Mathematical Olympiad: Preparation

Mathematics has so many divisions, but you do not have to be expert in all parts for Mathematical Olympiads. If you check the past papers of any Mathematical Olympiad, especially International Mathematical Olympiad, then you’ll see that it basically covers Number Theory, Algebra, Geometry, Combinatorics and Inequality. To solve the problems you’ve to increase your problem solving skills, know some tricks and enhance the capability of doing problems using the best method.

I’m giving you some book suggestion to start your preparation for Mathematical Olympiad. Books are given in order of difficulty. So, if you are a beginner, you should start with the first book of each part.

Number theory
(i) Beginning Number Theory
(ii) Number Theory
(iii) Adler’s Number Theory
(iv) A Pathway into Number Theory
(v) Elementary Number Theory
(vi) A Primer of Analytic Number Theory

Algebra
(i) Concrete Abstract Algebra

Geometry
(i) Plane Euclidean Geometry Theory & Problems
(ii) Geometry Revisited
(iii) Geometry Unbound
(iv) Complex number & Geometry
(v) The Algebra of Geometry
(vi) Transformation Geometry

Combinatorics
(i) Combinatorics
(ii) Principles and Techniques in Combinatorics
(iii) A Path to Combinatorics for Undergraduates

Inequality
(i) Inequalities
(ii) Algebra Inequalities
(iii) Secrets in Inequality

Problem Books
(i) 101 Problems in Algebra
(ii) 102 Combinatorial Problems
(iii) 103 Trigonometry Problems
(iv) 104 Number Theory Problems
(v) USSR Olympiad Problem Book
(vi) The IMO compendium

Other books
(i) The Art & Craft of Problem Solving - Paul Zeitz
(ii) Problem Solving Strategies
(iii) Discrete Mathematics & It’s Application
(iv) Proofs that really count: The Art of Combinatorial Proof

You can also collect questions of different countries from internet to practice

Contributor:

Abdul Rakib

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.