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Review of SMO Junior Mock Paper

Aug 14, 2024

SMO Junior Mock Paper Review - Part 1

Introduction

  • Review of SMO Junior mock paper.
  • Video length: 20-25 minutes.
  • Importance of pacing during the SMO (take breaks after 25 minutes).

Targets for SMO

  • No fixed score targets; varies per student.
  • Round 2 cut-off typically around 15.
  • Score breakdown:
    • Silver: 12-13
    • Bronze: 9-11
    • Honorable Mention: 7-9
  • Current paper is relatively tricky; don't expect high cut-off.
  • Aim for achievable goals (e.g., Bronze with about 10 questions correct).

Question 1: Prime Numbers

  • Identify the prime number among options.
  • Use elimination:
    • Options B and D are even (not prime).
    • Option A ends in 5 (not prime).
    • Apply divisibility by 3 for C and E:
      • Option C (22) is not prime.
      • Option E (30) is divisible by 3.
  • Conclusion: 4567 is prime by elimination.

Question 2: Scoring Distribution

  • Total students: 150; total score: 2024.
  • Maximum number of students with the same score?
  • Test options:
    • Check 149 students scoring the same leads to impossible scores.
    • 148 also doesn't work for similar reasons.
    • At 144 students: possible (score distribution can work).

Question 3: Multiple Choice Questions

  • Do not assume the first questions are the easiest.
  • Strategies for solving difficult questions:
    • Rearrangement and simplification.
    • Consider the ratio of variables.
  • Understanding quadratic equations and roots.

Question 4: Area of Triangles

  • Focus on similar triangles created by parallel lines.
  • Use ratios from similar triangles to find areas.
  • Calculate area of smaller segments based on the larger triangle.

Question 5: Algebraic Manipulations

  • Identify the challenge with cube roots.
  • Substitute variables for simplification.
  • Use identities and algebraic manipulations to solve for desired variables.

Question 6: Difficulty Levels

  • General observation: questions do not progress strictly in difficulty.
  • Break down questions into manageable parts.
  • Listing approach can simplify finding answers (especially in digit sum problems).

Question 7: Simplifying Exponential Equations

  • Substitute and simplify using conjugates.
  • Avoid complex expansions unless necessary (e.g., binomial theorem).
  • Final answer calculation: ensure accuracy without calculators.

Conclusion

  • This concludes the first part of the review.
  • Next part will continue with further questions.

Full transcript