Directed by the Putnam Exam Committee:
Xiao-Biao Lin, Bob Ramsay,Richard Chandler, Mohan Putcha,Kwangil Koh

Course Coordinator: Xiao-Biao Lin

TEXT: Problem-Solving Strategies, by Arthur Engel, Springer-Verlag, 1998.
This book is a good source for problems but is also an excellent reference book on the problem-solving methods typically used in undergraduate mathematics.

DESCRIPTION: Students meet with faculty once a week for informal discussions of mathematical problems and problem-solving techniques to prepare for math contests. We look at old contest questions and practice solving problems as well as writing up the solutions to problems. Students usually compete in the VPI Math Contest and the Putnam Competition.

For information about the Putnam Competition and other math contests, check out the Web Site:

Students who participate actively in our seminar have shown definite improve-ment in their scores on these contests. We try to help newcomers to math contests as well as experienced students. Participants in our seminar are expected to

• Attend class regularly and work on the problems.
• Practice writing up solutions to problems. This is very important if you want to improve.
• Study old Putnam problems and their solutions. You can find these for recent contests at the Web Site above.

Students who miss a weekly session can obtain assignments or handouts from Xiao-Biao Lin in HA 313.

Annual Virginia Tech Regional Mathematics Contest
Saturday, late October or early November, Harrelson Hall

Annual William Lowell Putnam Competition
First Saturday in December, Harrelson Hall
Undergraduates can compete up to four times.