MATHS News...

Maths Olympiad 

This week in Maths Olympiad, our students explored two exciting problem-solving topics: divisibility and cryptarithms.

Students investigated divisibility rules and applied their understanding to a challenging problem involving patterns, number properties, and logical reasoning. Rather than relying on calculation alone, students learned how recognising divisibility patterns can help them solve complex problems more efficiently.

We also introduced Cryptarithms - mathematical puzzles where digits are replaced by letters or symbols. Students learned that each letter represents a unique digit and worked systematically to uncover the hidden values. To solve these puzzles, they practised strategies such as looking for clues in the ones column first, identifying impossible digit combinations, checking for carrying, and using logical elimination. These activities encouraged students to think carefully, persevere through challenges, and explain their reasoning.

One cryptarithm in particular had us all scratching our heads:

IDEA + IDEA = LEARN

Despite working collaboratively, testing different possibilities, and applying a range of strategies, this puzzle certainly proved challenging! Shout out to Rocco Aricco, who was our first student in the group to find a solution. We have attached a photo of the cryptarithm and invite any mathematicians in the St Joseph's community to have a go!

Our Olympiad students are eagerly anticipating their second contest tomorrow, Wednesday 10 June. It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they tackle increasingly complex problems. Throughout the program, students have demonstrated resilience, creativity, and a willingness to try different approaches when solving unfamiliar tasks.

We are incredibly proud of the progress they have made so far and look forward to seeing them apply their developing problem-solving skills in tomorrow's contest. We wish all participants the very best of luck!