The Mathematical Olympiad Handbook

Mathematical Olympiad competitions started in Hungary at the end of the nineteenth century, and are now held internationally. They bring together able secondary school pupils who attempt to solve problems which develop their mathematical skills. Olympiad problems are unpredictable and have no obvious starting point, and although they require only the skills learnt in ordinary school problems they can seem much harder. The Mathematical Olympiad Handbookintroduces readers to these challenging problems and aims to convince them that Olympiads are not just for a select minority. The book contains problems from the first 32 British Mathematical Olympiad (BMO) papers1965-96 and gives hints and outline solutions to each problem from 1975 onwards. An overview is given of the basic mathematical skills needed, and a list of books for further reading is provided. Working through the exercises provides a valuable source of extension and enrichment for all pupils and adults interested in mathematics.

“'Working through the exercises provides a valuable source of extension andenrichment for all pupils and adults interested in mathematics.'Zentralblatt fur Didaktik Mathematik”

Gardiner pulls no punches in putting over his own view of maths: that it is hard, exacting and exact but very rewarding.'Times Educational Supplement Extra Section, October 1997Working through the exercises provides a valuable source of extension and enrichment for all pupils and adults interested in mathematics.'Zentralblatt für Didaktik MathematikThis is another successful book written by a fine expositor. I warmly recommend it to all students curious about mathematics, especially those who are bored at school and ready for a challenge. Teachers would find this book to be a welcome resource, as will contest organizers.'Zentralblatt für Mathematik, 884...problem lovers of all ages and ability levels will find much in this book to entertain and educate... I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in this sort of problem solving. It would be a particularly valuable resource for those who participate in mathematics competitions at the high school or college level. 'Mathematical Association of America Online Review Column, June 1998`...the book will have two quite separate audiences. One is lecturers or schoolteachers who are looking for something challenging, while still elementary, for their bright students. And the other is bright school students themselves, who will gain a huge amount from trying the problems and reading the commentary. For both audiences, this book is a must-buy.'London Mathematical Society Newsletter, October 1998'...wonderful book...The goal of the book is to introduce students to the world of problem solving, and it does so marvelously.Indded, problem lovers of all ages and ability levels will find much in this book to entertain and educate...it contains an entertaining and challenging set of probelms' MAA Online

School of Mathematics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT Tel: 0121 414 6580 Fax: 0121 414 3389 Email:

Mathematical Olympiad competitions started in Hungary at the end of the nineteenth century, and are now held internationally. They bring together able secondary school pupils who attempt to solve problems which develop their mathematical skills. Olympiad problems are unpredictable and have no obvious starting point, and although they require only the skills learnt in ordinary school problems they can seem much harder. The Mathematical Olympiad Handbook introduces readers to these challenging problems and aims to convince them that Olympiads are not just for a select minority. The book contains problems from the first 32 British Mathematical Olympiad (BMO) papers 1965-96 and gives hints and outline solutions to each problem from 1975 onwards. An overview is given of the basic mathematical skills needed, and a list of books for further reading is provided. Working through the exercises provides a valuable source of extension and enrichment for all pupils and adults interested in mathematics.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.