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Problem of the Day

There are currently 409 problems (204 SL + 205 HL) with more problems being added. There are pages for the SL Problem of the Day and for the HL Problem of the Day

HL Problem of the Day #205

There are two sets of 'problems' (one for SL and another for HL) with new ones added nearly every week to each set (along with a worked solution). The idea behind the Problem of the Day is to offer students exam-like questions that should involve some level of problem solving and the application of knowledge/skills in IB Maths SL and IB Maths HL. Most of the SL 'problems' will also be useful for HL students - and certainly some of the HL 'problems' can be used to challenge strong SL students.

I believe that these questions can serve as an excellent resource for students when revising topics and/or studying for their IB Maths HL or SL exams.

Click on one of the images below to open either the SL P.o.t.D. page or the HL P.o.t.D. page in a new window.

Why is problem written in quote marks?    [ further commentary on the Problem of the Day sets ]

I write 'problem' in quote marks because - to me - a true problem is a challenging question for which it is not clear how to begin a solution; at least, for most people. Most questions that students are asked to answer during a maths course are exercises where they are simply exercising a certain skill and/or a piece of mathematics knowledge - and it is clear how to set up or start a successful solution. Although most of the 'problems' that will appear in these two Problems of the Day sets will not fully meet my idea of a true problem; each is closer to a 'problem' than to an 'exercise'.

The level of problem solving will vary between questions but when writing these original questions, I am focusing on making some degree of resourceful thinking / problem solving needed to successfully solve the 'problem'.

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