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Qualifying Round – Tesseract Math Competition 2025

Date :

Format : Online

Duration : 2 hours

Rounds : Individual MCQ Round & Team Round

Overview : The Qualifying Round is designed to test both individual mathematical prowess and team collaboration. The round is split into two distinct parts:

1. Individual MCQ Round

2. Team Round

Each participant’s individual performance will be combined with their team’s overall performance to determine which teams advance to the final round.

Day 1: January 25, 2024

1. Individual MCQ Round

Round Duration : 60 minutes

Number of Questions : 30 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

Scoring :

  • 4 points for each correct answer.
  • 1 point for each unanswered question.
  • 0 points for each incorrect answer.

Topics Covered :

The questions will assess knowledge across four main mathematical disciplines:

  • Algebra : Simplifying expressions, solving equations, inequalities, and understanding polynomials.
  • Number Theory : Prime numbers, divisibility, greatest common divisors, and modular arithmetic.
  • Geometry : Angle properties, triangles, circles, and basic coordinate geometry.
  • Statistics : Mean, median, mode, variance, and basic probability.

Instructions :

  • The individual round is an online timed test, and participants will receive a unique login link via email.
  • All participants must ensure that they have a stable internet connection, and their devices (laptops, tablets, etc.) are fully charged before starting the test.
  • No calculators or reference materials are allowed. Scratch paper may be used for calculations.
  • The questions range in difficulty, with some being more challenging to encourage critical thinking.
  • Participants must submit their answers within the allotted time. Late submissions will not be accepted.

2. Team Round

Duration : 1 hour

Number of Problems : 15 questions

Format :

  • In the team round, each team will receive a PDF containing 15 problems, arranged in increasing order of difficulty. Teams will collaborate through Zoom, working together in their breakout rooms. The problems require a combination of exact and approximate answers, with specific instructions for precision or rounding included in each question. A Google Form will be provided during the competition for answer submission, and all responses must be entered before the deadline. Only one submission per team is allowed. Scoring will be as follows: 10 marks for a correct answer, 2 marks for no answer, and 0 marks for a wrong answer.

Example Problem :

  • Design a mathematical model to estimate the optimal cost of producing and distributing a new product in a city. Your solution should consider factors like production costs, demand, transportation logistics, and marketing strategies. Use mathematical reasoning and assumptions to arrive at a cost estimate.

Assessment Criteria :

  • Creativity and Originality: Does the team approach the problem in an innovative way?
  • Mathematical Reasoning: Is the solution based on sound mathematical principles?
  • Clarity of Presentation: How clearly is the solution explained? Are the steps logical and easy to follow?
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: How effectively does the team work together to solve the problem?
  • Completeness: Is the solution thorough? Does it consider multiple factors or only focus on one aspect?

Deliverables :

Teams will be required to submit a brief report (maximum 2 pages) that outlines their approach, solution, and reasoning. The report must be submitted digitally at the end of the round via the online platform.

  • Teams will be graded based on the clarity, depth, and correctness of their solution, along with their ability to work as a team.

Instructions :

  • Read the questions carefully to determine whether answers should be exact or approximate.
  • Use the specified rounding or formatting requirements for approximate answers.
  • Work collaboratively by dividing tasks among team members based on individual strengths.
  • Prioritize solving easier problems first to secure points efficiently and allocate remaining time to harder problems.
  • Regularly monitor the remaining time to ensure timely submission.
  • Review all answers thoroughly in the Google Form before submitting, as only one submission is permitted per team.
  • Ensure all team members have access to necessary tools like calculators and the Zoom link for seamless collaboration.

Advancement to the Final Round

Selection Criteria :

  • Teams will be selected for the Final Round based on their combined scores from both the Individual MCQ Round and the Team Investigation/Modeling Round
  • The top 10% of teams from each category (Junior and Senior) will advance to the Final Round, which will be held offline.
  • Results will be published on the official Tesseract website within 48 hours after the Qualifying Round, and selected teams will be notified via email.

Important Notes :

  • Ensure that all participants are familiar with the online testing platform before the event to avoid technical difficulties during the competition.
  • The team round encourages collaboration—teams should ensure they work cohesively and distribute tasks based on individual strengths.
  • This round is a key component of the competition and heavily weighs on the team’s advancement prospects, so it is crucial to approach it with strategic thinking and focus.

Instructions :

  • Teams can divide tasks however they wish, with some members focusing on horizontal clues and others on vertical clues.
  • Collaboration and communication are key to solving the puzzle quickly and efficiently.

Day 2: January 26, 2025

4. Rapid-Fire Round

Duration : 20 minutes per block

Format :

  • This round is a fast-paced, head-to-head competition where teams will be presented with math problems and must solve them as quickly as possible.
  • Questions will be displayed on a screen, and the first team to buzz in gets the chance to answer.

Structure :

  • Each team will be given a buzzer, and questions will be presented one at a time.
  • If a team buzzes in and answers correctly, they receive points; if they answer incorrectly, the opposing team gets a chance to answer.

Topics Covered :

  • This round will focus on quick mental calculations and conceptual understanding of Algebra, Geometry, and Number Theory.

Scoring :

  • 10 points for each correct answer
  • -5 points for each incorrect answer
  • No penalty for skipping questions

Instructions :

  • Teams must be quick but cautious, as incorrect answers will cost them points.
  • The faster the team answers, the higher their chances of earning more points in this round.
  • The round will continue until all questions are answered or the time runs out.

5. Math Scavenger Hunt

Duration : 90 minutes

Format :

  • In this round, selected teams will be given a list of mathematical problems or riddles that need to be solved. The problems will be hidden around the venue, and teams must find and solve them within the allotted time.
  • Each problem will lead to the next clue, forming a continuous scavenger hunt.
  • Problems will be of varying difficulty, and some may require physical or interactive problem-solving techniques.

Structure :

  • Teams will receive the first clue at the starting point and must follow the trail of clues to find each problem
  • Teams must work together to solve the problems and reach the final destination.

Scoring :

  • Each correctly solved problem is worth 10 points.
  • The team that reaches the final destination first will receive an additional 20 points.
  • Accuracy is critical, as incorrect solutions will deduct 5 points per mistake.

Instructions :

  • Teams must stay together during the hunt and may not split up to solve different clues.
  • Communication and teamwork are essential, as some clues will require multiple steps to solve.
  • A time penalty will be imposed on teams found violating the rules.

Awards and Certificates Ceremony

After the conclusion of all the rounds, participants will be invited to the Awards and Certificates Ceremony, where the top teams and individuals will be recognized for their outstanding performances.

Awards Include :

  • Top Team (Junior and Senior): Trophies and certificates.
  • Top Individual (Junior and Senior): Trophies and certificates.
  • Special Recognition Awards: For creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
  • All participants will receive certificates of participation for reaching the Final Round.

Closing Remarks :

The Final Round will conclude with a celebration of mathematical excellence, recognizing the hard work, perseverance, and talent of all participants.

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