Math 5620

(Formerly Math 365)
Spring 2009

 

Greg Smith, Instructor

 

 

 

Course Overview | Outlines, Problem Sets & Answer Keys | Sequence & Assignments

 

         

Text:

Mathematical Interest Theory, second edition, 2008, by James W. Daniel and Leslie J. F. Vaaler. This text is available at the bookstore. If you have access to the first edition, this text will also suffice.

 

Students who intend to take more financial courses are encouraged to invest in a financial calculator (e.g. TI-BAII+ or TI-BAII Professional), although any type of calculator can be used in this class

 

         

General Expectations for Students in Math 5620

 

In addition to completing assigned problems, projects and assessments as described in the course overview, you will also be expected to take careful note of topics covered in the text. To assist you with this, I have developed outlines covering the major topics in this course (see the Outlines & Answer Keys link). At your option, you may print these note takers and use them in class. As a general rule, items posted to the class website will not be printed for distribution in class. Exceptions to this policy will be announced in class.

 

Favorite Web Resources

 

I am providing a small set of links that should be helpful for students who decide to pursue careers in finance.

 

Accounting. Here is a good introduction to insurance accounting. While this will not be directly tested, questions in the theory of interest often assume a working knowledge of the basics.

 

http://www.casact.org/library/studynotes/6_Blanchard_Final2007.pdf

 

Financial Calculators. Here is a decent introduction to the functions of the TI-BAII+. While the author of this note is fond of showing the versatility of the calculator’s registers and worksheets, don’t forget to practice basic “first principles” approaches to problems. From that perspective, the TI-BAII+ can be approached like any standard calculator. Enjoy!

 

Review of Functions for Texas Instruments BAII Plus

 

Theory of Interest. Here is a source of past questions posed by the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society. Look for archived copies of Exam FM and Exam 2.

 

http://www.soa.org/education/resources/edu-multiple-choice-essay-examinations.aspx