500121 - MATHEMATICS APPLIED TO MARKETING

Subject type: Basic

Coordinator: Maria Dolors Celma Benaiges

Trimester: Second term

Credits: 6

Academic year: 2025

Teaching course: 1

• Catalan

Classes will be held in Catalan. In case of any language difficulties, please contact the teachers as soon as possible.

The basic course material is in Catalan. The rest of the course materials can be in Catalan, Spanish or English.

The subject of "Mathematics for Marketing" is conceived as an introductory subject of basic training for the student, as shown by its location in the first year. The course will work on the use of mathematical language and the acquisition of working methods that are especially suitable and useful to formalize business situations.

In particular, the subject develops the fundamental aspects of mathematical calculation in a variable (with optimization), in this sense, it is an instrumental subject that provides mathematical tools that are used, mainly in marketing contexts.

In addition it is necessary to emphasize, by the formative character of this subject, that the logical-deductive reasoning is promoted.

The classroom (physical or virtual) is a safe space, free from sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic and discriminatory attitudes, whether towards students or teachers. We trust that together we can create a safe space where we can make mistakes and learn without having to suffer the prejudices of others.

Block 0. Preliminaries.

• Basic algebra
• Solving equations and inequalities

Block 1. Real functions of a real variable.

• Definition, types and properties
• Expressions of a function: explicit form.
• Graph of a function
• Domain and Path of a Function
• Operations with functions: Sum, Product by a scalar, Product and Quotient
• Composition. Properties. Identity Function and Reverse Function
• Study of some elementary functions
  • Polynomial functions
  • Rational Functions
  • Functions with Radicals
  • Exponential Functions
  • Logarithmic Functions
• Limits: concept and graphic determination of lateral limits, limit at a point and limit at infinity.
• Asymptotes: concept and graphic determination of vertical and horizontal asymptotes.

Block 2. Differential calculus with functions of a variable.

• Derivative of a function at a point: Definition and geometric interpretation of the derivative
• Derivative function. Derivatives of elementary functions.
• Properties of the derivative operator: sum, dot product, product, quotient, chain rule.
• Calculation of the tangent line at a point
• 2nd derivative
• Calculation of limits: Arithmetic of infinity, Indeterminacy and Hôpital's rule.
• Continuity: Definition, types of discontinuities. Theorem of the derivative and continuity. Non-differentiability: Angular Points.
• Calculation of the asymptotes of a function: horizontal, vertical and oblique.
• Intervals of growth and decrease of a function. Calculation of stationary points (maximum and minimum) with the derivative.
• Concavity, convexity and inflection points. 2nd derivative theorem for the classification of stationary points.
• Analytical study of a function to determine its graph.
• Optimization. Maxima and minima with applications to marketing and economics.

The final grade will be the weighted arithmetic average of the grades of the assessable activities carried out.

The evaluation will take into account the following aspects with the weights indicated:

• Exam: A retrievable final exam (F), with a minimum grade of 4 points out of 10: 60%.
• Non-recoverable continuous assessment:
  • Online quiz activities (Q): 10%.
  • Compulsory attendance seminars, where individual submission of exercises will be required (S): 30%.

The final grade is obtained by applying the formula:

                                                               Note = 0,6·F + 0,1·Q + 0,3·S

To pass the subject, this final grade must be greater than or equal to 5 points out of 10.

During the recovery period of the second trimester, the student will be able to retake the exam (F).

Students who have not taken the final exams (ordinary March exam) will not be able to take the retake exam.

Any form of academic fraud will be sanctioned in accordance with the center's assessment regulations. If signs of fraud are detected, including the improper use of generative artificial intelligence tools, the subject's teaching staff may call the student for an individual interview with the aim of verifying their authorship.

Haeussler, Ernest F., Richards, Paul D., & Wood, Richard J. (2015). Mathematics for administration and economics (13th ed.). Pearson.

Bittinger, Marvin L. (2002). Calculation for economic-administrative sciences (7th ed.). Pearson.

García Pineda, Pablo, Núñez del Prado, José A., & Sebastián Gómez, Antonio. (2007). Introduction to university mathematics. Thomson.

Lopez, Manuel, & Vegas, Antonio. (2005). Basic mathematics course for economics and business management (Vols. I and II). pyramid

Larson, Ron, Hostetler, Bruce H., & Edwards, Anthony. (2006). Calculus (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill.

Rosser, Mario J., & Lis, Piotr. (2016). Basic mathematics for economists (3rd ed.). Routledge.