PLAYFUL SPIRIT OF OLYMPIAD MATH - Way Tan, Math Olympiad Coach, 2×SMO Winner, 5×Top 3 Finisher - To Ace

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Hazel

PLAYFUL SPIRIT OF OLYMPIAD MATH introduces a creative approach to Math Olympiad preparation, arguing that standardized test culture often reduces learning to rote subtopics and suppresses curiosity. The author explains the motivation for olympiad training as an art that builds soft skills, critical thinking, and adaptable problem-solving. Through an author’s note, about-the-author background, and preface, the book positions olympiads as high-impact pursuits that help students grow beyond exams into long-term academic and career competence.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages128

Reading Time5 h 23 min

AccessFree to download

Author's Note

About the Author

Preface

Contents

Olympiads in SG

Brain Teasers

Direct Application

Wishful Thinking

Meta Solving

Knowing Your Techniques

Making Observations

Applying Your Techniques

How to ace the game

Get your hands dirty, get your mind ready

Word of Caution

How to approach Math Olympiad

Au revoir, Mathematician

Glossary and Acronyms

PLAYFUL SPIRIT OF OLYMPIAD MATH" WAY TAN,MATH OLYMPIAD COACH,2×SMO WINNER.5×TOP³FINISHER TO ACE MA 0LYMPADSWAMINATHAN VISAKANFIRST EDITION ISBN:978-981-18-5704-1 Swaminathan Visakan 2022 First published by Swaminathan Visakan 2022 Questions in this book are the property of the SingaporeMathematical Society and the Mathematical Association ofAmerica,typewritten for educational purposes. Contact us:svisakanagmail.com Reach out to us on Linkedln:asvisakan Designed in Singapore to my lovingmom and dad This is to state that I am,in no way,affiliated with the SingaporeMathematical Society and the Mathematical Association of America,who bear full credit for the problems contained in this book.I take thisopportunity to thank them for their continued efforts in bringing novelMathematics education to students around the world,and I hope thisbook will further the cause that they strive for. vaminathan Visakan,Author of How To Ace Math Olympiad CONTENTS Author's Note2 1 2Olympiads in SG9 3Brain Teasers12 4Even More!18 5Direct Application24 6Wishful Thinking43 7Meta Solving54 8Knowing Your Techniques69 9Making Observations82 10Applying Your Techniques86 11How to ace the game94 12Get your hands dirty,get your mind ready102 13Word of Caution10714How to approach Math Olympiad11015Au revoir,Mathematician11316Glossary and Acronyms117 # Author's Note College entrance examinations,graduating exams,and commontests.Standardised examinations take such a huge part ofstudents'lives.In one way or another,my life has been definedby these standardised tests. Granted,standardised tests still stand their ground due to theirability to give key decision-makers a common way to comparebetween people.But their shortcomings lie aplenty.We've readit over and over again -teachers having to “teach to the test”,providing only a limited scope for learning,and worst of all,stifling creativity.Take the example of the SAT,which tests candidates on English and Mathematics.At first glance,thesesubject areas seem broad.However,these areas have beenfurther divided into sub-topics like "Words in Context"”and“Command of Evidence”,allowing candidates to prepare foreach of them separately.This not only makes learning andpreparation rote,but it also hinders students from expressingthemselves.Many teenagers (like you and I)crave foropportunities that allow us to express ourselves,showcasing ourtrue academic curiosity.To put it simply,we want to have funand enjoy ourselves in the preparation for these tests,even if itwould be characterised as nerdy.Unfortunately,many tests inthis day and age do not give us this opportunity,and I certainlydo not blame them,for that is what they are intended to do-giveeveryone a level playing field.But what if I told you,that in ourstandardised-test-loving-day-and-age,there exists an art.Aremarkable,distinctive art.An art that stands for creativity,champions innovativeness,and teaches you just about every softskill that you need to have as you grow in your career andacademics. Olympiads,I believe,are the real deal. # About the Author I am Visakan,a JC2(Grade 12)student at Raffles Institution.Asan SMO Gold medallist,USAMO Qualifier and with over 9years of experience in Math Olympiad,I have a story to tell.Thestory of success.The story of pain.The story of disappointmentand disillusionment.The story of frustration. Through the ebbs and flows of my Math Olympiad journey,I'vebecome not just a much better problem-solver but also a personwho understands what academic pursuit,failure and successentails.Even if I were to give up all my experiences,lessons,and knowledge -all except one,Math Olympiad would remainwith me like always.It is my utmost desire to see the nextgeneration of Math Olympians rise,discover their mathematicalproclivities and go on to succeed in their journeys. # Preface Math Olympiad is one of the most well-estabilished,“nerdy”pursuits that secondary and JC student

FAQs

Why does the book criticize standardized examinations?

The author argues standardized tests push “teach to the test,” restrict learning scope, and suppress creativity. They also encourage rote preparation through narrowly divided subtopics.

What does Math Olympiad training aim to develop besides exam performance?

The book states that Math Olympiad training builds critical thinking and a problem-solving approach usable across academics. It also supports the development of key soft skills as students grow.

Who is the author and what is his background in Math Olympiads?

The author is Visakan, a JC2 (Grade 12) student at Raffles Institution, described as an SMO Gold medallist and USAMO Qualifier with extensive Math Olympiad experience.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Hazel