Count down : six kids vie for glory at the world's toughest math competition / Steve Olson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Olson, Steve, 1956-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

International Mathematical Olympiad.

Mathematics--Competitions.

Mathematics.

Physical Description:

244 pages ; 22 cm

Place of Publication:

Boston : Houghton Mifflin, 2004.

Summary:

Each Summer Six Math Whizzes selected from nearly a half million American teens compete against the world's best problem solvers at the International Mathematical Olympiad. Steve Olson, whose Mapping Human History was a National Book Award finalist, follows the members of a U.S. team from their intense tryouts to the Olympiad's nail-biting final rounds to discover not only what drives these extraordinary kids but what makes them both unique and typical. In the process he provides fascinating insights into the creative process, human intelligence and learning, and the nature of genius. Brilliant, but defying all the math-nerd stereotypes, these athletes of the mind want to excel at whatever piques their curiosity, and they are curious about almost everything -- music, games, politics, sports, literature. One team member is ardent about water polo and creative writing. Another plays four musical instruments. For fun and entertainment during breaks, the Olympians invent games of mind-boggling difficulty. Though driven by the glory of winning this ultimate math contest, in many ways these kids are not so different from other teenagers, finding pure joy in indulging their personal passions. Beyond the Olympiad, Steve Olson sheds light on such questions as why Americans feel so queasy about math, why so few girls compete in the subject, and whether or not talent is innate. Inside the cavernous gym where the competition takes place, Count Down reveals a fascinating subculture and its engaging, driven inhabitants.

Contents:

Part I The Path to the Olympiad

1 Inspiration 15

2 Direction 38

Part II Attributes

3 Insight 59

4 Competitiveness 80

5 Talent 98

6 Interlude: An Afternoon to Rest 122

7 Creativity 126

8 Breadth 149

9 A Sense of Wonder 167

Part III Results

10 Triumph 187.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 211-226) and index.

ISBN:

0618251413

OCLC:

53477491