Contests

Midshipmen participate in two national mathematical contests each year: the Virginia Tech Regional Mathematics Contest in late October and the Putnam Competition in early December. All Midshipmen, regardless of major or class, are eligible to take these contests. Interested Midshipmen should sign up with Prof. Popovici, the USNA Math Contest Coordinator.

Many Midshipmen find it helpful to take the 1-credit course SM481: Mathematical Problem-Solving Lab. In SM481 Midshipmen develop their skills in discovering and presenting creative solutions to non-routine problems. Sample problems are below. SM481 is open to all majors and all classes. (Several Midshipmen have taken SM 481 all four years.) Enrollment is by invitation for Plebes. The course is 1 credit and meets Thursdays during periods 3 and 4 in the Fall Semester. Midshipmen in SM481 constitute the USNA Math Team and are encouraged to participate in the Virginia Tech and Putnam math contests.

If the Sample Problems from SM481 appeal to you, contact Prof. Meyerson.