Mathematical Olympiad Challenges

Why Olympiads? Working mathematiciansoftentell us that results in the field are achievedafter long experience and a deep familiarity with mathematical objects, that progress is made slowly and collectively, and that—ashes of inspiration are mere punctuation in periods of sustained effort. TheOlympiadenvironment,incontrast,demandsarelativelybriefperiodofintense concentration,asksforquickinsightsonspecificoccasions,andrequiresaconcentrated but isolated effort. Yet we have foundthat participan...