Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

YouTube

Solving the Hardest Problem from the 2024 Putnam Math Competition

Wrath of Math via YouTube

Overview

Coursera Flash Sale
40% Off Coursera Plus for 3 Months!
Grab it
Watch a detailed video analysis of Problem B5 from the 2024 William Lowell Putnam Competition, widely regarded as the most challenging and prestigious undergraduate mathematics competition in North America. Explore why this particular problem stumped nearly all participants, with only one student scoring above 2 points. Learn through a methodical breakdown of the solution process, starting with fundamental examples and progressing through four key mathematical facts before diving into the complete proof using induction. Follow along as complex mathematical concepts are explained step-by-step, from the initial problem setup through the crucial induction step and final technical details. Perfect for advanced mathematics students, competition enthusiasts, and anyone interested in witnessing the remarkable complexity of high-level competitive mathematics problems.

Syllabus

0:00 Math Competitions
3:02 The Hardest Problem
6:16 Video Outline
6:52 Example
12:17 Solution Outline
15:28 Fact 1
15:50 Fact 2
16:34 Fact 3
18:23 Fact 4
18:54 Solution Start
24:41 Induction Step
32:05 One Last Detail
39:34 conclusion

Taught by

Wrath of Math

Reviews

Start your review of Solving the Hardest Problem from the 2024 Putnam Math Competition

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.