Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around resources for contest mathematics, particularly focusing on books, problem sets, and videos. Participants share their experiences and suggest materials for various topics including algebra, geometry, counting, probability, and number theory.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant seeks recommendations for contest math resources, expressing proficiency in algebra but less confidence in geometry, counting, probability, and number theory.
- Another participant mentions Loney Trigonometry as a resource for trigonometry, indicating a lack of interest in contest math overall.
- Several participants inquire about the original poster's level relative to AoPS introductory books, suggesting they are a good starting point for contest preparation.
- A participant suggests that after the AoPS intermediate books, one might consider studying for olympiads if they can solve late AIME problems, recommending specific books like EGMO for geometry and Olympiad Number Theory Through Challenging Problems for number theory.
- For higher-level geometry, a participant recommends "Euclidean Geometry in Math Olympiads" by Evan Chen, noting the importance of thorough reading to avoid missing key details.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the value of AoPS books as a starting point, but there are varying opinions on which resources to pursue afterward, indicating multiple competing views on the best path for advancing in contest mathematics.
Contextual Notes
Some participants express uncertainty about the appropriate level of resources based on individual mastery of theory and problem-solving skills, highlighting the subjective nature of resource selection.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be useful for students preparing for math competitions, educators seeking resource recommendations, and anyone interested in improving their skills in contest mathematics.