Math Competition Prep Class (for 7th to 11th graders) Spring Session II Starting on May 3

Posted on 2015-05-01 | Leave a comment

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imagesFX9CEY3LPurpose: To prepare for the 2016 AMC 10/12, and the 2015 University of Maryland High School Math Competition

Specific Goal: To earn a score of 120 or more out of 150 on the American Mathematics Contest 10 (AMC 10), or a score of 100 or more out of 150 on the American Mathematics Contest 12 (AMC 12), and then qualify for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME), which is used to determine qualification for the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO). There are many math competitions in the United States. Of those, only AMC → AIME → USAMO sequence would take you to the IMO (International Math Olympiad), the highest level math competition for high school students in the world.math-olympiad-web

Who should take this class: This class is very appropriate for 7th-11th grade students who are hoping to qualify for the AIME.

Monthly Mock Test: A simulated test every month helps students assess their level of preparation for the Math Competitions. The test consists of 25 questions similar to AMC 10/12 level from the licensed AMC Database, and is intended to mimic an actual math competition exam. After attempting the test, students get answers, explanations, and a detailed score report and wise performance summary.

Weekly Homework: At least 3 hours per week. We will carefully review and check each student’s homework, and correct any mistakes. Based on his/her work, we will provide the student with individualized proposal and support.

The only way to learn mathematics is by doing mathematics. Homework assignments are a fundamental part of a mathematics course. Homework is also seen as a welcome challenge and an opportunity for further learning. Homework given prior to a lesson can aid in understanding later during class. Homework also provides opportunities for reinforcement of the material learned in class.

We have to face the simple truth that to do well on this grueling contest, we will need to practice. Just like it is for sports and music, the key to success is repetition and practice. We strongly believe in effort and the malleability of intelligence. Intelligence can be enhanced through effort. People can develop impressive levels of expertise through hard work and practice. Effort and persistence are the keys to success. Hard work always pays off. Practice makes perfect!

All problems from past AMC 10/12 exams (2000-2014) and AHSME (1983–1999) form our “big data” system. The AHSME (American High School Mathematics Examination) was the former name of the AMC, before 2000. We have used data mining and predictive analytics to examine the types and the frequencies of questions in all these materials, and then completely “decoded” the AMC 10/12. We will show all the “secret code” cracked from the above big data to students, and teach them to totally grasp and “control” the AMC. For all questions on the recent AMC contests, we can find their “ancestors” and “roots” from the old AMC problems. Therefore, the best way to prepare for the contest is to practice by solving old AMC problems.

Benefits:

  • 7 tutorial handouts (140 pages) developed by Dr. Henry Wan and 210 new problems similar to AMC 10/12 level from the licensed AMC Database
  • 2 FREE mock tests, each of which has 25 questions taken from the licensed AMC Database

Class Outline:

In AMC 10/12 Prep Class, we will focus on efficient tricks, shortcuts, and strategies to solve AMC problems as well as test-taking tactics. The emphasis of this class will be on fundamental discrete math which is very common in competition math.

AMC 10 Prep Class Spring II

Class Date Topic Homework Tutorial Handouts
1 5/3 Special right triangles I(30o-60o-90o triangles, 45o-45o-90o triangles) AMC 10/12 Problem Set on Special Right Triangles (30o-60o-90o triangles, 45o-45o-90o triangles), Plus some new problems with a similar difficulty level from the licensed AMC Database Yes
2 5/10 Special right triangles II(15o-75o-90o triangles, 18o-72o-90o triangles) AMC 10/12 Problem Set on Special Right Triangles (15o-75o-90o triangles, 18o-72o-90o triangles), Plus some new problems with a similar difficulty level from the licensed AMC Database Yes
3 5/17 Logical reasoning techniques to solve AMC 10 problems AMC 10/12 Problem Set on Logical Reasoning, Plus some new problems with a similar difficulty level from the licensed AMC Database Yes
4 5/24 Most commonly used methods to draw auxiliary lines and applications of the ruler, protractor, and compass to solve AMC geometry problems AMC 10/12 Problem Set on Drawing Auxiliary Lines, Plus some new problems with a similar difficulty level from the licensed AMC Database Yes
5 5/31 Triangle geometry: common base theorem of triangles, triangle inequality, angle bisector theorem, Heron’s formula AMC 10/12 Problem Set on Triangle Geometry, Plus some new problems with a similar difficulty level from the licensed AMC Database Yes
6 6/7 Circle geometry: intersecting chords theorem, Ceva’s theorem, Menelaus’ theorem, AMC 10/12 Problem Set on Circle Geometry, Plus some new problems with a similar difficulty level from the licensed AMC Database Yes
7 6/14 Polygons, cyclic polygons, Ptolemy’s theorem, Hippocrates’ theorem AMC 10/12 Problem Set on Polygons, Plus some new problems with a similar difficulty level from the licensed AMC Database Yes

Our main purpose is to help our students gain deeper understanding of the fundamental math concepts, build a solid foundation in math, and develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are so valuable to success in any career. We are big believers in the FUNDAMENTALS! Our students will receive the LIFELONG BENEFITS from learning math.

IMG_2563_0Regardless of his/her math level, each student will have the opportunity to learn math in a fun, friendly, cooperative, supportive learning environment. The most important thing is to have fun.

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Although the 2015 AMC 10/12 contests has just finished, we must prepare in advance for the 2016 AMC 10/12 contests. As the great scientist Louis Pasteur said, “Chance favors only the prepared mind.” Those who strive to prepare early, and work hard are the ones who achieve the best results. The AMC is a complex math competition that requires dedication and focus. Therefore, the earlier our students start preparing, the better their scores will be.

We are only one in the Washington DC metropolitan area to offer elementary, middle, and high-school level competition math courses. Our tutoring model is very unique. We ask that all students complete all the required problems at home, and then email their work to us before come to the class. We will carefully review and check the students’ work. Based on their work, we can detect what are the student’s specific weaknesses and use those problems in class to teach the students all the tricks, shortcuts, strategies, and tactics for taking the contest. The entire two hours are used for instructional teaching only. We firmly believe that learning is extremely important, and that a student should not waste time doing problems with our supervision if they can do those problems at home. So our 2-hour session is equivalent to a regular 4-hour session, and thus our hourly rate is equivalent to $20 per hour.

Click the following articles to read more about our class:

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