What is the Math Olympiad?
The Math Olympiad is an Olympiad offered by the Indian Talent Olympiad. Mathematics Olympics competitions aim to stimulate interest in mathematics and improve participants’ mathematical skills through team-based competitions. They exist nationally and internationally for students in grades 4-12.
Today in this article we will cover 10 steps you should keep in mind while preparing for the Olympiad.
- STUDY THE SYLLABUS
This may seem obvious and by no means advice, but if you don’t understand the importance of each topic, it can be detrimental to your preparation. The Mathematics Olympiad curriculum is extensive and the questions will come from a number of different topics, the most important and least of which is spending time on your topics.
2. COMPREHEND THE LEVEL
This is not a normal school exam. An in-depth study of each concept is required with a higher level of theoretical and practical knowledge. Find out more about the topic and get more information if necessary.
3. VISIT THE OLYMPIAD WEBSITE
If this is your first time competing in the Olympic Games, or if there have been many changes to the rules, visit the website and find out what and when the Mathematics Olympiad will take place.
4. USE THE INTERNET
The Internet can be your friend when you use it to the fullest. You can find useful information on all platforms, be it YouTube videos or websites offering practice tests. Information or techniques for solving difficult math problems can be at the core of your time savings.
5. MANAGE YOUR TIME
Time is of the essence for effective preparation. Starting prep on time will only improve your performance. Develop a schedule and allocate your time to thoroughly practice all of the topics.
6. STICK TO YOUR SCHEDULE
It is extremely important that you stay motivated and stick to your math Olympics schedule. No one is perfect, but that is a step in the right direction. Readjust your schedule if you need to cover a delay.
7. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Practice until you are perfect or meet the expectations for your Math Olympiad. Each question and exercise can be practised and refined.
8. TAKE ONLINE TESTS
Proving yourself with physical and online tests in a timely manner will help you prepare for problems you may encounter during the Olympics.
9. CONSULT YOUR TEACHER
Remember that at the end of the day, your teachers will most likely be your best resource for information and that when they teach you, they will have a good understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. Taking notes from your teacher’s advice will greatly improve your performance during your Math Olympics.
10. KEEP CALM
Stress will only cloud your judgment during the Olympics. Find out what will help you relieve stress, whether it’s taking deep breaths while walking or drinking tea. Don’t let the pressure affect your judgement.
If you follow all of these steps you are bound to do well on your Olympiad.
Here are some more tips to remember when you study math:
- Practice makes perfect
Mathematics is a practical subject. You can’t just “learn” the chapters, you need to understand the concepts and then keep practising. It is ideal to start practising the first day. Therefore, you will be well practised when you take the exam. If you’re studying content-intensive subjects, you can practice a little math so it doesn’t get overwhelming.
2. Solve Examples and Questions
Don’t start by solving complex problems and practise papers like IMO Class 10 2014 Question Paper If you have just understood the chapter, solving difficult sums will give you an incorrect answer and will put you off. It might even make you hate math even more. Instead, just get started. Solve the examples in your textbook. Make sure you don’t read the answer beforehand. When you have solved it, compare it to the solution in the textbook or reference book you are using. Make sure all your steps are correct, not just the main answer. Once you’ve done all the right steps, you’re ready to tackle the easier problems. Once you get the hang of them, you can move on to the more difficult ones.
3. Clear your Doubts
It’s easy to get stuck with a question in math. Do not let your doubts grow, let them clarify as soon as they arise. The sooner you clarify your doubts, the better you will be in these matters. Ask your classroom teacher, friends, or online in an app.
4. Learn all the formulas
If you see something long enough, it will be registered in your memory, even if you are unconscious. For this reason, some people prefer to paste diagrams or formulas on their desks or in their bedrooms. Make index cards with all the formulas in your textbook and decorate your room with them, at least until the exam is over.
Also Read: How will Artificial Intelligence Change the Upcoming for Improved?
5. Understand the Derivations
One might think that the referral is not that important from an examination point of view, but it is crucial for understanding. You can’t always learn a formula; you have to understand the logic behind it. For example, you need to know why speed is a function of distance and time rather than just learning the formula and replacing it with numbers. If you memorize it, you will likely forget it during the exam, but if your concepts are clear, it will always be easy to remember.
6. Be thorough with your basics
All your basics are math. Even if you are studying for JEE, you will need a solid foundation in ninth through twelfth grade. Most of the math chapters build on the previous ones. If your foundation isn’t as strong as you’d like, keep reviewing and practising the sums for selected chapters from the past few years. Always know your basics.
What are you waiting for? You know what you need to do now, so go start preparing!
All the best!