How much Math is needed?

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.

This thread made me so happy.

Haha Why?

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 …:slight_smile:

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.