There's knowing a formula, there's understanding why it works, and then there's something beyond both. In this article, Aaron Demby Jones explores what those levels feel like through a deceptively simple example: long division.
There’s knowing a formula, there’s understanding why it works, and then there’s something beyond both. This series by Aaron Demby Jones breaks down what those levels actually feel like, starting with a simple example: the area of a triangle.
AoPS founder Richard Rusczyk has been awarded the 2025 Courage & Civility Award and is directing the $5 million grant to MATHCOUNTS to create a new program for grades 3-5. This expansion will build foundational problem-solving skills in elementary students, extending MATHCOUNTS' proven middle school model to younger learners with support from AoPS's Beast Academy expertise.
This article by mathematician Sam Vandervelde argues that writing original math problems is essential for transforming from a problem-solver into a true mathematician. He outlines seven key skills for problem writing, including mathematical exposure, creative focus, questioning ability, and patience, emphasizing that creating problems rather than just solving them leads to deeper mathematical engagement.
AoPS Summer Camps transform students' educational experiences by creating an environment where intellectual challenges replace test-focused mentality. Unlike the regular school year, these camps allow students to explore engaging material with exemplary instructors and like-minded peers, tackling topics many won't encounter in standard classrooms. Whether through mathematics or language arts programs, these camp experiences often become pivotal moments in a student's development, sparking interests that evolve into passions and potentially future careers.
Transform your gifted learner's mathematical journey with Beast Academy, where problem-solving embodies what makes us uniquely human: innovation, adaptability, and connection. In an era of artificial intelligence and instant answers, Beast Academy goes beyond acceleration, using rich challenges and delightful beast characters to develop the lateral thinking patterns that gifted minds naturally possess. Your child won't just learn math—they'll master the art of creative problem-solving essential for long-term success.