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 and is also ideal for students who just enjoy solving mathematical problems.

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.

This course will be a series of eight sessions running from 29th January 2025 to 26th March 2025.  The online sessions will be held on a Wednesday evening and will last for two hours per session.

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?

These classes are suitable for year 12 AS and A level maths and further maths students who wish to increase their depth of understanding and further develop their problem solving skills. AS and A level maths students who wish to develop their problem solving skills in order to apply for a maths-rich undergraduate degree will benefit from attending.

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

If the classes are being held online, you will need access to suitable equipment. You are advised to use a headset or headphones with an inline microphone to provide the best sound quality and to prevent audio issues for other users. A laptop with a built-in webcam and microphone may be sufficient if you’re in a quiet area but please take the time to check this before the session. BBB is designed to be used on a variety of platforms but you will get the best experience via a desktop or laptop computer, running either Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox as the browser.

Note: Internet Explorer and Edge are not suitable currently.

Access to GeoGebra or desmos will also be useful.

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

Due to our funding arrangements, priority will be given to students from state-funded schools and colleges in England.

Because of demand it is likely that applications will be restricted to three from individual schools / colleges.

Key facts

• Reference:#13187
• Audience:Students
• Curriculum focus:University admissions tests
• Mathematical focus:Problem solving, Pure, Reasoning
• Event format:Online
• Duration:20 hours
• Online sessions:8
• Region:South West
• Fee:Free