:

Mathematics for Management, Algebra and Calculus Sections ($20 each)
 

Math Preparation Topics

 
Overview
1. Algebra Review
a. Laws of Exponents
b. Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
c. Quadratic Formula and Factoring
d. Summation Notation
e. Solving Systems of Equations
f. Solving Systems of Inequalities
2. Functions and Linear Models
a. Rate of Change
b. Average Rate of Change
3. The Mathematics of Finance and Nonlinear Models
a. Simple Interest
b. Compound Interest
c. Exponential functions and logarithmic functions
d. Continuously Compounded Interest
e. Effective Rate
f. Logarithmic Rate of Return
4. Introduction to the Derivative
a. Introduction to Limits
b. Definition of the Derivative
5. The Shortcuts of Differentiation
a. Power Rule
b. Product Rule
c. Quotient Rule
d. Chain Rule
e. The derivative of exponential functions
f. The derivative of logarithmic functions
6. Applications of the Derivative: Optimization
a. Critical Points
b. First Derivative Test
c. The Second Derivative
d. The Second Derivative Test
e. Convexity and Concavity
f.  Inflection Points
You may register for the Math Preparation Workshop when you complete the registration form. A $400 fee will be charged to your Bursar account for the workshop.