The Putnam competition now takes place on the first Saturday in December, and consists of two three-hour sittings separated by a lunch break. The test is supervised by faculty members at the participating schools. Each competitor attempts to solve twelve problems, which can typically be solved with only basic knowledge of college mathematics but which require extensive creative thinking.
Putnam and IMC have had a significant impact on research in mathematics by providing a platform for undergraduate and high school students to showcase their mathematical skills. This has led to the discovery of new talent and ideas, and has also encouraged more students to pursue mathematics as a career.
Both Putnam and IMC have played a role in shaping the current research landscape in mathematics. For example, many past Putnam and IMC participants have gone on to pursue advanced degrees in mathematics and have made significant contributions to the field. Additionally, the problems presented in these competitions often inspire new research ideas and techniques.
Putnam and IMC competitions provide a platform for students to solve challenging mathematical problems and demonstrate their problem-solving skills. This not only helps to identify talented individuals, but also leads to the development of new mathematical techniques and approaches. The problems presented in these competitions also serve as a source of inspiration for future research.
Putnam and IMC competitions bring together students from different universities and countries, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among young mathematicians. This can lead to the exchange of ideas and the formation of research partnerships. Participating in these competitions also allows students to network with established mathematicians and learn from their experiences.
The challenging problems presented in Putnam and IMC competitions have often sparked new research directions and ideas. Many of these problems are still unsolved, and mathematicians continue to work on them in their research. Additionally, the techniques and methods used to solve these problems have also been applied to other areas of mathematics, leading to further advancements in the field.