University of Toronto mathematics competition (2001--2015) (Q256470)

This volume includes the problems given for the first 15 annual undergraduate mathematics competitions, held in March each year since 2001 at the University of Toronto. These problems cover various areas of linear algebra, advanced algebra, single-variable differential and integral calculus, analytic geometry, combinatorics, basic group theory, and number theory. The problems of the competitions are listed in chronological order as presented to the students. The solutions appear in subsequent chapters according to subject matter. Appendices recall some background material and list the names of students who did well. Some of the features of this problem book are the following: (i) it uses competition-inspired problems as a platform for training typical inventive skills; (ii) it includes numerous examples and interesting comments and accounts of ideas and methods in elementary algebra, geometry and analysis; and (iii) it offers a systematic path to organizing a natural transition that bridges elementary problem-solving activity to independent exploration of new results and properties. We include in this review one of our favorite problems contained in this book (Problem 2002:2, p. 28): Angus likes to go to the movies. On Monday, standing in line, he noted that the fraction \(x\) of the line was in front of him, while \(1/n\) of the line was behind him. On Tuesday, the same fraction \(x\) of the line was in front of him, while \(1/(n+1)\) of the line was behind him. On Wednesday, the same fraction \(x\) of the line was in front of him, while \(1/(n + 2)\) of the line was behind him. Determine a value of \(n\) for which this is possible. The book under review is mainly intended for undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics, as well as for researchers engaged in the interplay among applied analysis, mathematical physics, and numerical analysis.