Featured Practice Problems

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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:

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!

Level 3: M3 Challenge Archives: Past Problems and Outstanding Solution Papers

M3 Challenge 2018 Problem

Please note that the papers posted here are the solutions of the top six teams in the 2018 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. Papers have been lightley edited by SIAM for posting.

M3 Challenge Champions - Los Altos High School

M3 Challenge First Runner Up, $15,000 Team Prize - Marvin Ridge High School

M3 Challenge Third Place - Pine View School

M3 Challenge Finalist - Adlai E. Stevenson High School

M3 Challenge Finalist - High Technology High School

M3 Challenge Finalist - Middlebury Union High School

Sample Solution: Using MATLAB to Solve the 2018 M3 Problem