The Vermont State Mathematics Coalition has sponsored a statewide "Mathematics Talent Search Program" every year since 1993. The Talent Search is conducted in the following manner. Four times during the school year early October, mid November, early January, mid February) eight challenging math problems are sent to each of the eighty high schools in the state. Topics covered on the tests are from arithmetic, Geometry, algebra, and pre-calculus. Copies of the test are given to interested students at each of the schools. The students have four weeks to solve the eight problems and then each student submits his/her solutions to the director of the program for grading. If students are only able to solve one or two problems, they are still encouraged to submit their solutions. During the following two week period the tests are scored, statistics are gathered, and results are returned to the students along with the next of the four tests. At the end of the year the top eight students in the state are given prizes and are honored at a Coalition dinner along with their parents. The students are also invited to attend a week-long "Mathematics, Science, and Technology Summer Enrichment Institute" at the University of Vermont.

More information about and rules for the talent search may be found here (note that there are significant changes to the talent search competition this year).

1. Each student who wishes to enter the Contest should submit solutions to as many of the problems as possible to the Vermont State Mathematics Coalition in a timely fashion. We encourage as many students as possible to participate, but each entry should be mailed separately.

2. The work of each student is expected to be her/his own. Students should not consult with other students, teachers, parents or other individuals. A student's signature on the paper testifies that the rules have been followed.

3. A mathematical solution is expected with each problem attempted. Half credit will be given for guesses, conjectures or computer/calculator solutions which result in a correct answer. Full credit will be awarded for a correct mathematical solution. The decisions of the graders are final.

4. A student may earn bonus points for a commended solution to a problem. These solutions are written to include creativity, ingenuity and clarity. Commended solutions will be used at the end of the year to break ties and in ranking students.

5. Answers to problems should be in simplified form. Final answers such as 8/4, 89² , 7-3 and 2cos60^o would not be satisfactory. In cases when there is a question as to what is "most simplified". then alternate answers will be accepted, i.e., 5/2 and 2 1/2 are both acceptable.

Recent tests are posted in PDF format. For a free PDF plug-in, go to http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html.

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	Latest Update:April 9, 2010 by David Hathaway