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!

CONTEST WINNERS

The 2021–22 contest has closed! We applaud all students’ efforts and hope you’ll join the Contest again next year.

Digital Math Tool

Your students can practice percentages, decimals, area, and equations with our Ecosystem Emergency digital tool in our Math Workshop.

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Practice Math Arguments

Sharpen students’ skills with resources about writing clear, concise explanations of math reasoning.

LESSON AND ACTIVITY

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INTERACTIVE TOOL

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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 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.

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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Have a question?

Explore more free educational resources at Scholastic’s Extra Credit.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. 50 US, DC, and US territories. Open to grs. 5-8 students. Students may enter by answering at least one question at or above their current grade level. For each problem submitted, only one answer may be submitted. Entries must be submitted by the student’s teacher or parent/guardian, 18+. Teachers or parents/guardians submit entries online at scholastic.com/hardestmathcontest, by email at hardestmathproblem@scholastic.com or by mail: Scholastic Inc., The Hardest Math Contest, ATTN: SNP, Space 3-226, 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012. Challenge 1: Entry period: 12:01 a.m. ET on 9/15/21 to 11:59 p.m. ET on 12/2/21. Mailed entries: postmarked by 12/2/21, and rec’d by 12/16/21. Three teachers who submit at least three eligible student entries (except as set forth in Official Rules) will each receive a $500 gift card. Challenge 2: Open to grs. 5-8 students who answered correctly in Challenge 1. Teachers or parents of eligible students will be notified on or around 1/31/22. Entry period: 12:01 a.m. ET on 1/31/22 to 11:59 p.m. ET on 3/21/22. Mailed entries: postmarked by 3/21/22, and rec’d by 4/1/22. Three (3) Grand Prize Winning students, one from each of sixth, seventh, and eighth grade problems, will each receive a laptop computer with Microsoft Office Home and Student Office products (ARV $550) and a $5,000 contribution to a 529 plan (a college savings account) (ARV $5,000). The three teachers who submitted the entries of the Grand Prize Winners will each receive a $500 American Express gift card for classroom use (ARV $500). Three (3) Runner-Up winning students, one from each of sixth, seventh, and eighth grade problems, will each receive a tablet computer, which does not include a data plan (ARV $125). Official Rules: scholastic.com/hardestmathcontest/rules. Void where prohibited.

Background photo: filo/iStock