How much Math is needed?

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SJay16

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How much math is needed for the CFA and to be a good, successful Financial Analyst? I plan to get my degree in economics and I’ll be taking: Calc 1, Calc 2, Matrix/Linear algebra, and Stats. Shoud this be good?
 
A good understanding of stats is important, but you don’t need calculus. A little algebraic heavy-lifting, like natural logs and exponential manipulation, but nothing you can’t handle if you have two Calcs under your belt.
… and I think you can probably dismiss the possibility of having to use Linear (so you’ll unfortunately have to find elsewhere to put your eigenvalues and eigenvectors to good use).
 
^ Agreed. The only linear algebra I came across was for the two bond hedge - and that was solving for 2 equations with 2 unknowns.
 
Not so much. Financial math and statistics only. No geometrical shapes except geometric mean.
 
make sure you can draw a perfect circle free-hand that has consistent dimensions with Pi
 
^ Agree. had a wobbly table in the exam this year and had to draw it on the ground - nearly cost me a PCP.
 
^Yep, and then within essay on the level 3 one is required to paint oil on canvas ….:)
 
SJay16 wrote:
How much math is needed for the CFA and to be a good, successful Financial Analyst? I plan to get my degree in economics and I’ll be taking: Calc 1, Calc 2, Matrix/Linear algebra, and Stats. Shoud this be good?
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That is easily enough.
It can also be helpful to take a probability class, but it is certainly not required.
 
The fact that you have even heard of linear algebra means that you have more math background than 81.3% of the test takers.
 
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