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?

The classes are suitable for a Year 13 A Level Mathematics student with an enquiring mind who wish to develop their problem solving ability at A Level and beyond. 

They are particularly suitable for those students who are required to sit an admissions test or interview as part of a university admissions offer. 

The sessions will cover the mathematical content and techniques required to tackle a range of problems, including short-answer, multiple-choice, longer problems and discursive interview questions.

Content

The 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

Thank you for your interest in this course, please complete the registration form if you feel this course would be helpful for you.

Please note that applications will not be processed until after the summer break, students will be notified by Monday 9 September if they have been allocated a place on the course. 

Eligibility

Participant feedback

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 \(x^2–y^2=45\)?

Key facts

• Reference:#13330
• Audience:Students
• Target year:Year 13
• Curriculum focus:University admissions tests, ,
• Mathematical focus:Problem solving
• Format:Online
• Duration:20
• Online sessions:6
• Region:South
• Venue:Online - BBB
• Start date:14 Sep 2024
• Course times:09:00 - 12:00
• Fee:Free