A monthly program preparing students for the CEMC mathematics contests — Gauss, Pascal, Cayley, and Fermat — through authentic past problems, proven strategies, and advanced problem-solving techniques.
Each session prepares students for one CEMC contest, building toward the February contest season. Register for the sessions you wish to attend; each is self-contained, so attendance at one is not required for the next.
An accessible starting point. Students work through past Gauss problems, develop multiple-choice strategy, and build the speed and pattern recognition that every CEMC contest rewards.
A step up in difficulty. Students address Pascal-level problems in number theory, geometry, and algebra, and learn to work systematically, estimate, and eliminate answers under time constraints.
The core of the season. Students examine challenging Cayley problems and the recurring contest topics — sequences, functions, and combinatorics — that distinguish a strong performance.
The season's culminating contest. Students take on advanced Fermat problems that demand deeper reasoning and sustained problem-solving across the full breadth of contest mathematics.
All sessions run Saturdays, 12–2 PM, at the Coquitlam City Centre Library.
The integers from 1 to 100 are written in a row. How many of them have a digit sum that is a multiple of 7?
A contest-style problem, no calculator required. Open to all — registration is not required to participate. Submit your solution by email or bring it to the next session.
Vertex Math Program is a no-cost contest-preparation program based at the Coquitlam City Centre Library, designed for motivated students in Grades 9 – 12 who wish to develop their problem-solving abilities and prepare for the CEMC mathematics contests.
Each month targets one contest — Gauss, Pascal, Cayley, and Fermat — through authentic past problems, proven strategies, and the problem-solving techniques that the standard curriculum does not have time to cover. Students may attend to strengthen their skills, address specific gaps, or take on a greater challenge.
Focused sessions that allow for individual guidance and collaborative problem-solving.
Practice with genuine past problems from the Gauss, Pascal, Cayley, and Fermat contests.
Develop the timing, estimation, and elimination methods essential to performing under time constraints.
Welcoming to all students at no cost, with no prior contest experience required.
For questions about the program, session details, or registration, students, parents, and educators are welcome to contact us directly.
vertexmathhw@gmail.comA focused, no-cost program for students seeking to excel in mathematics competitions, grounded in authentic problems and rigorous preparation.