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Middle School Contest Math

Academic Year Mathematics

Middle school math contests such as MATHCOUNTS are a launching pad for many of the best math students. In this course, we draw problems from premier middle school contests such as MATHCOUNTS and the American Mathematics Competitions 8 (AMC 8), as well as beginning high school contests like the American Mathematics Competitions 10 (AMC 10). Students explore important new topics in counting, probability, and number theory, and learn to apply topics in algebra and geometry to advanced problems.

Students should either have completed an Algebra 1 course or be currently enrolled in one to be successful in this course.

Note for students who have taken this course: We alternate between two different versions of this course from one year to the next. The two versions are roughly the same difficulty, but include different lessons, practice contests, and homework. Therefore, students taking this course for two consecutive years will see different material in the second year than in the first.

Homework and exams

Students should expect to spend 1-3 hours on homework every week. Homework will be assigned and completed through the class website, where students receive immediate feedback on their work. Students will take four in-class exams, structured as practice math contests, throughout the course.

Textbook

The textbook for the course is the Art of Problem Solving, Volume 1: the Basics.

Hardcopy and lifetime digital access to the online version of the textbook are included in the tuition and fees of this course.


Schedule in 2023-24

All times Pacific.

Saturday
12:15 – 2:00pm
Aug. 12 – May 18
ENROLL
Thursday
6:30 – 8:15pm
Aug. 17 – May 16
ENROLL
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Sample Problems

Below are examples of some of the types of problems that students will encounter in our Middle School Contest Math course.

Problem 0
Problem 1
Problem 2
Problem 3
Problem 4
Problem 5
Problem 6
Problem 7
Problem 8
Problem 9
Problem 10

AoPS Academy has a superb curriculum, combined with outstanding teachers who have provided our son a fantastic foundation in mathematics. If only I could have experienced teaching like this when I was young, it would have changed my career choice. The academy is a perfect extension of school in that they challenge students to learn at a much deeper and rigorous level. They also stimulate their interest in mathematics by emphasizing analytical thought over rote memorization of formulas.

The academy truly lays a deep foundation in mathematical thinking for success in all areas involving STEM subjects. It is really exciting to be among teachers and children who love math!

The harder the problem - the more exciting it is to the students and teachers at AoPS Academy.

Molly and Richard T.