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Mathematical Challenge

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This text contains papers from the U. K. School Mathematics Challenge for the years 1989 - 1994, each of which contains 25 multiple choice problems meant to be done without a calculator by middle school students, and 42 additional 10 problems papers in the same format provided for additional practice. The problems, which are succinctly stated and sometimes humorous, require good arithmetic skills, number sense, a rudimentary knowledge of algebra and geometry, and the willingness to think through a multi-step problem. The problems range from routine calculations to problems that require considerable ingenuity to solve.

The U. K. School Mathematical Challenge papers consist of 25 problems. The 15 problems in part A of the examination are relatively routine; the 10 problems in part B are not. Given the difficulty of the problems in part B and the time limit of one hour to complete the examination, students are encouraged to check that their answers to the problems in part A are correct before they delve into the more difficult problems in part B.

The second part of the book consists of miniature examinations. Each paper has 10 problems that increase in difficulty. The papers themselves also increase in difficulty. Some problems are more challenging than those that appeared in the competitions.

Answers to all problems are provided; solutions are not. This is the chief limitation of the book, because it is not always possible to discern a solution to a problem even when you know the correct answer. Even with this limitation, working through this text is a great way for students of this age to prepare for mathematics competitions. Their teachers could use this text as a source of enrichment, whether in class or in mathematics clubs. The companion volume, More Mathematical Challenges, to this text consists of the open-ended problems given to students who scored well enough on the U. K. School Mathematics Challenge to qualify for the U. K. Junior Mathematical Olympiad.