IMONST inspires advanced mathematical thinking

Group photo among speaker, students and staff

A seminar focused on the International Mathematical Olympiad National Selection Test (IMONST), featuring IMO committee member Mr Haziman, was held on 3 September 2024 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The event, which saw the participation of more than 80 Foundation in Science students in Semester 1, aimed to enhance their Higher-Level Thinking (HLT) skills in mathematics and prepare them for the intellectual challenges posed by mathematical competitions.

The IMONST serves as an open competition for students from across Malaysia, presenting them with complex problems that require creative and analytical thinking. Mr Haziman’s seminar provided a deep dive into various mathematical disciplines, equipping participants with the knowledge and strategies needed for these challenging tests.

Mr Haziman explaning mathematical solutions during practice session

The seminar provided a comprehensive overview of key mathematical topics. Mr Haziman covered number theory, including the properties of integers, primes, divisibility rules, and modulo arithmetic, which are essential for solving problems involving numerical relationships. In algebra, he explored expressions, factorisation, equations, polynomials, inequalities, sequences, and functions, highlighting their role in addressing complex problems. The combinatorics section introduced counting principles, the Pigeonhole Principle, and techniques for permutations and combinations, which were crucial for solving counting and arrangement problems. Additionally, the geometry segment focused on measurements such as angles, lengths, areas, and volumes, as well as the properties of geometric shapes like circles, triangles, quadrilaterals, and polygons, including similar figures and geometric transformations.

Through this seminar, students gained valuable insights into the types of questions they may encounter in the IMONST and learned effective strategies for approaching them. The event not only provided practical knowledge but also inspired students to develop their problem-solving skills and strive for excellence in mathematics.

The facilitators for the seminar were Centre for Foundation Studies Department of Science and Engineering Head Ms Kong Jee Kim, and (CFS) lecturers Mr Yap San Lim and Mr Foo Heng Yen.

For more information on IMONST, click here.

Students during the practice session