Seasons greetings, I am starting corporate finance today and found that the first 30 pages are additional reading with the “optional segment” sign in the margins. I have found the same when i was looking at the derivatives book. My question is, is this really optional? Or is this foundation material that will help understand concepts coming next? I dont mind reading it but it is very lengthy in some sections and i fear burnout. Advice ?
They are optional. If you find you need something for understanding something written later - then read it up. From my experience this has not been needed.
Thank you CPK 
I totally skip them, and have passed L2 just fine