The Hardest Math Problem Student Contest

A national middle school math competition designed to help students practice critical thinking and accurate computation through multistep, grade-specific math problems with real-world situations and engaging characters.

Geographic Scope: United States (national competition)

Focus Areas:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Mathematical reasoning and computational accuracy
• Real-world applications of mathematics
• Building confidence with math
• Establishing important foundational math skills

Grade Levels:

• Grades 6-8 (primary target)
• Grade 5 students can also compete
• Students can challenge themselves by completing problems in grades above them

Award Structure:

• Grand Prize Winners (per grade level): $5,000 deposit to a 529 savings plan + laptop
• Runner-up Winners (3 per grade level): Tablet computer
• Winning Teachers (per grade level): $500 gift card

Competition Format:

• Two-challenge structure
• Challenge 1: Initial qualifying round
• Challenge 2: Final round for qualified entrants
• Judged by team of actuaries
• Evaluation criteria: mathematical communication, mathematical precision, attention to detail

Past Participation:

• 2021: 4,306 students participated in Challenge 1; 2,216 entries were correct
• 2022: Over 6,100 students participated in Challenge 1; 53% of entries were correct

Partners:

• The Actuarial Foundation
• New York Life Foundation (primary sponsor)
• Scholastic (global children's publishing, education and media company)

Contact Information:

• The Actuarial Foundation
• 869 E. Schaumburg Rd. #321, Schaumburg, IL 60194-3654
• Phone: 847.706.3535
• Email: info@actfnd.org
• Website: actuarialfoundation.org

Application Process

Two-Challenge Format:

1. Challenge 1 (Qualifying Round)
   • Students complete grade-specific multistep math problems
   • Real-world scenarios and engaging characters
   • Emphasis on detailed steps and reasoning
   • Required to pass to advance to Challenge 2
2. Challenge 2 (Final Round)
   • Additional challenging story problems
   • Combines reasoning skills with mathematics
   • Only students with correct Challenge 1 entries are eligible

Requirements:

• Show detailed steps
• Demonstrate critical thinking
• Communicate mathematical reasoning
• Show attention to detail in computation

Participation:

• Open to students in grades 6-8 (grade 5 students may also participate)
• Administered through schools
• Teacher involvement for submission and support