What This Document Is
These are lecture notes from an introductory economics course (ECON 2) at the University of California, Berkeley. Specifically, this material covers concepts presented in Lecture 2, building upon foundational ideas in mathematical economics. The notes delve into the abstract structures underlying economic models, moving beyond intuitive understandings toward rigorous definitions and proofs. It’s designed to supplement in-class learning and provide a detailed record of the topics discussed.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is invaluable for students enrolled in introductory economics courses who want a comprehensive record of the lecture material. It’s particularly helpful for those who benefit from seeing detailed explanations and formal presentations of concepts. Reviewing these notes alongside your own class notes will strengthen your understanding of core principles and prepare you for more advanced coursework. Students preparing for quizzes or exams on foundational mathematical concepts in economics will find this a useful study aid.
Topics Covered
* Cardinality and set theory, including explorations of countable and uncountable sets.
* Formal definitions and proofs related to set sizes and their implications.
* Introduction to algebraic structures, forming the basis for more complex economic modeling.
* Field axioms and their properties.
* Vector space axioms and their role in representing economic variables.
* Examples of different fields and their characteristics.
What This Document Provides
* A structured presentation of key definitions and theorems.
* Detailed explanations of abstract mathematical concepts relevant to economic analysis.
* A foundation for understanding the axiomatic basis of economic models.
* Illustrative examples to aid in comprehension of abstract concepts.
* A rigorous treatment of fundamental mathematical structures used throughout economics.
