104 Number Theory Problems

This book contains 104 of the best problems used in the training and testing of the U. S. International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) team. It is not a collection of very dif?cult, and impenetrable questions. Rather, the book gradually builds students’ number-theoretic skills and techniques. The ?rst chapter provides a comprehensive introduction to number theory and its mathematical structures. This chapter can serve as a textbook for a short course in number theory. This work aims to broaden students’ view of mathematics and better prepare them for possible participation in various mathematical competitions. It provides in-depth enrichment in important areas of number theory by reorganizing and enhancing students’ problem-solving tactics and strategies. The book further stimulates s- dents’ interest for the future study of mathematics. In the United States of America, the selection process leading to participation in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) consists of a series ofnational contests called the American Mathematics Contest 10 (AMC 10), the American Mathematics Contest 12 (AMC 12), the American Invitational Mathematics - amination (AIME), and the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO). Participation in the AIME and the USAMO is by invitation only, based on performance in the preceding exams of the sequence. The Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program (MOSP) is a four-week intensive training program for approximately ?fty very promising students who have risen to the top in the American Mathematics Competitions.