Math 96: Putnam Seminar

Fall 2021

Announcements:

• First day of class September 24th 4pm in Revelle North Outdoor Classroom.

Homeworks:

• Homework 1 Due in class on Friday, October 1st.
• Homework 2 Due in class on Friday, October 8th.
• Homework 3 - Write up a solution to one problem solved in class on Oct. 8th. Due in class on Friday, October 15th.
• Homework 4 Due in class on Friday, October 22nd.
• Homework 5 - Write up a solution to one problem solved in class on Oct. 22nd. Due in class on Friday, October 29th.
• Homework 6 Due in class on Friday, November 5th.
• Homework 7 - Write up a solution to one problem solved in class on Nov. 5th. Due in class on Friday, November 12th.
• Homework 8 Due in class on Friday, November 19th.
  
  

Class Notes:

• Basic Problem Solving Techniques
• Techniques from Calculus
• Number Theory Techniques
• Polynomial Techniques
• Combinatorics and Linearity of Expectation Techniques
• Testing Strategies
  

Resources:

• Course Syllabus
• Introductory guide to proofs.
• Kiran’s Putnam archive.
• Course Discord Sever.
  
• Previous years' handouts.
• If you want something slightly easier to practice on, check out the Van Vleck Talent Search Problems and Solutions.
• Putnam registration link.
  

Course Description: Students will develop skills in analytical thinking as they solve and present solutions to challenging mathematical problems in preparation for the William Lowell Putnam Mathematics Competition, a national undergraduate mathematics examination held each year. Students must sit for at least one half of the Putnam exam (given the first Saturday in December) to receive a passing grade. P/NP grades only. May be taken for credit up to four times.