The Math Olympian

BETHANY MACDONALD HAS TRAINED SIX LONG YEARS FOR THIS MOMENT. SHE'LL TRY TO SOLVE FIVE QUESTIONS IN THREE HOURS, FOR ONE IMPROBABLE DREAM. THE DREAM OF REPRESENTING HER COUNTRY, AND BECOMING A MATH OLYMPIAN. As a small-town girl in Nova Scotia bullied for liking numbers more than boys, and lacking the encouragement of her unsupportive single mother who frowns at her daughter's unrealistic ambition, Bethany's road to the International Math Olympiad has been marked by numerous challenges. Through persistence, perseverance, and the support of innovative mentors who inspire her with a love of learning, Bethany confronts these challenges and develops the creativity and confidence to reach her potential. In training to become a world-champion "mathlete", Bethany discovers the heart of mathematics - a subject that's not about memorizing formulas, but rather about problem-solving and detecting patterns to uncover truth, as well as learning how to apply the deep and unexpected connections of mathematics to every aspect of her life, including athletics, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. As Bethany reflects on her long journey and envisions her exciting future, she realizes that she has shattered the misguided stereotype that only boys can excel in math, and discovers a sense of purpose that through mathematics, she can and she will make an extraordinary contribution to society.

BETHANY MACDONALD HAS TRAINED SIX LONG YEARS FOR THIS MOMENT. SHE’LL TRY TO SOLVE FIVE QUESTIONS IN THREE HOURS, FOR ONE IMPROBABLE DREAM. THE DREAM OF REPRESENTING HER COUNTRY, AND BECOMING A MATH OLYMPIAN. As a small-town girl in Nova Scotia bullied for liking numbers more than boys, and lacking the encouragement of her unsupportive single mother who frowns at her daughter’s unrealistic ambition, Bethany's road to the International Math Olympiad has been marked by numerous challenges. Through persistence, perseverance, and the support of innovative mentors who inspire her with a love of learning, Bethany confronts these challenges and develops the creativity and confidence to reach her potential. In training to become a world-champion "mathlete", Bethany discovers the heart of mathematics – a subject that’s not about memorizing formulas, but rather about problem-solving and detecting patterns to uncover truth, as well as learning how to apply the deep and unexpected connections of mathematics to every aspect of her life, including athletics, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. As Bethany reflects on her long journey and envisions her exciting future, she realizes that she has shattered the misguided stereotype that only boys can excel in math, and discovers a sense of purpose that through mathematics, she can and she will make an extraordinary contribution to society.

For the Rising Math Olympians contains over 500 examples and brand-new problems in Number Theory, Algebra, Counting & Probability, and Geometry that are frequently tested in math competitions. Each chapter contains concepts with detailed explanations, examples with step-by-step solutions, and review problems to reinforce the students' understanding. This book is written for beginning mathletes who are interested in learning advanced problem solving and critical thinking skills in preparation for elementary and middle school math competitions. For the past three years, Jesse has served as an assistant coach for his former middle school math team and the curriculum director for the Maui Math Circle. In 2016, three of his students finished in the top 10 in the Hawaii State Mathcounts Competition. This book consists of the top 20 math concepts that he used to train his students.

A major aspect of mathematical training and its benefit to society is the ability to use logic to solve problems. The American Mathematics Competitions have been given for more than fifty years to millions of students. This book considers the basic ideas behind the solutions to the majority of these problems, and presents examples and exercises from past exams to illustrate the concepts. Anyone preparing for the Mathematical Olympiads will find many useful ideas here, but people generally interested in logical problem solving should also find the problems and their solutions stimulating. The book can be used either for self-study or as topic-oriented material and samples of problems for practice exams. Useful reading for anyone who enjoys solving mathematical problems, and equally valuable for educators or parents who have children with mathematical interest and ability.

Containing numerous exercises, illustrations, hints and solutions, presented in a lucid and thought-provoking style, this text provides a wide range of skills required in competitions such as the Mathematical Olympiad. With more than fifty problems in Euclidean geometry, it is ideal for Mathematical Olympiad training and also serves as a supplementary text for students in pure mathematics, particularly number theory and geometry.