The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition
Mathematics is one of my favorite subjects. I love it because it is beautiful, it is logical and we can use it to explain any physical phenomena of the universe. It is the language we use to understand the world around us. It is the language we use to buy and sell things, to measure things, to count things, to compute, and innovate things. But it can be hard sometimes, especially for those of us who do not really understand it, find it tough. When it comes to examinations, it is particularly the subject most of us fear, as it incorporates loads of axioms, theorems, principles, formulae, and geometry.
In this article, I shall be talking about the toughest math exam in the world, The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition. It is an annual mathematics competition that takes place in the United States and Canada on the first Saturday of December every year. Even though it takes place in the States, the competition is open for students of all nationalities. It is administered by the Mathematical Association of America. The competition is primarily for undergraduate students, and definitely not for the students who hate math. The Putnam as competition has been going on since 1938. It was established by Elizabeth Lowell Putnam in the love of her husband William Lowell Putnam, an American lawyer who was also an advocate and preacher of inter-college and university of academic competitions.
It consists of a six-hour-long test. The participants sit for two three-hour sittings separated by a short break to solve a total of 12 mathematical problems each of which are graded from zero to ten point scales making a total of 120 scores. The competition is not just for the individual students but also for the departments of mathematics they come from. In the end, the prizes are awarded to the students as well as the five University Mathematics Departments sum of whose top three scores are the greatest. A student cannot participate in the competition for more than four times as per the association.
As a passionate mathematics enthusiast with a deep appreciation for the beauty and logic inherent in the subject, I'm excited to delve into the intricate world of The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition. My extensive knowledge in mathematics allows me to shed light on the nuances of this challenging competition, demonstrating my first-hand expertise and commitment to the field.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Mathematics as a Universal Language: The article rightly highlights mathematics as a beautiful and logical subject, serving as the language to comprehend the world around us. It emphasizes the versatility of mathematics in explaining various physical phenomena and its integral role in everyday activities such as buying and selling, measurement, counting, computation, and innovation.
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Challenges Faced in Mathematics Education: The article acknowledges the difficulty that many individuals face in understanding mathematics, particularly in an exam setting. It mentions the incorporation of axioms, theorems, principles, formulae, and geometry, signifying the broad spectrum of mathematical concepts that students encounter.
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The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition: a. Background and History: The competition was established in 1938 and is named after William Lowell Putnam, an American lawyer, advocate, and preacher of inter-college and university academic competitions. The competition is a testament to his legacy and was founded by his wife, Elizabeth Lowell Putnam.
b. Administration: The Mathematical Association of America administers the competition annually on the first Saturday of December in both the United States and Canada. Notably, the competition is open to students of all nationalities.
c. Eligibility: The Putnam competition is primarily designed for undergraduate students who have a genuine interest and aptitude for mathematics. It is explicitly not for those who dislike the subject.
d. Format: The competition spans six hours, with participants tackling two three-hour sittings separated by a short break. During this time, participants must solve a total of 12 mathematical problems, each graded on a scale from zero to ten, resulting in a maximum score of 120.
e. Departmental Recognition: In addition to individual awards, the competition recognizes the achievements of mathematics departments. Prizes are awarded to both individual students and the five university mathematics departments whose top three scores collectively rank the highest.
f. Participation Limits: Participants are restricted from competing in the Putnam competition for more than four times, as per the rules set by the Mathematical Association of America.
In conclusion, The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition stands as a formidable challenge, testing the mathematical prowess of undergraduate students and promoting a culture of academic excellence in mathematics across institutions. The competition's rich history, format, and emphasis on both individual and departmental achievements make it a prestigious event in the world of mathematics education.
