Practice Operations: Level 1 (ages 7 to 9)

The second edition of this book is out! Please look for the second edition (updated and improved)! This is the first edition.

About “Competitive Mathematics for Gifted Students” This series provides practice materials and short theory reminders for students who aim to excel at problem solving. Material is introduced in a structured manner: each new concept is followed by a problem set that explores the content in detail. Each book ends with a problem set that reviews both concepts presented in the current volume and related topics from previous volumes. The series forms a learning continuum that explores strategies specific to competitive mathematics in depth and breadth. Full solutions explain both reasoning and execution. Often, several solutions are contrasted. The problem selection emphasizes comprehension, critical thinking, observation, and avoiding repetitive and mechanical procedures. Ready to participate in a math competition such as MOEMS, Math Kangaroo in USA, or Noetic Math? This series will open the doors to consistent performance.

About Level 1 This level of the series is designed for students who know addition and subtraction with multi-digit numbers as well as simple multiplications of one-digit numbers. Some of the problems, however, involve advanced concepts and may be useful for older students.

About “Volume 3 - Operations” This workbook focuses on developing rapid and accurate computational skills as well as a solid number sense. Since most contests do not allow calculators, it is important to learn how to execute strings of operations efficiently. Even more important, however, is a well grounded number sense. This volume emphasizes flexibility in using the order of operations and creativity in designing the optimal solution path. Ultimately, the idea is to build a sense of ‘wizardry’ in handling numbers. Many exercises are mapped to algebraic models that will be studied in later grades. Students are introduced to the Polish notation as a different way of communicating operations. Our problem sets are designed to avoid mechanical execution of computational algorithms on the student’s part.