How do I prepare for PRMO exam ?

HELLO NATASHA

THANKS FOR ASKING

The topics covered in the PRMO are arithmetic of integers, geometry, quadratic equations and expressions, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, system of linear equations, permutations and combination, factorisation of polynomial, inequalities, elementary combinatorics, probability theory and number theory, finite series and complex numbers and elementary graph theory. Calculus and statistics are not included.

1. First and foremost clear yourself up in all mathematics of classes 8, 9, 10 such that you can easily solve everything within syllabus. Use NCERT for this.

2. Do a little bit extra- solve some RD Sharma/RS Agarwal and all if you need to.

3. Move on to classes 11 and 12. Here, you need to focus on Permutations and Combinations, Sequential Series, Geometry+ Trigonometry, Functions and Relations and all the other basic stuff. Calculus is not a part of its syllabus, but you can use it to solve problems. However, it is not required and your time would be better spent in polishing yourself in other areas.

4. So, all your basic stuff should be cleared by now. Take a little more theoretical approach and read and solve, but mainly read, A School Geometry by Hall and Knight , Elementary Algebra for Beginners by Hall, Higher Algebra, Plane Trigonometry (both published by Arihant). This exposes you to theorems and clears you up completely.

5. Now it is time for a new level… that is actually going to expose you to different kinds of problems.

6. Read this book called Problem Solving Strategies by Arthur Engel. Download the PDF because the book is damn expensive. The reason behind reading this is that it will help you think of different ways to solve a problem and come up with the best solutions. It is very helpful and informative. Simultaneously keep in touch with problems- minimum 3 challenging ones a day- whenever you get time in lunch break, short break, between classes, in the bus, before sleeping solve, solve, solve. Understand the solutions completely.

7. Then log on to Art of Problem Solving . It provides a great platform to share and gain mathematical knowledge. This website actually has a lot of great problems on all levels. If you have the energy, you could order one of their advanced books. But I would personally recommend you to just surf the website and try out new problems and read up on the topics you didn’t know about. Gain as much knowledge as you can.

8. Test yourself , solve INMO papers and solve the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad book by Arihant. Brush up everything.

9. While writing the exam:

a. For PRMO, focus on the problems that relate to the topics that you are best in. Be damn careful in every step, especially when you fill in the number bubbles. Out of 30, aim to at least try to solve 15 and get 12 right. Do not waste time on problems that are way too out of reach just because you think you can. If the answer is a non-integer, round it off to an appropriate number. They don’t expect you to solve everything. Don’t sit and dream.

HOPE IT HELPS

ALL THE BEST