Liverpool Mathematical Society Open Challenge 2024

The Open Challenge is an esteemed annual competition that takes place over the February half-term, with awards announced in May. This competition invites students to tackle thought-provoking questions centred around a yearly theme. This year’s theme, ‘Constellations,’ inspired six intricate puzzles rooted in number theory, combinatorics, and estimation. The challenge attracts high-calibre entries from students across Europe, contributing to a diverse and competitive field.

We are thrilled to announce that year 12 student, Ibrahim Robinson’s submission to the challenge was highly commended, placing just outside the top ten amongst hundreds of outstanding entries. 

Reflecting on his experience, Ibrahim said:

"Some of the questions in the booklet were quite challenging, but they were very rewarding to solve. I particularly enjoyed working on a question where I had to find the number of ‘unsplittable stars’ with less than 42 sides. Drawing on a whiteboard and deducing the pattern felt extremely satisfying."

"Ibrahim has done exceptionally well to achieve this award. We are all really proud of him. He has developed his mathematical skills whilst with us at Rochdale Sixth Form College, and we look forward to seeing him and others achieve great things in the future." - Nicola Smith

Congratulations to Ibrahim Robinson and all the participants of this year's Open Challenge for their remarkable efforts and achievements.