Description This is a math class aimed at AMC 8 prep and introducing middle school level math contest topics across algebra, geometry, number theory and combinatorics for 9-12 year olds. The topics taught would be geared towards AMC 8/Math Counts but would also be useful for competitions like AMC 10 and State Math Contest. The class will be oriented towards creative problem solving, and no prior experience with contest math is expected. It will introduce topics that frequently appear on math competitions but are not usually taught in school.
Preliminary Requirement The preliminary requirement is that students have a solid understanding of math concepts taught in elementary school (order of operations, familiarity with fractions/decimals & basic properties of shapes). Recommend from 5th grade to middle school students. The class will introduce topics that frequently appear on math competitions but are not usually taught in school.
Preliminary syllabus: (Subject to change based on progress and students levels)
Week 1: Algebra: Variables, Linear Equations and Inequalities Week 2: Algebra: Ratios and Proportions Week 3: Algebra: Quadratic Equations Week 4: Algebra: Special Factorization Week 5: Intro to Number Theory Week 6: Geometry: Angle Chasing, Similar Triangles and Circles Week 7: Geometry: More on Triangles, Quadrilaterals and Polygons Week 8: Counting and Probability: Combinations, Permutations and Casework Week 9: Counting and Probability: More Identities Week 10: Review
Instructor: Alice Zhao, the current teacher of the Math is Fun I class and a rising senior at NCSSM. She is the co-captain of NCSSM Math Competition Club (Senior) and was on Enloe Math Club General Board before she joined NCSSM. She won AMC 10 Distinguished Honor Roll in 2018 and was member of Duke Math Meet 4th Place Team in 2019.
