Is intermediate maths challenge difficult at that age?

How hard is the intermediate maths challenge to a pupil who is half way through GCSEs, is getting A*s in tests.
i looked at some past papers out of interest (one year too old to do it) and I could answer questions 1-20 within a few seconds, the last few required a bit more thought, but not much. I'm really annoyed and frustrated that I sucked so badly when I sat the paper only two years ago. But when I look at a BMO paper, I'm lost. Is this the equivalent of the GCSE pupil looking at an Intermediate maths challenge paper? I just can't comprehend how it could be considered difficult.

Reply 1

generalebriety

16

Not at all. BMO is difficult. The intermediate challenge is just tricky if you're not confident enough or haven't practised enough maths in your life.

Reply 2

shorty.loves.angels

16

The maths challenge is problem solving rather than just doing maths. I did a lot better in maths challenges than I did in maths exams. For this reason I wouldn't compare it. In my opinion, the intermediate maths challenge is suitable for anyone who understands the concepts of solving mathematical problems, and is not dependant on age/level of study. Many of my friends at the same level sat maths challenges and barely had a clue on where to start so it really depends on the person in my opinion. Also the most talented mathematician at my school considered it difficult and achieved a lower score than me (although this was senior i believe), so I really don't think you can compare to mathematical talent... Does this help? haha

Reply 3

Topperfalkon

It's not exceptionally difficult, but I would do some non-verbal reasoning practice beforehand. It'll help.

Reply 4

mug51

9

a bit of common sense works too.

i lacked the common sense bit when i was faced with a question like: a guy has four planks of wood of dimensions 3ftx4ft, 5ftx4ft, 5ftx3ft and 6ftx5ft. how many of the four planks can he fit through a 3ftx4ft window.

i didn't think the 6ftx5ft plank would fit but if you rotate it, it would magically fit through

Reply 5

yusufu

16

mug51

a bit of common sense works too.

i lacked the common sense bit when i was faced with a question like: a guy has four planks of wood of dimensions 3ftx4ft, 5ftx4ft, 5ftx3ft and 6ftx5ft. how many of the four planks can he fit through a 3ftx4ft window.

i didn't think the 6ftx5ft plank would fit but if you rotate it, it would magically fit through

Well, technically, unless you're talking about ideally thin planks, the 6x5 wouldn't fit through. :tongue:

Reply 6

fab cesc

I thought it was relatively easy but my mates who were also getting A*'s were saying how impossible it was

Reply 7

v1oXx-

12

Senior Maths challenge is really hard (the last 5 Q's are impossible! For me anyway)

Intermediate can be tricky too, but it isn't hard to get a Bronze/Silver.

Reply 8

somemightsay

Yeah it's weird how people can be really good at it but not at actual Maths exams. I know a guy that got 100% in Senior Maths Challenge and a C last year in AS Maths.

Reply 9

v1oXx-

12

somemightsay

Yeah it's weird how people can be really good at it but not at actual Maths exams. I know a guy that got 100% in Senior Maths Challenge and a C last year in AS Maths.

Whaaaaaat? 100%? Wow.

Reply 10

Revolution is my Name

15

happyguy123

How hard is the intermediate maths challenge to a pupil who is half way through GCSEs, is getting A*s in tests.
i looked at some past papers out of interest (one year too old to do it) and I could answer questions 1-20 within a few seconds, the last few required a bit more thought, but not much. I'm really annoyed and frustrated that I sucked so badly when I sat the paper only two years ago. But when I look at a BMO paper, I'm lost. Is this the equivalent of the GCSE pupil looking at an Intermediate maths challenge paper? I just can't comprehend how it could be considered difficult.

I pretty much fit the category you describe, and I find it reasonably easy, usually get all the first 15 on ones I try and got a gold last year, and am meant to be taking it now (if it wasn't for the ruddy snow)

Reply 11

Breadster™

13

eugh I remember these... used to get gold and then it slowly went downhill. Never got into the olympiad. yikes!

Reply 12

SophieM

8

I get As and A*s on all my mock papers...but in last year's maths challenge I got...15. I was quite happy with it.

Reply 13

clad in armour

16

i was never given the chance to do maths challenge ever, even though my secondary school offered it and my college did, im not exactly **** at maths either
didnt ask and now i regret it

Reply 14

happyguy123

OP

how was the paper today? difficult questions?

Reply 15

rupertj

12

happyguy123

how was the paper today? difficult questions?

A couple at the end were slightly difficult, but in general i think it was one of the easier papers. We're not allowed to discuss questions themselves yet since some snowed-in people will take the test as late as Monday.

Reply 16

Revolution is my Name

15

rupertj

A couple at the end were slightly difficult, but in general i think it was one of the easier papers. We're not allowed to discuss questions themselves yet since some snowed-in people will take the test as late as Monday.

are they actually allowing us to take it Monday? we were off today, maybe tomorrow as well, and I was a bit worried I wouldn't be able to take it after that (the website only said friday)

Reply 17

Keysersoze311

The Maths Challenges are a piece of piss. I came top of my school 5 years in a row, got into the Olympiads and all that. Revising can't help you - you've either got it or you don't.