Math Competition Recap

In the last three weeks, our school’s math enthusiasts put their problem-solving skills to the test in the first math competition season of the school year, which included three major competitions: the Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge (COMC), the American Mathematics Competition (AMC 10/12A), and the Canadian Intermediate Mathematics Contest (CIMC).

The COMC, organized by the Canadian Mathematical Society, is one of the most challenging math contests in the country. A 2-and-a-half hour math marathon, it pushes students to think creatively and reason through and prove problems that can’t be solved by memorized formulas alone. Selected participants from our school tackled everything from clever algebra puzzles to intricate number theory problems, all in a rigorous written exam.

Many students also participated in the AMC 10 and 12A, international contests run by the Mathematical Association of America. With 25 multiple-choice questions and only 75 minutes to solve them, the AMC tests both precision and ingenuity. High scores can qualify students for the next level, the AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination), which opens the door to even higher competitions.

Meanwhile, younger students took part in the CIMC, hosted by the University of Waterloo. The contest is designed for students up to Grade 10 and offers an accessible yet challenging introduction to contest-style problem solving.

These contests celebrate curiosity, logic, and persistence. “It’s less about memorizing and more about creative thinking,” said one participant. “You really get to see math in a new way.”

The Math Club is already preparing for the next round of competitions, the PCF and FGH contests (also from Waterloo), later this year. Whether students aim to qualify for advanced contests or simply enjoy solving challenging problems, these events show that math can be both tough, rewarding, and even a little fun.

If you’ve ever thought math was just numbers and equations, these contests might change your mind. They show that math is about exploration, creativity, and discovery, and anyone can take part. You don’t need to be a “math genius” to enjoy it; all you need is curiosity and a willingness to try. Joining a contest is a chance to learn something new, push your limits, and see what you’re capable of. So next time sign-ups open in February, take the leap; you might find yourself enjoying math more than you ever expected.