Undergraduate-level Black-Scholes derivation
Question
Give a derivation of the Black-Scholes equation that a student who knows basic calculus and probability, but no stochastic analysis, could follow.
Short answer
Hedge away the randomness and demand the riskless rate. Model the stock as and treat as , so a Taylor expansion of gives . A portfolio long the option and short shares has no term, so to avoid arbitrage it must grow at , which yields .
Adapted from Joshi, Denson & Downes, Quant Job Interview Questions and Answers, Q2.2, p.16; question and answer rewritten by SelfMadeQuant.com.
See the hint and the full worked solution in the question bank (free account).
Open the worked solutionLessons behind this question
- The Black-Scholes PDE, Formula and Implied Volatility
- Derivation — From Binomial Trees to Black-Scholes in the Continuous Limit
- The Black-Scholes Formula Derived via Change of Measure
Start with a free lesson: Options is part of a free topic. Create a free account, no card needed, to read it in full with worked solutions.
Read it free