How hard are Putnam problems?

Competition layout Each one consists of twelve challenging problems. The competition is considered to be very difficult: it is typically attempted by students specializing in mathematics, but the median score is usually zero or one point out of 120 possible, and there have been only five perfect scores as of 2019.

Is Putnam and beyond a good book?

This is a great collection which is extremely well-organized! The book is a compilation of advanced problems (from the Putnam exams and various Mathematical Olympiads, etc), arranged by topic. This extraordinary book can be read for fun.

Was Richard Feynman a Putnam Fellow?

The top five competitors, named as Putnam Fellows, tend to become titans of academia. Physicist Richard Feynman was a Putnam Fellow; famed mathematician John Nash only placed in the second five. The Putnam is the denouement of the story of ambitious American mathletes.

Is Putnam harder than IMO?

Putnam has twice more problems than IMO has to be solved in 2/3 of IMO’s time (3 hours compared to 4.5). It’s worth noting that first 2 problems of each contest (there are 2 contests each with 6 problems) are relatively easier than the easiest problem at IMO not taking too much time.

What is the best Putnam training book?

_ [Advanced] R. Gelca and T. Andreescu, Putnam and Beyond. At 800 pages, with 1100 problems, all with complete solutions, this is by far the largest and most comprehensive Putnam training book. The level is fairly advanced and probably too much for all but the most experienced Putnam students.

Do Putnam courses affect a student’s ranking?

And if that is impossible at their school, or there is no academic credit for a Putnam class or “independent research/problemsolving” seminar that allows coursework to help preparation instead of impeding it, then their ranking can suffer.

Do you think the Putnam exam tests mathematical maturity?

I definitely think the Putnam exam tests mathematical “maturity” just as much as talent or raw knowledge. By maturity, I mean the somewhat less tangible things we pick up like gauging a problem’s difficulty, anticipating the necessary techniques, knowing how to construct an intelligible argument, and knowing when to move on.

What are some good books on problem solving for undergraduate students?

Titu Andresscu has a nice book Putnam and Beyond which gives an alternative look at the standard undergraduate curriculum. MIT used to offer a problem solving seminar. Arthur Engel’s Problem Solving Strategies is nice.