Description 简介 We will be covering advanced topics related to competition math and working on problem solving from competitions like MATHCOUNTS, AMC 10, AIME, and the NC State Math Contest.
This class is geared towards ambitious students with a strong drive to hone and sharpen their skills. A certain degree of proficiency and experience is expected as a prerequisite, since we will dive straight into the problem solving aspect of competition math.
Throughout the year, we will cover a broad range of topics spanning all 4 major subjects (algebra, geometry, number theory, counting & probability) that math competitions usually test on. Classes usually consist of an interactive lecture followed by a problem-solving session, where students can collaborate with others and solve related problems. A supplementary handout will be given to students during most classes, which the students are expected to keep for future reference.
This class is competition-oriented in nature, with the goal of helping students perform better in contests such as MathCounts, AMC8, AMC10, and NC State Math Contest. Developing a “problem-solving intuition” is much more important and useful than memorizing formulas. As a result, this class will stress the importance of critical thinking and go over several problem-solving strategies that may come in handy. Instead of just memorizing formulas, we will instead go over the proofs of such formulas and actually work to understand how they work.
Of course, we will also do plenty of fun activities to help keep the students engaged. One of my personal favorites is Plank Countdown, in which students race to solve math competitions — while in a planking position. If students pay attention in class and take the time to work through the provided problems, their improvement is guaranteed!
Pre Condition 要求 Grade 6 - 10, with some familiarity in competition math problems 6-10年级以上
Student Material Requirement 学⽣⽤品 Just a notebook and writing utensils are needed.
Textbook 教材
Introduction to Counting and Probability by David Patrick
Introduction to Geometry by Richard Rusczyk
Introduction to Number Theory by Mathew Crawford
Curriculum 课程安排
Algebra: Solving linear equations, quadratic equations, factorizations, ratios, manipulations
Number Theory: divisibility rules, number sense, modular arithmetic
Geometry: Triangle geometry, special triangles, circle geometry, transversals & parallel lines, trigonometry, angle chasing
Counting & Probability
*The amount of material covered depends on the pace of the class and can vary from year to year
Language in Class 课堂使⽤语⾔ English 英⽂
Teacher ⽼师 Alvin Chen and Jerry Zhao
Teacher Introduction ⽼师简介 Alvin Chen, 12th grade student at NCSSM. He has participated in many math competitions in the past few years, achieving a perfect score on the AMC 10, 13/15 on the AIME, and first place at the NC State Math Contest, Comprehensive Division, twice.
Jerry Zhao , a senior at Enloe High School, the "math guy". It is his fourth year teaching at CCS. He is a math enthusiast, and has been doing competition math since 3rd grade. Part of the reason why he chose to teach was because of his experience in competitive math. Some of his achievements include:
