MATH299B-0101: Selected Topics in Mathematics; Putnam Express-Fall 2015 ebrahimi

Math 299B - Putnam Expresse

Dr. Roohollah Ebrahimian

ebrahimi@umd.edu

Office: Math 2303

Office Hours: Th: 1:30-2:30 PM, WF: 9:30-10:30 AM

VT Competition will be held on Saturday, October 24th from 8:45 to 11:30 AM in Armory 0112.

The main goal of this course is to expose you to different methods of problem solving. We will work on problems from the past Virginia Tech Regional Contests as well as Putnam Competitions. The problems will cover many different topics including Real Analysis, Probability Theory, Combinatorics, Number Theory and Abstract Algebra. 

To take this course you need to:

  • love solving mathematics problems.
  • be very comfortable with proof writing. Methods of proof like induction and proof by contradiction will be extensively used. All problems are proof-based problems.
  • have some basic familiarity with Real Analysis (aka Advanced Calculus) and Number Theory. Advanced familiarity is not required.
  • commit at least a couple hours every week outside of class to solving math problems.

Although it is not required, having experience with math competitions such as AMC 12, AIME, and USAMO
is a plus.

Your grade will be determined by 

  • Attendance: It is your responsibility to sign the attendance sheet every day you come to class.
  • Participation: It is expected that students come to the board and discuss problems. In order to come to the board you don't have to have a complete solution. A partial solution would suffice.
  • Taking the Competitions: You will have to take the competitions that are held on Saturday, October 24th from 8:45 to 11:30 AM and Saturday, December 5th from 9:40 AM to 1 PM and 2:50 - 6 PM

The competitions are very difficult and your grade will NOT be determined by the results of the contests.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due