Mathematics Competitions

Over the years, the Department of Mathematics has fielded teams which have taken part in both the Mathematical Association of America North Central Section Mathematical Competition and the William Lowell Putnam Mathematics Competition. Hamline's team has scored in the top 15% of schools in the North Central Section.

Problem solving is a wonderful way to explore new areas of mathematics and many fascinating problems can be phrased without any advanced mathematics. Here are some past problems from the North Center Section Competition:

2010 Competition (solutions)
2009 Competition (solutions)
2008 Competition (solutions)
2007 Competition (solutions)
2006 Competition (solutions)
2005 Competition (solutions)
2004 Competition (solutions)
2003 Competition (solutions)
2001 Competition (solutions)
2000 Competition
1999 Competition
1997 Competition

Previous Putnam Competition problems  

Take a look at the problems and try doing them on your own. Some of them you may solve within a few minutes. Others may take you a bit longer. Don't give up just because you have worked on a problem for an hour or two. You will be much more gratified if you solve the problems on your own than if you just look at the solutions.

get involved

If you would like to take part in a mathematics competition or would just like to increase your problem solving skills, please send an email to math at wnk.hamline.edu and let us know.