Featured Practice ProblemsCheck out the 2017 Challenge Problem: From Sea to Shining Sea: Looking Ahead with the National Park Service. Chat with the Problem Author Dr. Neil Nicholson on Monday, March 13 2:30-4:00pm EST! Post your questions, ideas for starting, or solutions about the problem at any time for feedback in the "Comments" section below the problem. |
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Modeling Scenarios: Levels 1, 2, and 3
Several examples of the types of problems you may be asked to solve in the M3 Challenge are presented here.
It is highly recommended that participants read and work through some problems at each level before moving on
Level 1:
Modeling Scenarios [14K PDF]
This list is intended to give students a taste of some of the scenarios that may be presented as modeling problems in the M3 Challenge. This can be considered basic training material, designed to prompt targeted brainstorming.
List provided courtesy of William P. Fox, Department of Mathematics, Francis Marion University, Florence, SC.
Level 2: AIM Resource Books
Students:
A Backwater Curve for the Windsor Locks Canal [1.09MB PDF]
Budgeting Time and Money [382K PDF]
Pricing Auto Insurance [466K PDF]
Volcanic Eruption Fallout [560K PDF]
Teachers:
A Backwater Curve for the Windsor Locks Canal [1.73MB PDF]
Budgeting Time and Money [1.8MB PDF]
Pricing Auto Insurance [1.7MB PDF]
Volcanic Eruption Fallout [1.5MB PDF]
These booklets detail modeling problems that remain relevant today despite being somewhat dated in appearance. These examples have considerable background data, which gives insight into the types of details that need to be considered when solving the Challenge problem. Remember that creativity and originality are highly valued characteristics of a winning solution—along with good quantitative and qualitative analysis.
Used with the permission of the Mathematical Association of America.
Have your own idea for a problem? Suggest it!
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Level 3: M3 Challenge Archives: Past Problems and Outstanding Solution Papers
Please note that the papers posted here are the solutions of the top six teams in the 2017 M3 Challenge. The students completed these papers within the 14-hour time period allowed for the contest and were selected by the judges to receive an award.
M3 Challenge Champions - Adlai E. Stevenson High School
M3 Challenge First Runner Up, $15,000 Team Prize - Westford Academy
M3 Challenge Third Place - Johns Creek High School
M3 Challenge Finalist - High Technology High School
M3 Challenge Finalist - Montgomery Blair High School
M3 Challenge Finalist - NC School of Science and Mathematics
Past Problems
Go to the M3 Challenge archive to see these problems and their solutions.