Problem Solving Conference at the University of Manchester

Last week, participants from the Schools of Maths programme attended the Problem Solving Conference at The University of Manchester. Engaging in a diverse array of workshops, students delved into strategies for unraveling unfamiliar problems and exploring successful approaches to creative problem-solving. The interactive sessions, both collaborative and individual, challenged students to tackle a blend of short and extended problems, including renowned, still unsolved mathematical conjectures.

Katie Steckles delivered a captivating lecture on every day yet unproven mathematical enigmas, such as the pancake flipping problem—an exploration into the minimum flips required to unfailingly arrange a stack of pancakes in ascending order. This thought-provoking discourse sparked conversations on the practical applications of purely theoretical mathematics in the real world.

Additional workshops enlightened students on university entrance exams, offering valuable insights and tips for effective preparation. One participant expressed, "I thoroughly enjoyed the problem-solving conference as it exposed me to different and intriguing problem-solving approaches that I wouldn't typically consider. The speech on the world's unsolved problems was particularly fascinating, emphasising that mathematics is an ever-expanding field with numerous puzzles yet to be explored."

Organised by the Advanced Maths Support Programme, the event provided an exceptional platform for students to think creatively and step outside the conventional boundaries of mathematical reasoning. The day culminated in a final competition, rewarding the students for their dedication and innovative problem-solving skills.

"It was a fantastic day that not only allowed students to think outside the box but also highlighted the continuous growth and exploration within the realm of mathematics." - Nicola Smith