Overview

A series of maths problem-solving sessions designed to give students the confidence to apply for university courses that require or take into consideration achievement in an admissions test.

These regular classes offer students the opportunity to develop mathematical problem-solving skills through discussion and collaboration. They are designed to help students to develop strategies and confidence when tackling unfamiliar problems in maths and will help with preparations for taking advanced papers such as the MAT, TMUA and STEP examinations.

At the same time, the problems used in the course are fun and rewarding. Attending the sessions will greatly enrich students’ mathematical experience and help them to develop a better understanding of A level Mathematics.

Aims

• To develop initial strategies when dealing with maths problems
• To develop confidence when dealing with maths problems
• To develop resilience when dealing with maths problems
• To provide some initial information about the problem solving involved in University Admissions Test
• To provide a platform on which to build secure problem solving techniques

Who will benefit from attending?

• To develop initial strategies when dealing with maths problems
• To develop confidence when dealing with maths problems
• To develop resilience when dealing with maths problems
• To provide some initial information about the problem solving involved in University Admissions Test
• To provide a platform on which to build secure problem solving techniques

Content

he course covers a wide range of mathematical disciplines with problems. These can include

• Algebra: the difference between two squares and other identities
• Geometry: angles, triangle and circles
• Number: digits and divisibility
• Algebra: forming and solving equations
• Combinatorics: systematic counting
• Number: prime factorisation, fractions and irrationals
• Algebra: sequences and series
• Number: indices and logarithms
• Algebra: quadratics, cubics and other polynomials
• Geometry: trigonometry
• Combinatorics: further systematic counting and placement
• Geometry: coordinates and vectors
• Calculus: curve sketching and differentiation
• Calculus: integration
• Combinatorics: the binomial expansion

Materials and equipment

Other information

The following problems provide a taste of the sort of problem solving that will be encountered in the classes:

Problem 1: How many primes greater than two can be found that are one less than a square number?

Problem 2: How many pairs of integers can you find that satisfy the equation \(x^2–y^2=45\)?

Eligibility

Study schedule

This is a series of 14 face-to-face sessions at Newcastle University taking place on Wednesday evenings from 4pm-5:30pm starting on 29th January. Students will be split into two separate groups. One group, largely year 12 students, will be working on general mathematical problem solving with Sarah Sharp. The other group, largely year 13 students, will be working on STEP preparation with Sam James. Any student studying maths and who wishes to develop their problem solving skills is encourage to attend.

The sessions will take place on the following dates:

Session 1: 29th January

Session 2: 5th February

Session 3: 12th February

Session 4: 19th February

HALF TERM

Session 5: 5th March

Session 6: 12th March (Sarah's group only)

Session 7: 19th March

Session 8: 26th March

Session 9: 2nd April

Session 10: 9th April

EASTER BREAK

Session 11: 30th April

Session 12: 7th May

Session 13: 14th May

Session 14: 21st May

Sam's extra session: 28th May

Key facts

• Reference:#13230
• Audience:Students
• Target year:Year 12, Year 13
• Curriculum focus:University admissions tests
• Mathematical focus:Problem solving, Pure
• Event format:Face-to-face
• Duration:21 hours
• Region:North East
• Fee:Free