Problem of the Week

Current Problem

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About the Problem of the Week...

A panel in the Mathematics Department publishes a challenging problem once a week and invites college & pre-college students, faculty, and staff to submit solutions. The objective of this is to stimulate and cultivate interest in good mathematics, especially among younger students. Solutions are due within two weeks from the date of publication and should be sent by campus or U.S. mail to:

  • Problem of the Week
    Department of Mathematics, Purdue University
    150 N. University Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2067

Solutions may also be faxed to 765-494-0548.

Every Purdue student who submits three or more correct solutions will receive a Certificate of Merit. Each semester, a prize fund of $300.00 will be distributed among the Purdue undergraduates who have contributed at least six correct solutions for that semester series.


Problem History:

Semester Problem Solution
Spring 2008      Problem 14      Solution 14     
     Problem 13      Solution 13     
     Problem 12      Solution 12     
     Problem 11      Solution 11     
     Problem 10      Solution 10     
     Problem 9      Solution 9     
     Problem 8      Solution 8     
     Problem 7      Solution 7     
     Problem 6      Solution 6     
     Problem 5      Solution 5     
     Problem 4      Solution 4     
     Problem 3      Solution 3     
     Problem 2      Solution 2     
     Problem 1      Solution 1     
Fall 2007      Problem 14      Solution 14     
     Problem 13      Solution 13     
     Problem 12      Solution 12     
     Problem 11      Solution 11     
     Problem 10      Solution 10     
     Problem 9      Solution 9     
     Problem 8      Solution 8     
     Problem 7      Solution 7     
     Problem 6      Solution 6     
     Problem 5      Solution 5     
     Problem 4      Solution 4     
     Problem 3      Solution 3     
     Problem 2      Solution 2     
     Problem 1      Solution 1     
Spring 2007      Problem 14      Solution 14     
     Problem 13      Solution 13     
     Problem 12      Solution 12     
     Problem 11      Solution 11     
     Problem 10      Solution 10     
     Problem 9      Solution 9     
     Problem 8      Solution 8     
     Problem 7      Solution 7     
     Problem 6      Solution 6     
     Problem 5      Solution 5      * revised
     Problem 4      Solution 4      * revised
     Problem 3      Solution 3     
     Problem 2      Solution 2     
     Problem 1      Solution 1     
Fall 2006      Problem 14      Solution 14     
     Problem 13      Solution 13     
     Problem 12      Solution 12     
     Problem 11      Solution 11     
     Problem 10      Solution 10     
     Problem 9      Solution 9     
     Problem 8      Solution 8     
     Problem 7      Solution 7     
     Problem 6      Solution 6     
     Problem 5      Solution 5     
     Problem 4      Solution 4     
     Problem 3      Solution 3     
     Problem 2      Solution 2     
     Problem 1      Solution 1     
Spring 2006      Problem 14      Solution 14     
     Problem 13      Solution 13     
     Problem 12      Solution 12     
     Problem 11      Solution 11     
     Problem 10      Solution 10     
     Problem 9      Solution 9     
     Problem 8      Solution 8     
     Problem 7      Solution 7     
     Problem 6      Solution 6     
     Problem 5      Solution 5     
     Problem 4      Solution 4     
     Problem 3      Solution 3     
     Problem 2      Solution 2     
     Problem 1      Solution 1     
Fall 2005      Problem 14      Solution 14     
     Problem 13      Solution 13     
     Problem 12      Solution 12     
     Problem 11      Solution 11     
     Problem 10      Solution 10     
     Problem 9      Solution 9     
     Problem 8      Solution 8     
     Problem 7      Solution 7     
     Problem 6      Solution 6     
     Problem 5      Solution 5     
     Problem 4      Solution 4     
     Problem 3      Solution 3     
     Problem 2      Solution 2     
     Problem 1      Solution 1     
Spring 2005      Problem 14      Solution 14     
     Problem 13      Solution 13     
     Problem 12      Solution 12     
     Problem 11      Solution 11     
     Problem 10      Solution 10     
     Problem 9      Solution 9     
     Problem 8      Solution 8     
     Problem 7      Solution 7     
     Problem 6      Solution 6     
     Problem 5      Solution 5     
     Problem 4      Solution 4     
     Problem 3      Solution 3     
     Problem 2      Solution 2     
     Problem 1      Solution 1     
Fall 2004      Problem 14      Solution 14     
     Problem 13      Solution 13     
     Problem 12      Solution 12     
     Problem 11      Solution 11     
     Problem 10      Solution 10     
     Problem 9      Solution 9     
     Problem 8      Solution 8     
     Problem 7      Solution 7     
     Problem 6      Solution 6     
     Problem 5      Solution 5     
     Problem 4      Solution 4     
     Problem 3      Solution 3