You will be given a problem set each week consisting of an array of challenging problems. Most problems are worth from 1 to 3 points, with a few 4 point problems making an appearance. Do as much as you can each week. The best way to get good at this is just to spend time working at it.

To get a passing grade four the course, there are three requirements, all of which must be met.

1. You need to submit correct solutions to at least 15 points worth of problems (I typically will mark a problem as either correct or incorrect). At least 5 of these points must be obtained after fall break.
2. You must present at least 2 correct solutions in front of the class during the semester.
3. You must attend at least 10 class meetings.
While you can pass the course by fulfilling these minimal requirements, you'll get a lot more out of it if you do more problems, present more solutions, and show up for all the classes.

Please plan to take the Putnam Exam on Saturday December 1. This is a national mathematics competition for undergraduates, consisting of twelve challenging problems. Six of these problems are given over a three hour period in the morning, and the other six over a three hour period in the afternoon. This is a difficult exam; getting even one problem correct is worth bragging rights. Doing lots of problems in the problem solving seminar should prepare you to do much better on the Putnam than you otherwise would!