Contest math - books, problem sets, videos, etc..

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on resources for improving skills in contest mathematics, particularly in geometry, counting, probability, and number theory. Key recommendations include the AoPS introductory and intermediate books, specifically for geometry, number theory, and counting & probability. For advanced study, "Euclidean Geometry in Math Olympiads" by Evan Chen and "Olympiad Number Theory Through Challenging Problems" are suggested. Additionally, handouts from Yufei Zhao, Evan Chen, and Poh Shen Loh are recommended for combinatorics and algebra.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with AoPS introductory and intermediate books
  • Understanding of AIME problem-solving techniques
  • Basic knowledge of geometry, counting, probability, and number theory
  • Experience with problem-solving in competitive mathematics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study "Euclidean Geometry in Math Olympiads" by Evan Chen
  • Read "Olympiad Number Theory Through Challenging Problems"
  • Explore handouts from Yufei Zhao, Evan Chen, and Poh Shen Loh
  • Practice solving late AIME problems to gauge readiness for olympiads
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for math competitions, particularly those looking to enhance their skills in geometry, counting, probability, and number theory. This discussion is beneficial for anyone aiming to transition from intermediate to advanced contest mathematics.

Heisenberg7
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Hello,

I am looking for contest math books, problem sets, videos, etc. I'm quite good at algebra, but I'm not so good at geometry, counting, probability and number theory. I know a few resources such as aops, AMC, AIME, local competitions and a few books. It would be great if you could suggest me a few more books or resources so I can choose problems that are up to my level.

Cheers
 
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Was never into contest math nor care for it. But for Trigonometry,

I recall students may use Loney Trigonometry.
 
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What level are you at relative to the AoPS introductory geometry, number theory, and counting& probability books? They're a good place to start
 
Muu9 said:
What level are you at relative to the AoPS introductory geometry, number theory, and counting& probability books? They're a good place to start
I am using those at the moment. I suppose I am on their level, but I am looking for something to upgrade to after completing the intermediate versions.
 
It might also be worth going through aops volume 2, but you don't have to. What you do after the aops books depends mostly on how much of the theory in the intro/intermediate series you mastered and your level of problem solving. If you can solve late AIME problems (10-12+) it'll be good to begin studying for olympiads. In this case I'd recommend you 100% go through EGMO for geometry. For number theory it's up to you, maybe a good suggestion would be Olympiad Number Theory Through Challenging Problems. As for combinatorics and algebra, you're better off just looking at handouts such as from Yufei Zhao, Evan Chen, Poh Shen Loh, etc.

If you can't solve late AIME problems, you could still go through the books I mentioned above, but it would be good if you improved your problem solving before doing that.
 
For higher-level math, specifically Geometry, people say that Euclidean Geometry in Math Olympiads by Evan Chen is pretty good. I read my friend's copy a bit, and I have to say the first two chapters were good, but it's important not to skip around, cause it's really easy to miss a key detail.
 

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