Math Olympiad Contest Problems for Elementary and Middle Schools Vol

Our review of Math Olympiad Contest Problems for Elementary and Middle Schools, Vol. 1 finds it a focused practice resource for students preparing for math contests and for teachers who want rich problem sets to develop reasoning. The book collects 400 problems that push readers to think creatively, and the strongest reason to buy is the depth of solution content and multiple methods provided for many problems, which help students learn how to approach unfamiliar challenges rather than memorize procedures.

Key Features

• Extensive problem set: The book offers 400 problems that cover a range of difficulties to build sustained contest practice.
• Detailed explanations: Many questions are followed by step-by-step solutions that outline alternative approaches and reasoning.
• Progressive complexity: Problems vary in difficulty so students can advance from routine challenges to more creative, open-ended thinking.
• Durable used condition: As a used book, it arrives in readable or better condition, suitable for classroom or home use.
• Competition focus: Problems are selected to mirror contest styles, helping students practice time management and strategic problem selection.

Who It's For

The book is best for elementary and middle school students who are already comfortable with basic arithmetic and want to develop deeper problem solving and contest skills, and for coaches seeking a large pool of practice questions with explanatory solutions. It is also useful for parents who homeschool and need structured material to push logical thinking.

Those who should look elsewhere include learners seeking fully new textbooks with integrated digital access or supplemental materials, since used copies may not include access codes or extras. Casual readers who want light exercises may find the level more demanding than a general workbook.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rich bank of problems promotes creative thinking and varied solution techniques.
• Explanations often provide multiple methods, improving conceptual understanding.
• Good value as a practice compendium for coaches and serious students.

Cons

• Used copies may lack supplemental materials or dust jackets and might not include access codes.
• Some readers find the price high relative to a used condition copy.

Specifications

Title	Math Olympiad Contest Problems for Elementary and Middle Schools, Vol. 1
Author / Brand	George Lenchner
Problem count	400 problems
Condition	Used; readable or better
Includes	Problem set and solutions; supplemental materials not guaranteed
Intended audience	Elementary and middle school students

Our Verdict

For aspiring contest students and instructors who need a substantial collection of well-explained problems, this volume is a strong purchase because of its depth and solution-focused approach. It represents good educational value when the focus is on developing thinking capacity, though buyers should expect a used copy without extras.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book include answers and explanations?
Yes, the volume contains solutions and detailed explanations for many problems, often showing alternative methods.

Is this suitable for beginners?
It is best for students who have basic skills and want to progress into contest-level thinking; beginners may find some problems challenging.

Will a used copy include digital access or supplements?
Used copies are sold readable or better but may not include access codes, supplemental materials, or dust jackets.