41st Annual

American Mathematics Competitions

United States of America

Mathematical Olympiad
-and-

United States of America

Junior Mathematical Olympiad

TEACHERS
MANUAL
Instructions and Reporting Forms for School Contest Managers

dates to remember:
USAMO and USAJMO --

Tuesday, April 24, and Wednesday, April 25, 2012

In this booklet, USA(J)MO refers to both the USAMO
and the USA Junior Math Olympiad.
Please familiarize yourself with this information thoroughly
if you anticipate a student qualifying for the USA(J)MO.
PLEASE NOTE: AIME TEACHERS MANUAL ON FLIP SIDE

USA (JUNIOR) MATHEMATICAL OLYMPIAD (USA(J)MO)

April 2012
Dear USA(J)MO Exam Manager,

SAM
P

LE

Congratulations! Your student(s) has/have qualified to take the 411st USA(J)MO. All qualified students have been sent a formal invitation
to participate. You and the student(s) indicated at the time of the AIME that you would accept a USA(J)MO invitation.
The exam materials will be downloaded from the web. The USA(J)MO must be administered on Tuesday, April 24 and Wednesday, April
25, 2012 in two 4.5-hour sessions each day, which are to be scheduled from 12:30pm-5:00pm EDT or equivalent in your time zone. Please
familiarize yourself with the Information for Proctor section found on page 4 of the AIME/USA(J)MO Teachers Manual. If you are not
going to be the Proctor yourself, then make sure your designee familiarizes himself/herself with these materials promptly.
There is an immediate task that must be done. Please confirm that all necessary arrangements to administer the exam have been made.
Fill out the USA(J)MO Acknowledgment Response Form (T-II form found on page 7 of the USA(J)MO Section of the AIME/USA(J)MO
Teachers Manual or downloaded from amc.maa.org) and fax to 303-374-6339 (Emergency FAX to be used only if the first number fails is
402-472-6087). In addition, your qualifying student(s) has/have been notified with instructions to completely fill out the Student/Parent
Response Form (S-III), with instructions for them to fax or mail the completed S-III form to our office. The Student/Parent Response
Form can be found at amc.maa.org or in the AIME/USA(J)MO Teacher Manual. All completed forms (T-II and S-III) sent by fax or
mailed must be received in the Lincoln office by April 18. Failure to adhere to this deadline could cause disqualification of your student(s).
The USA(J)MO is a prestigious event. Only about 500 students from about 12,000 American Invitational Mathematics Examination
participants take the USA(J)MO. The top 12 participants of the USAMO will be declared Winners and honored at ceremonies on June 4,
2012, at the National Academy of Sciences, and the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) Headquarters in Washington, DC.
A Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program (MOSP) will be held from June 5-29, 2012 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Approximately 30 of the highest scoring USA(J)MO participants will be invited, along with approximately 25 ninth grade
USA(J)MO participants, all expenses paid, to the 2012 program. Selection will be based on the exams administered by the Committee
on the American Mathematics Competitions (CAMC), primarily the USA(J)MO. This year, the International Mathematical Olympiad
(IMO), will be held July 8-16, 2012, in Mar del Plata, Argentina. The United States will participate with a team of 6 students, all expenses
paid.
USA(J)MO Winners and all those invited to the MOSP will be notified by telephone shortly after the USA(J)MO grading on May 4-6,
2012. Information regarding the MOSP will be sent to those selected beginning May 11. A copy of the USA(J)MO with solutions and
results [including the score of your student(s)] will be mailed to you after Friday, May 11. Also included will be a USA(J)MO Certificate of
Participation to be presented to your student(s). Students and teachers should not inquire about results before Friday, May 11.
A good way for students to prepare for the USA(J)MO and set appropriate goals for themselves is to work on previous USA(J)MO and
IMO problems (order from www.maa.org) and former USA(J)MO questions posted online.
Please note that only the student(s) listed are allowed to take the USA(J)MO at your school and the exam must be given to all of your
qualifiers at the same time.
You will find the names of all 2012 USA(J)MO qualifiers at www.maa.org.
Sincerely,

Steven R. Dunbar
Director
MAA American Mathematics Competitions

American Mathematics Competitions

University of Nebraska - Lincoln | PO Box 880658 | 1740 Vine Street | Lincoln, NE 68588-0658
402.472.2257/phone | 402.472.6087/fax | [email protected] | amc.maa.org

USA(J)MO Table of Contents

I. The USA(J)MO General Information....................................................................................................... 4
II. Selection Process............................................................................................................................................. 4
III. Preliminary Information for the Proctor..................................................................................................... 4
IV. Student Practice Materials.............................................................................................................................. 5
V. Information for the 2 Days of the USA(J)MO . .......................................................................................... 5
VI. Cancellation..................................................................................................................................................... 6
VII. Math Olympiad Winners................................................................................................................................ 6
VIII. Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program ............................................................................................... 6
IX. The International Mathematical Olympiad................................................................................................. 6
X. USA(J)MO Teacher & Student Forms.......................................................................................................... 7
T-II 2012 USA(J)MO Acknowledgement Response Form.................................................................. 7
T-III (24) CERTIFICATION FORM for APRIL 24, 2012................................................................... 9
T-III (25) CERTIFICATION FORM for APRIL 25, 2012................................................................. 11
S-I Letter to USA(J)MO Qualifier........................................................................................................ 13
S-II Instructions to be Read by USA(J)MO Participants.................................................................. 14
S-III Student/Parent Response Form................................................................................................... 15
XI. Olympiads Answer Sheets............................................................................................................................ 17
Problem 1.................................................................................................................................................... 17
Problem 2.................................................................................................................................................... 19
Problem 3.................................................................................................................................................... 21
Problem 4.................................................................................................................................................... 23
Problem 5.................................................................................................................................................... 25
Problem 6.................................................................................................................................................... 27

Schedule
AIME I

March 15, 2012

AIME II

March 28, 2012

AIME II due to AMC office

March 30, 2012

USA(J)MO invitations sent via email, followed by hard copy April 9, 2012
USA(J)MO forms due to AMC office

April 18, 2012

USA(J)MO, day 1

April 24, 2012

12:30pm - 5:00pm EDT

USA(J)MO, day 2

April 25, 2012

12:30pm - 5:00pm EDT

USA(J)MO grading

May 4-6, 2012

USA(J)MO copy with solutions and results posted

May 11, 2012

USA(J)MO copy with solutions and results sent after

May 11, 2012

MOSP invitations sent out beginning

May 11, 2012

USAMO Washington, DC Ceremonies

June 4, 2012

MOSP - Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program

June 5-29, 2012

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

IMO - International Mathematical Olympiad

July 8-16, 2012

Mar del Plata, Argentina

USA(J)MO 2012 Teacher Manual

I. The USA(J)MO General Information

index which is defined as AMC 10 Score + 10 * AIME Score.

The 2012 USA Mathematical Olympiad (USA(J)MO) is to

be given in your school, and is scheduled for Tuesday &
Wednesday, April 24-25, 2012.

3. Only AMC 12 A or AMC 12 B takers who are U.S. citizens

and students residing in the United States and Canada will be
eligible for the USAMO.

U. S. citizens and students legally residing in the United States

and Canada (with qualifyng scores) are eligible to take the
USA(J)MO.

4. Only AMC 10 A or AMC 10 B takers who are U.S. citizens

and students residing in the United States and Canada will
be eligible for the USAJMO. This automatically limits Junior
Math Olympiad participation to 10th graders and below.
Students who take ONLY the AMC 10 test, whether AMC 10
A or AMC 10 B or both, will NOT be eligible for the USAMO
regardless of their score on the AMC 10 or the AIME.

The format for the USA(J)MO is identical to the format used

for the International Mathematical Olympiad. The Olympiad
will consist of six essay-proof questions to be solved over two
days in nine hours, three questions for 4.5 hours on Tuesday,
and three questions for 4.5 hours on Wednesday.

5. The approximately 260-270 individual students with the

top AMC 12 based USAMO indices will be invited to take
the USAMO. These indices will be selected from the pool of
AMC 12 takers with an AIME score.

The top 12 scoring students on the USAMO will be invited to

an award ceremony held in Washington, D.C., June 4, 2012.
We recommend that students selected for the USA(J)MO
practice on prior year examinations (several recent years
are posted on the AMC web site amc.maa.org/e-exams/e8USAMO/archiveUSAMO.shtml) and study the content of the
USAMO books (order from the MAA website www.maa.org/
EBUSPPRO/ and search on USAMO).

6. The approximately 230-240 individual students with the

top AMC 10 based USAMO indices will be invited to take
the USAJMO. These indices will be selected from the pool of
AMC 10 takers with an AIME score after removing students
who also took an AMC 12 test and qualified for the USAMO
in rule 5. This means young students MUST take the USAMO
if they qualify through an AMC 12 index.

The selection of the USA(J)MO participants will be made on or

before April 9th. All selected students and their School Manager
will receive e-mail information followed by a letter of invitation,
to be mailed out no later than April 9th. Please do not inquire
about the USA(J)MO invitations with anyone except the AMC
Director.

7. We will select the student with the numerically largest

index, whether AMC 10 based USAJMO index or AMC
12 based USAMO index, from each US state not already
represented in either the USAMO or the USAJMO. The
student will be invited to the USAMO if the numerically
highest index in the state is AMC 12 based, and invited to the
USAJMO if the index is AMC 10 based.

The USA(J)MO must be taken on the official days under the

supervision of a proctor--absolutely no exceptions. It is possible,
however, for a student to take the test under the supervision
of a teacher at a site other than the students school for valid
reasons. The students teacher must call the AMC national office
for permission.

III. Preliminary Information

for the Proctor

II. Selection Process

The USA(J)MO Committee has a very tight schedule. We grade

the papers on May 4-6, posting results on May 11, 2012. Your
help is vital.

Following are the 2012 rules for the USA Mathematical

Olympiad and USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad. The
goal is to select approximately 500 students total for the two
Olympiads, split approximately 270 for the USAMO and 230
for the USAJMO respectively. Selection for the 2011 USA
Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) and 2011 USA Junior
Mathematical Olympiad (USAJMO) will be made according
to the following rules:

The USA(J)MO is to be given on Tuesday, April 24 and

Wednesday, April 25, 2012, in two 4.5-hour sessions. The first
session (Problems 1, 2, 3) is scheduled for Tuesday, April 24th
and will begin at 12:30pm EDT and end at 5:00pm EDT or
equivalent in your time zone. The second session (Problems 4,
5, 6) is scheduled for Wednesday, April 25th and will begin at
12:30pm EDT and end at 5:00pm EDT or equivalent in your time
zone. The 9-hour time limit is to be strictly enforced. Students
should come prepared with a sack lunch and/or snacks due to
no lunch break during the exam (Exceptions will be made for
restroom breaks). Be sure that in the room you reserve for the
exam, the student(s) will have ample working space and freedom
from interruptions. The student(s) must be under supervision
during the entire course of the exam and only one student at

1. U.S. citizens and students residing in the United States

and Canada (with qualifying scores) are eligible to take the
USAMO and USAJMO.
2. Selection to the USAMO will be based on the USAMO
index which is defined as AMC 12 Score + 10 * AIME Score.
Selection to the USAJMO will be based on the USAJMO
4

USA(J)MO 2012 Teacher Manual

a time may leave for restroom breaks. If you have more than
one student who qualified, be certain there is adequate space
between them.

amc.maa.org/e-exams/e8-USAMO/archiveUSAMO.shtml
and
amc.maa.org/a-activities/a7-problems/problemUSAMOIMOarchive.shtml

Because the answer sheets are faxed, be sure you will have access
to a fax machine when the student has finished on both days. If
necessary, arrange to have someone experienced with running
the machine give you a lesson in how to use it before the first
day of the USA(J)MO.

V. Information for the

2 Days of the USA(J)MO

You will find the following materials included in your AIME/

USA(J)MO Teachers Manual or on our website at amc.maa.org :

Please note this years USA(J)MO 2 day format: April 24-25,

2012 and the 4.5 hour length both days, given at the following
times:

1. T-II 2012 USA(J)MO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

RESPONSE FORM (page 7)

12:30-5:00pm, EDT
11:30-4:00pm, CDT
10:30-3:00pm, MDT
9:30-2:00pm, PDT

Comment: This Form and the S-III Student/Parent Response

Form (page 15) must be returned to the AMC Office so that it
is received by April 18. We suggest Faxing 303-374-6339 if at
all possible (Emergency Fax # 402-472-6087). All information
requested on these forms must be provided by you, the student
and his/her parents. Missing or incorrect information could
cause disqualification of your student(s).
2. Copy (for your information) of the S-I Letter to
USA(J)MO Qualifier (page 13), S-II Instructions to be Read
by USA(J)MO Participants (page 14) and S-III Student/Parent
Response Form (page 15).
3. You will receive information about downloading the exam
in your invitation letter or email. Follow the instructions to
download the 2012 USA(J)MO from the internet:
a. Visit the website listed in your invitation letter or email. We
will have a trial page in place one week before the test date, so
you can check your ability to download the exam.
b. Enter the user name and password to access the test page.
You will receive the user name and password in your invitation
email or letter.
5. T-III (24) + T-III (25) USA(J)MO Certification Forms
(pages 9 & 11) . There are two forms, one to be used each day
of the Contest.
6. USA(J)MO Answer Sheets Forms (to be copied, 1 set for each
student) (in section X, starting on page 17, but un-numbered).

All participants in the USAMO must take the contest

simultaneously. Please contact the AMC office (amcinfo@maa.
org) if you do not fall within the 4 continental US time zones.
The USA(J)MO will be posted on the web 15 minutes prior to
the start time. Please tell students to stay within the borders
when writing their solutions and to write DARKLY and LEGIBLY
so the faxed copy can be clearly read. If requested, you may
let the participant have unmarked scratch paper. If, for any
reason, the student submits scratch paper instead of, or in
addition to, an answer form, the Problem Number and the
Student Number, but NOT the students name or school, must
be on each page submitted. All papers must be anonymous at
the time of the grading. You are not permitted to answer any
questions about the test and should ensure that no participant
has the opportunity to talk to any other student while the exam
is in progress. No notes, books, headphones, cell phones, iPods,
iPads, slide rules, mathematical tables, computers, calculators
or calculator watches are allowed during the exam. The only
instruments permitted are writing and drawing instruments
(ruler, compass, protractor, graph paper, carbon paper).
Students learning English as a second language, who are taking
the USA(J)MO for the first time, are permitted to use a nontechnical translation dictionary during the exam. However, you
must examine and keep the dictionary in your possession for
the 24 hours preceding the USA(J)MO, and you must announce
to any other participants that the student has been given special
permission to use the dictionary. Please list the name(s) of any
student planning to use a non-technical translation dictionary
on page T-II.

IV. Student Practice Materials

Students who are selected to participate in the USA Mathematical
Olympiad usually want to study from materials similar in
difficulty to the USA(J)MO. For learning and practice, many
fine books are available from the MAA at www.maa.org, click
Bookstore, or, from your favorite on-line book retailer. I urge
you to order a set for practice and review. You may also purchase
our new CD with all the AIME (1983-2008) and USAMO (19722008) contests and solutions, or the High School Math Club
package which comes with a CD containing all the contests and
solutions since 2000, including the USAMOs from that period.

The USA(J)MO is copyrighted.

In addition, the last several years USAMO problems are

available on-line at our website:
5

USA(J)MO 2012 Teacher Manual

Instruct the participant to cease writing at the end of each exam
session. Session 1 ends at 5:00pm EDT (or equivalent in your
time zone) on April 24, 2012 and session 2 ends at 5:00pm EDT
(or equivalent in your time zone) on April 25, 2012. At the end
of each session:

VIII. Mathematical Olympiad Summer

Program
The top 12 scoring students on the USAMO will be invited to
attend the Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program regardless
of grade. In addition to the top 12 USAMO winners, 12-18
high-scoring USAMO participants, who are current 9th, 10 th
and 11th grade students, will also be invited to participate in the
Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program (MOSP).

instruct your students to double-check that the

student number on their answer forms matches the
number assigned in the official invitation letter.
make copies of the answer forms for your records,

Thanks to a grant from the Akamai Foundation, we will invite

an additional (approximately) 25 ninth and tenth grade USAMO
participants and the top 12 ninth and tenth grade USAJMO
participants for a MOSP program aimed at preparing them for
Olympiad style competitions.

immediately fax (303-374-6339) the T-III

certification form for the appropriate day to the AMC
office, or scan and email to [email protected].

If you are not using the overnight express shipping

option, then also fax one complete set of answer forms
per student. Please fax at least one official USA(J)MO
answer sheet with student number for each problem,
even if the answer sheet is blank because the student did
not attempt a solution. This assures that we have
received all problems from all students.

The Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program will be held

on the campus of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln June
5-29, 2012. Students will be treated to classes on advanced
mathematical topics, special guest speakers, mathematical
contest training, and related social and mathematical activities.

This year we are offering the option of sending the students

answer pages by overnight express courier, at your schools
expense for both days of the USA(J)MO, instead of faxing. This
may be more convenient for you, if you have more than one
student taking the exam.

IX. The International Mathematical

Olympiad
Each year (Mar del Plata, Argentina, 2012, Columbia 2013)
the USA sends a team of six students to the International
Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). Six of the top students on the
2012 USAMO will constitute the USAs team, and two will be
the alternates.

1. Fax the T-III Certification Form for each day indicating that
the answer forms will be sent overnight.
2. After the completion of Day 2 USA(J)MO, send one
overnight package with both Day 1 and Day 2 Student Answer
Forms.
American Mathematics Competitions
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
1740 Vine Street
Lincoln, NE 68508-0658
If you have any questions concerning this exam, contact us:
AMC Office
1-800-527-3690
FAX 303-374-6339
(Emergency FAX # 402-472-6087)

In order to assure that the strongest possible team has been

formed, the MOSP Director/IMO Team Leader reserves the
right to appoint up to one IMO team member. This appointment
would happen only in a circumstance where a students
performance during the first two weeks of MOSP clearly
surpasses that of an existing team member.

VI. Cancellation
If for some reason the student or school cancels participation,
call us immediately (800-527-3690).

VII. Math Olympiad Winners

The top 12 scoring students on the USAMO will be invited to
attend an award ceremony held in Washington, D.C. June 6,
2011. Activities include a reception at the Mathematical
Association of America Headquarters, a tour, and a celebration
dinner with the mathematical sciences community.

USA(J)MO 2012 Teacher Manual

X. USA(J)MO Teacher & Student Forms

T-II 2012 USA(J)MO Acknowledgement Response Form
To be completed by the USA(J)MO Exam Manager
This form must be completed by the USA(J)MO exam manager and returned to the AMC Office either by FAX
303-374-6339 (Emergency FAX 402-472-6087) or mail. Confirmation (either by fax or postal mail) must be received
on or before April 18, 2012.
w

This is to inform you that I have received official notification of the qualified student(s) and will strictly follow
the implementation instructions.

Signature: ________________________________________

Date: ____________________________________________

Name (print): _____________________________________

Email: ___________________________________________

Name of School: __________________________________

CEEB: ___________________

School Address: ___________________________________

______________________________ Zip ________________

School Phone: (_____) ______________________________

School Fax: (if available) (______)____________________

Emergency/after business hours number (______)____________________

I have received and carefully noted the password in the invitation letter. This enables me to access the
USA(J)MO on the day of the contest. (If you have questions, call the AMC office.)

Please print the name(s) and USA(J)MO number(s) of your student(s) participating in the 2012 USA(J)MO below:

USAJMO

USAMO
Name

Name

Number

Number

___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________ T-II
7

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USA(J)MO 2012 Teacher Manual

MAA American Mathematics Competitions USA Mathematical Olympiad

T-III (24) CERTIFICATION FORM for APRIL 24, 2012

Please fill out one form for each student you have participating in the USA(J)MO and indicate the number
of pages faxed for each problem: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1. _____
2. _____
3. _____

Please print the name and USA(J)MO Number of your student participating in the 2012 USA(J)MO below:
___________________________________

______________

Name

USA(J)MO number

This form must be completed and returned by fax (303-374-6339) to the AMC Office immediately following the administration of the
USA(J)MO. Both the USA(J)MO School Exam Manager and the school Principal or Vice Principal must sign this form. The Principal
or Vice Principal must sign at the time he or she observes the downloading of the exam. The Exam Manager must wait until all aspects
of the exam process of the school have been completed.
For the Principal or Vice Principal:
I Certify that
a) I witnessed the downloading of the test at the start of the examination;
b) I further attest that I observed that the exam was given only to qualified students;
c)
I accept that failure to follow these rules and procedures could result in DISQUALIFICATION from official standing of all
scores from our school
Signature______________________________________________________

Time____________________

Title __________________________________________________________

Date ____________________

(must be comparable to Principal or Vice Principal)

For the USA(J)MO School Exam Manager:

I certify that I administered the USA(J)MO on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 from 12:30pm-5:00pm EDT or equivalent in my time zone. The
4.5-hour time limit was strictly enforced. The student(s) was/were continually supervised. All other rules for administering the USA(J)
MO, as detailed in the Information for Proctor, were followed.
I understand and accept for our school that any exception to these procedures as outlined on the USA(J)MO Exam Manager Letter
and the Information for Proctors section, unless explicitly authorized in writing in advance, may be cause for disqualification, possibly
extending beyond the current year.

Signature of USA(J)MO Exam Manager__________________________________________

Day and Date of Signature ___________________________________________________

Your telephone # at School (_____)____________________Emergency/after hours # (______)___________________

Email _____________________________________________________________________

Name of School ____________________________________________________________CEEB # _________________

School Address ____________________________________________________________

School City, State __________________________________________________________ Zip _____________________

Day and Date USA(J)MO was administered _____________________________________

Start Time ____________________

End Time______________________

1) TOTAL number of pages faxed or mailed including the Certification Form as the cover page ______

2) I will overnight all of my student answer forms including this certification form YES

NO

o
T-III (24)

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USA(J)MO 2012 Teacher Manual

MAA American Mathematics Competitions USA Mathematical Olympiad

T-III (25) CERTIFICATION FORM for April 25, 2012

Please fill out one form for each student you have participating in the USA(J)MO and indicate the number
of pages faxed for each problem: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4. _____
5. _____
6. _____

Please print the name and USA(J)MO Number of your student participating in the 2012 USA(J)MO below:
___________________________________

______________

Name

USA(J)MO number

This form must be completed and returned by fax (303-374-6339) to the AMC Office immediately following the administration of the
USA(J)MO. Both the USA(J)MO School Exam Manager and the school Principal or Vice Principal must sign this form. The Principal
or Vice Principal must sign at the time he or she observes the downloading of the exam. The Exam Manager must wait until all aspects
of the exam process of the school have been completed.
For the Principal or Vice Principal:
I Certify that
a) I witnessed the downloading of the test at the start of the examination;
b) I further attest that I observed that the exam was given only to qualified students;
c) I accept that failure to follow these rules and procedures could result in DISQUALIFICATION from official standing of all scores
from our school
Signature______________________________________________________

Time____________________

Title __________________________________________________________

Date ____________________

(must be comparable to Principal or Vice Principal)

For the USA(J)MO School Exam Manager:

I certify that I administered the USA(J)MO on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 from 12:30pm-5:00pm EDT or equivalent in my time zone.
The 4.5-hour time limit was strictly enforced. The student(s) was/were continually supervised. All other rules for administering the
USA(J)MO, as detailed in the Information for Proctor, were followed.
I understand and accept for our school that any exception to these procedures as outlined on the USA(J)MO Exam Manager Letter
and the Information for Proctors section, unless explicitly authorized in writing in advance, may be cause for disqualification, possibly
extending beyond the current year.

Signature of USA(J)MO Exam Manager__________________________________________

Day and Date of Signature ___________________________________________________

Your telephone # at School (_____)____________________Emergency/after hours # (______)____________________

Email _____________________________________________________________________

Name of School ____________________________________________________________CEEB # __________________

School Address ____________________________________________________________

School City, State __________________________________________________________ Zip ______________________

Day and Date USA(J)MO was administered _____________________________________

Start Time ____________________

1) TOTAL number of pages faxed or mailed including the Certification Form as the cover page ______

2) I will overnight all of my student answer forms including this certification form YES

End Time______________________

NO

o
T-III (25)

11

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USA(J)MO 2012 Teacher Manual

S-I LETTER TO USA(J)MO QUALIFIER

April 2012

SAMP
L

Dear USA(J)MO Qualifier,

Congratulations! Because of your excellent performance on the 2012 AMC 10/12 and AIME, you have qualified to take the 41st USA
Mathematical Olympiad (USA(J)MO). Your teacher will be notified shortly of your AIME score and the final cutoff levels for a USA(J)MO
invitation. Since both you and your school indicated at the time of the AIME that you would accept a USA(J)MO invitation, the exam will be
posted on the Internet to be downloaded each day of the exam. A trial question will be posted one week before the USA(J)MO for teachers
& students to practice obtaining & downloading. Please notify your USA(J)MO Exam Manager (math teacher or mathematics department
chair) that you have received this letter and immediately complete the Form S-III (along with your parent or guardian) from the AIME/
USA(J)MO Teachers Manual or downloaded from our website at amc.maa.org. The completed S-III Form must be FAXED to 303-374-6339
(Emergency FAX # to be used only if the first number fails is 402-472-6087) or mailed so that it is received by us on or before April 18.
The USA(J)MO will be given on Tuesday, April 24 and Wednesday, April 25, 2012, in two 4.5-hour sessions each day, which are to be
scheduled from 12:30pm-5:00pm EDT or equivalent in your time zone. Enclosed is an instruction sheet (Form S-II), which you should
look over now and shortly before taking the exam. The USA(J)MO is a prestigious event. Only about 500 students from about 12,000
American Invitational Mathematics Examination participants are invited to take the USA(J)MO. The top 12 USAMO participants will be
declared Winners and honored at ceremonies on June 4, 2012, at the National Academy of Sciences, the National Science Foundation and
the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) Headquarters in Washington, DC.
A Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program (MOSP) will be held from June 5- 29, 2012 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Approximately
30 of the highest scoring USAMO participants will be invited, along with an additional (approximately) 25 ninth and tenth grade
USA(J)MO participants, all expenses paid, to the 2012 program. Selection will be based on the exams administered by the committee on
the American Mathematics Competitions (CAMC), primarily the USA(J)MO. This year, the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO),
will be held July 8-16, 2012, in Mar del Plata, Argentina. The United States will participate with a team of 6 students, all expenses paid.
USA(J)MO Winners, and all those invited to the MOSP will be notified by telephone shortly after the USA(J)MO grading on May 4-6,
2012. Information regarding the MOSP will be sent to those selected beginning on Friday, May 11. A copy of the USA(J)MO with solutions
and results (including your score) will be mailed to your USA(J)MO Exam Manager beginning on May 11. Also included will be a
USA(J)MO Certificate of Participation to be presented to you.
Keep in mind that it is an achievement of the highest order merely to have qualified for the USA(J)MO. You should not be discouraged if
you find problems on the USA(J)MO to be extremely challenging. A good way to prepare for the USA(J)MO and set appropriate goals for
yourself is to work on previous USA(J)MO and IMO problems and to study the content of the Arbelos Journals. Please use the Publication
Order Form (from our website amc.maa.org) if you wish to order the AIME/USA(J)MO CD which includes pdfs of all the AIME (19832008) and USA(J)MO (1972-2008) questions and solutions.
I look forward to your participation in the USA(J)MO.
Sincerely,

Steven R. Dunbar
Director
MAA American Mathematics Competitions

American Mathematics Competitions

University of Nebraska - Lincoln | PO Box 880658 | 1740 Vine Street | Lincoln, NE 68588-0658
13 | [email protected] | amc.maa.org
402.472.2257/phone | 402.472.6087/fax

S-I

USA(J)MO 2012 Teacher Manual

MAA American Mathematics Competitions USA Mathematical Olympiad

S-II Instructions to be Read by USA(J)MO Participants

1. The space in the upper right-hand corner of your answer sheets is for your Student Number. You and your USA(J)MO proctor will
be informed by mail of your assigned student number. The number at the top center is the Problem Number. Do NOT write your
name or school anywhere on the answer sheets; all your papers must be anonymous at the time of the grading. Write only your
Student Number and Problem Number (in a similar location) on any additional papers you hand in.
2. There are six equally weighted problems, for which you will be allowed a total of nine hours. You will be allowed 4.5 hours on Tuesday,
April 24, 2012 (12:30pm 5:00pm EDT or equivalent in your time zone) for Problems 1, 2 and 3, and 4.5 hours on Wednesday, April
25, 2012 (12:30pm5:00pm EDT or equivalent in your time zone) for Problems 4, 5 and 6. Each problem should be started on the
corresponding numbered answer sheet. You may write on only the front of the sheet. During each session, carefully look over all
the problems. Then work on those which you can work well or start well. Concurrently, be aware of the total time you allocate to
each problem.
3. You will be scored on your method of attack, clarity of reasoning, evidence of ingenuity, inventiveness, and general insight. In order
to obtain full credit, all the claims in your solution must be PROVED. When in doubt, you should include details rather than leave
them out. Examination of special cases or generalizations may lead to fruitful ideas on how to begin a problem, and partial credit
may be given for constructive progress toward a solution. An unusually elegant proof or a carefully stated non-trivial extension
with proof may play a role in breaking an eventual tie.
4. Your papers should be CLEAR, CONCISE, COMPLETE, and written DARKLY, keeping in mind it is a faxed copy being graded,
not the original! This includes MATHEMATICAL CLARITY, GOOD ENGLISH and LEGIBILITY. Points will be deducted for
inadequate or poorly written explanations, as well as for incorrect mathematics. Therefore, use scratch paper freely before writing
the solutions you submit, and submit ONLY the final work you wish to have graded. Solutions written in languages other than
English will not be graded. Please leave a 1 margin on all sides of the Answer Sheet and on any additional pages and write DARKLY
and LEGIBLY, so your faxed copy can be easily read. A #2 lead pencil, black ink pen or marker fax best.
5. NO notes, headphones, cell phones, ipods, books, slide rules, mathematical tables, calculators or calculator watches are allowed
during the exam. The only instruments permitted are writing and drawing instruments (ruler, compass, protractor, graph paper,
carbon paper). Students learning English as a second-language, who are taking the USA(J)MO for the first time are permitted to
use a non-technical translation dictionary during the exam. However, the proctor must examine and keep the dictionary in his or
her possession for the 24 hours preceding the USA(J)MO. Your solutions must be faxed to 303-374-6339 immediately at 5:00pm
EDT or equivalent in your time zone each day.
6. The USA(J)MO will be administered in two sessions. Students should come prepared with a sack lunch and/or snacks because
there is no lunch break during the exam (exceptions will be made for restroom breaks). Your proctor is required to be present
during the entire course of the exam for your papers to be valid, but is not permitted to answer any questions about the test. You
are not allowed to talk to any other student while the exam is in progress. If you feel that a problem is not stated clearly, note this
on your answer sheet and try to make a non-trivial restatement of the problem. Then try to solve the restated problem.
7. You will start the exam when your proctor gives the signal. When the proctor announces after each session that 4.5 hours are up,
immediately cease writing. Double-check that your Student Number on your answer sheets matches with the one assigned by mail.
Next, immediately hand all Answer Sheets to the USA(J)MO Proctor (even if some sheets are blank) to be faxed to the AMC office.
8. You may keep the problem sheets. Additional copies, a set of solutions, and the results (including your score interval) will be mailed
to your Exam Manager after Friday, May 11, 2012.
9. The USA(J)MO is graded more strictly than most school examinations, so it is typical for students to overestimate the scores they
will receive. The decisions of the graders are final and may not be appealed.

S-II
14

USA(J)MO 2012 Teacher Manual

STUDENT # __________

S-III Student/Parent Response Form

This Form must be completed by each USA(J)MO student and his or her parent/guardian and returned by FAX 303-3746339 (Emergency FAX 402-472-6087) or mailed to the AMC Office so that it is received on or before 18th.
Complete all items carefully.

Section A- USA(J)MO Participant High School Certification

I certify that my last month as a regular high school student, either due to graduation or to early enrollment in a college degree
program, will be no sooner than ____________________(Month and year).
CITIZENSHIP Status: USA Citizen_____

Legal Resident of USA______or Canada______

Students who are not citizens of the USA are eligible to participate in the USA(J)MO if they are attending school in the USA or Canada.

Print Clearly
Date of Birth_______________________Place of Birth_______________________________
Signed____________________________________________Date:_____________________
USA(J)MO Participant

Verified by:________________________________________Date:_____________________
Parent/Guardian

Mothers full name(s):_________________________________________________________

Fathers full name(s):__________________________________________________________
Parent email address(es):_______________________________________________________
Complete Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Home phone #: (_______)_______________

Section B
USA(J)MO/IMO PARTICIPATING STUDENT (American Citizen or Legal Resident)
I have read the Instructions to Participate-Form S-II and my teacher has made arrangements for me to take the USA(J)MO
on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 and Wednesday, April 25, 2012.
#1

Circle one: If invited, I ( am or am not ) willing to attend the 2012 Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program (June
5-June 29), provided I am eligible according to the selection rules. Students graduating in the current year are not
eligible for MOSP unless they are a USAMO winner.

#2

Circle one: I ( am or am not ) able to present proof of United States citizenship or Permanent Residency.

#3

Circle one: If invited, I ( am or am not ) willing to serve as a USA Team Member at the IMO, July 8-16, 2012,
in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

Signature:______________________________________________Date:_____________________

Home phone(___)__________________________Email:__________________________________

Full Name (please print, including initial):

________________________________________________________________________________
May/June Mailing Address ___________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________Zip________________________
15

S-III

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XI. USA(J)MO Answer Sheets

Problem 1 (page ___ of ___)

2012 Olympiads
Student #

1. Stay within the borders when writing your solution.

2. Write DARKLY and LEGIBLY so your faxed copy can be clearly read; points will be taken off if graders
cant read your work!

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Problem 2 (page ___ of ___)

2012 Olympiads
Student #

1. Stay within the borders when writing your solution.

2. Write DARKLY and LEGIBLY so your faxed copy can be clearly read; points will be taken off if graders
cant read your work!

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Problem 3 (page ___ of ___)

2012 Olympiads
Student #

1. Stay within the borders when writing your solution.

2. Write DARKLY and LEGIBLY so your faxed copy can be clearly read; points will be taken off if graders
cant read your work!

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Problem 4 (page ___ of ___)

2012 Olympiads
Student #

1. Stay within the borders when writing your solution.

2. Write DARKLY and LEGIBLY so your faxed copy can be clearly read; points will be taken off if graders
cant read your work!

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Problem 5 (page ___ of ___)

2012 Olympiads
Student #

1. Stay within the borders when writing your solution.

2. Write DARKLY and LEGIBLY so your faxed copy can be clearly read; points will be taken off if graders
cant read your work!

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Problem 6 (page ___ of ___)

2012 Olympiads
Student #

1. Stay within the borders when writing your solution.

2. Write DARKLY and LEGIBLY so your faxed copy can be clearly read; points will be taken off if graders
cant read your work!

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