Is there a forum for weekly engineering math challenges?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the establishment of a forum for weekly engineering math challenges, focusing on the structure, types of problems, and participant engagement. It includes considerations for the level of difficulty and the inclusion of various mathematical topics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a point system for solutions, where the first to post a unique solution earns 2 points, and subsequent unique solutions earn 1 point.
  • Another participant inquires about the fate of previous threads related to math challenges, suggesting a desire for organization or collection of past problems.
  • A participant suggests that challenges could include high school level topics, specifically mentioning the potential for Olympiad-type problems.
  • It is noted by another participant that most challenges will primarily require high school level math or calculus, although the existence of more elementary solutions may not be immediately obvious.
  • One participant expresses enthusiasm for the initiative and asks if there could be challenges related to engineering topics, particularly in aerodynamics and fluid mechanics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the idea of creating a forum for math challenges, but there are differing opinions on the inclusion of previous threads and the specific topics that should be covered, particularly regarding the level of complexity and the focus on engineering subjects.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the organization of previous threads and how they might be integrated into the new forum. Additionally, the scope of topics for challenges remains open to interpretation, with varying suggestions on the appropriate difficulty level.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in math challenges, particularly those with a focus on engineering applications, high school level math, or competitive problem-solving may find this discussion relevant.

Office_Shredder
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What is this place?
This forum is for people to come together and stretch their brains on math puzzles. Each week there will be a new challenge for the forum to try.

What do I get for answering challenges?
We're going to try a point system. The first person to post a solution will be awarded 2 points, and every solution posted after that which is legitimately different from any already posted solutions will be worth one point. I want to see as many different solutions as you guys can think up on each problem, and if you see a problem has already been solved just think of that as an extra challenge to solve it better. Simplify an existing solution, attack it from a different angle, everything's fair game as long as you're doing some new math (maximum one score per person but feel free to post extra solutions). I am the final arbiter on whether a solution counts as new or not in the event of a dispute.

Can I trade in my points for cool Physics Forums prizes?
No, you can't.

[Admin Edit] not yet at least :)

I have a cool question I think you should ask.
Hey, this is frequently asked questions, not frequently stated sentences. If you have a particularly interesting math problem, feel free to PM me! If I think it's appropriate (not too technical, not too obvious, etc.) I'll include it as a challenge and you'll get a point for it.
 
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Mathematics news on Phys.org
what happened to the previous threads? I remember there were a few questions posted already
 
When micromass retired as a mentor, they got moved into the general math forum with the closure of his sub-forum (you can find them by searching the general math forum for threads by micromass). Would people prefer to have them collected here in some fashion? (either a post with links to all of the threads, or moving them into this forum).
 
Is it possible for the challenges to include topics which are taught at High school level? I am sure that challenging questions can be made on those topics. I don't know how to express myself. Maybe Olympiad-type problems?
 
Most of the challenges will have solutions which require only high school level math or calculus to solve - even if it's not immediately clear that an such an elementary solution exists.
 
Great activity/Board, this is great guys, keep it up!

is there something like that includes engineering topics as well (preferably in aero/fluids but anything engineering will do)? Or know of a place that does this?
 

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