Purpose: To help 3rd-7th graders prepare for math competitions, such as Mathcounts, AMC 8, Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS), Math Kangaroo, and Math League
Description:
In Math Competition Prep Class, we will focus on fundamental discrete math which comes up a lot on competition math. A variety of math contest questions are used to teach students strategies to solve problems and help students prepare for the competitions. These problems stimulate their interest and enthusiasm for problem solving, broaden their mathematical intuition, and develop their brainpower. The topics taught in this class are not covered in regular school math classes, allowing our students to stay one step ahead.
The main feature of this course is the use of the concrete => pictorial => abstract approach. The emphasis is placed on development and complete understanding of mathematical concepts and their interesting applications, as well as on proficiency in multi-step problem solving, non-routine approach, mathematical reasoning, higher order thinking, and creative thinking.
Benefits:
- 11 tutorial handouts (220 pages) developed by Dr. Henry Wan and 275 new problems similar to AMC 8 level from the licensed AMC Database
- 3 FREE mock tests, each of which has 25 questions taken from the licensed AMC Database
Grade Levels: Current Grades 3-7
Class Outline:
In Competition Math Prep Class, we will focus on efficient tricks, shortcuts, and strategies to solve competitive math 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.
| Class |
Date |
Topic |
Homework |
Tutorial Handouts |
| 1 |
4/4, Sat |
The Fundamental Principle of Counting: Product Rule, Sum Rule, Introduction to Probability |
AMC 8 Problem Set on Counting Principle, Plus some new problems from the licensed AMC Database |
Yes |
| 2 |
4/11, Sat |
Factorials: Multiplying & Dividing Factorials, Trailing Zeroes |
AMC 8 Problem Set on Factorials, Plus some new problems from the licensed AMC Database |
Yes |
| 3 |
4/18, Sat |
Pascal’s Triangle: Building the Pascal’s Triangle, Pascal Patterns, Hockey Sticks |
AMC 8 Problem Set on Pascal’s Triangle, Plus some new problems from the licensed AMC Database |
Yes |
| 4 |
4/25, Sat |
Factorial Representation and Applications of Permutations, Combinations of Letters and Numbers |
AMC 8 Problem Set on Permutations, Plus some new problems from the licensed AMC Database |
Yes |
| 5 |
5/2, Sat |
Factorial Representation of Combinations, Distinguishability, Counting Paths on a Grid |
AMC 8 Problem Set on Combinations, Plus some new problems from the licensed AMC Database |
Yes |
| 6 |
5/9, Sat |
Permutations with Repetitions, Putting the Labeling Principle to Practice |
AMC 8 Problem Set on Permutations with Repetitions, Plus some new problems from the licensed AMC Database |
Yes |
| 7 |
5/16, Sat |
Combinations with Repetitions, Multinomial Coefficient |
AMC 8 Problem Set on Combinations with Repetitions, Plus some new problems from the licensed AMC Database |
Yes |
| 8 |
5/23, Sat |
Binomial Coefficients, The Sum of All Combinations, The Binomial Theorem and Formulas |
AMC 8 Problem Set on Binomial Theorem and Formulas, Plus some new problems from the licensed AMC Database |
Yes |
| 9 |
5/30, Sat |
Counting the Complement and Inclusion – Exclusion. |
AMC 8 Problem Set on Counting the Complement, Plus some new problems from the licensed AMC Database |
Yes |
| 8 |
6/6, Sat |
Arranging Objects in a Circle, Circular Permutations/ Combinations |
AMC 8 Problem Set on Circular Permutations/ Combinations, Plus some new problems from the licensed AMC Database |
Yes |
| 11 |
6/13, Sat |
Discrete Probability: Equally Likely Outcomes, Basic Probability Techniques, Complementary Probabilities |
AMC 8 Problem Set on Discrete Probability, Plus some new problems from the licensed AMC Database |
Yes |
Why Discrete Math Is Very Important
Our main goal 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 succeed in any career. We are big believers in the fundamentals of mathematics. Our students will receive the lifelong benefits from learning math.
Regardless of his/her math level, each student will have the opportunity to learn math in a fun, friendly, cooperative and supportive learning environment. The most important thing is to have fun!
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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 8 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: On average, at least a half hour per day. 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 these grueling contests, 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!
Small-sized Class Teaching Model:
We utilize the highly effective small-sized class teaching model. For the class size, we will maintain a size of less than 6 students. Smaller classes lead to pupils receiving more individual attention from teachers, and having more active interactions with them. We focus on every individual, not the whole class. Students will thrive from the smaller class sizes that allow them to reach their full potential. Particularly, students can benefit tremendously from high-frequent individualized student-teacher interactions leading to establishment of a stronger foundation for lifelong learning.
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 $15 per hour.
Click the following articles to read more about our class:
Our class will mainly focus on preparing for the following math competitions:
1. Prestigious National Elementary/Middle School Math Competitions:
- Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS): This is a large and popular mathematics competition for students in grades 4 through 8. The goal of MOEMS is to expose students to elementary methods of mathematical problem solving.
- Mathematical Kangaroo: This is the world’s largest mathematics competition with students in grades 2-12 competing from many nations around the world.
- Math League: This is a well-known mathematics competition for elementary, middle, and high school students in the United States.
- Continental Mathematics League (CML): This is an important mathematics contest for students in grades 2 through 12.
2. Premier National Middle School Math Competitions:
- American Mathematics Contest 8 (AMC 8): The AMC 8 is the most rigorous nationwide mathematics competition at the middle school level, dedicated to the goal of strengthening the mathematical capabilities of our nation’s youth.
- MATHCOUNTS: This is the preeminent middle school mathematics completion in the United States, sponsored by the National Society of Professional Engineers.
Investing in your children’s education is an investment in their future, which pays the best interest!
Education: A debt due from present to future generations.
— George Peabody
FROM — The Secret: What Your High Schools Don’t Tell you? by Elizabeth Wissner-Gross
Forget what other parents may tell you about the value of just “letting kids be kids”. Fun, play, relaxation are important for kids and adults alike, but most would agree that being engaged in an educational activity that they are passionate about is fun and also has long-term benefits to get into college and ultimately enhancing one’s career.
Competition for admission to America’s top colleges is more cutthroat than ever. Gone are the days when parents could afford to let high school guidance counselors handle the admissions process alone-gone, also, are the days when a student could wait until senior year to prepare for it. If you want to raise a kid colleges will compete for, you must act, EARLY and AGGRESSIVELY, as opportunity scout, coach, tutor, manager, and publicist -or be willing to watch that acceptance letter go to someone whose parents did.
Just let your child play 30 minutes LESS video games per day and do 30 minutes EXTRA on math problems instead. Those little EXTRAs add up to EXTRA-ORDINARY results! Thus, your child will receive the LIFELONG BENEFITS from learning math.
The importance of mathematics competitions has been widely recognized for three reasons: they help develop imaginative capacity and thinking skills whose value far transcends mathematics; they constitute the most effective way of discovering and nurturing mathematical talent; and they provide a means to combat the prevalent false image of mathematics held by students, as either a fearsomely difficult or a dull and uncreative subject.
The American Mathematics Contest 8 (AMC 8), called the AJHSME until 1999, began in 1985. The AMC 8 is the most rigorous nationwide mathematics competition at the middle school level, dedicated to the goal of strengthening the mathematical capabilities of our nation’s youth. The AMC 8 is designed to promote the development of problem-solving skills. The AMC 8 provides an opportunity for middle school students to develop positive attitudes towards analytical thinking and mathematics that can assist in future careers. Students apply classroom skills to unique problem-solving challenges in a low-stress and friendly environment.
National Awards:
More articles about math competitions:
Ivy League Education Center 