THE 
HARDEST MATH PROBLEM
CONTEST
Energize students’ perceptions of math with fun, challenging story problems that combine math reasoning skills with writing.
Grades 6–8
ABOUT THE CONTEST
The Hardest Math Problem Student Contest is an annual competition presented by Scholastic, The Actuarial Foundation, and the New York Life Foundation that challenges grades 6–8 students to solve multistep, grade-appropriate math problems with real-world situations and engaging characters. Plus, 5th graders are eligible to participate by reaching to a higher grade level!
Enter Challenge 1!
The 2022–23 contest is now open! This year’s theme is food access.
Download the entry packet to engage your students’ math skills.
DOWNLOAD ENTRY PACKET
CHALLENGE 1 MATERIALS
- Grades 6, 7, and 8 math questions
- Entry form
SUBMIT ENTRIES
Challenge 1 Deadline: December 5, 2022
Read the Official Rules here.
Practice Math Arguments
Sharpen students’ skills with resources about writing clear, concise explanations of math reasoning.
can win
$500!
can win
$5,000 for
college!
can win
$500!
Challenge 1
Open to All
September 15 – December 5
The teacher of every student who provides a mathematically correct answer to Challenge 1 will receive an invitation to compete in Challenge 2 with an even more difficult problem.
Optional: Entries may include a written argument as practice for the math reasoning and writing that is required for Challenge 2!
Teacher Prizes:
Teachers who submit at least 3 eligible entries will be entered into a random drawing for the chance to win one of three $500 gift cards!
can win
$5,000 for
college!
Challenge 2
By Invitation to Challenge 1 Winners
January 27 – March 20
Entries must contain a mathematically correct answer and a compelling written explanation of their reasoning to be eligible for the Grand Prize!
Correct entries are judged by a panel of teachers and actuaries to determine the strongest written argument and award prizes.
3 Grand Prize Winners (one per question) Student: $5,000 for a 529 college savings plan, plus a laptop!
Teacher: $500 gift card
3 Runner-Up Winners (one per question)
Student: A tablet computer!
An Extra Challenge Reach Above Grade Level!
Teachers may invite their students to take an extra challenge and complete problems at either their current grade level or above. Teachers may submit one entry per question that their students are grade-eligible to answer. For example, a 5th grader may complete up to three problems, one each at the grade 6, 7, and 8 levels.
Past Questions and Answer Keys
Check your students’ work from this year’s contest or assign past contest questions to practice for the future!
Real-World Math
Actuaries are experts in:
Evaluating the likelihood of future events—using numbers, not crystal balls.
Designing creative ways to reduce the likelihood of undesirable events.
Decreasing the impact of undesirable events that do occur.
Actuaries are the leading professionals in finding ways to manage risk. It takes a combination of strong analytical skills, business knowledge, and understanding of human behavior to manage today’s complex risks facing our society.
More Contest Information
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EMAIL US
Teachers:
Chance to Win a $50 Gift Card!
Tell us what you think of the Hardest Math Problem Student Contest.
TAKE SURVEYNO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Fully completed surveys must be received by 6/1/23 in order to be eligible to receive $50 worth of American Express gift cards. Five (5) winners will be selected at random from among all eligible surveys received. Promotion is open only to survey recipients age 18 or older who teach grades 5–8 or are the parent or legal guardian of a child in grades 5–8, who are residents of the United States (one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia), and who have reviewed the Hardest Math Problem program. See Official Rules: scholastic.com/snpsurveyrules100.
Explore more free educational resources at Scholastic’s Extra Credit.
