Villani’s Squares (Maths):

Introduction:

“Villani’s Squares” is the mathematics module in the Beaconhouse Notion of Academia, thoughtfully
designed to challenge high school students with the intricacies and beauty of mathematical concepts.
This module invites delegates to dive deep into the world of theorems, puzzles, and practical
applications of mathematics. It emphasizes logical reasoning, problem-solving, and innovative
thinking, encouraging students to explore mathematics beyond the classroom. The module blends
theoretical knowledge with hands-on activities, fostering a dynamic understanding of mathematics.
It's an ideal platform for young mathematicians to test their skills, broaden their perspectives, and
appreciate the discipline's relevance and elegance in solving complex problems.

There will be no elimination in any of the rounds in Villani’s Squares.

Algeometric Challenge:

In the second round labeled “Algeometric Challenge”, delegates will be assessed on their concepts in
geometry and algebra. They will be required to answer a diverse range of question types, including
proofs, theory-based inquiries and multiple-choice questions, covering the fundamental areas of
geometry and algebra. They will have to unravel these puzzles, which could involve geometric
theorems or algebraic formulas, leveraging their understanding of mathematical concepts.

Delegates should be well-prepared in the following topics:

● Geometry
○ Basic Concepts
■ Points, Lines, and Planes
■ Angle Measurement
■ Types of Angles (Acute, Obtuse, Right, Straight)
■ Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
○ Quadrilaterals
■ Types of Quadrilaterals (Square, Rectangle, Rhombus, Parallelogram,
Trapezoid)
■ Properties and Relationships of Quadrilaterals
○ Circles
■ Parts of a Circle (Radius, Diameter, Chord, Arc)
■ Central Angle and Inscribed Angle
■ Area and Circumference of Circles
○ Polygons
■ Regular and Irregular Polygons
■ Exterior and Interior Angles of Polygons
 ○ Transformations
■ Translations, Rotations and Reflections
○ Coordinate Geometry
■ Distance Formula
■ Midpoint Formula
■ Slope of a Line
■ Geometric Proofs
■ Geometric Theorems
○ Area and Perimeter
■ Formulas for Areas of Common Shapes (Rectangles, Triangles, Circles)
■ Perimeter Formulas
○ Three-Dimensional Geometry
■ Volume and Surface Area of Common Shapes (Prisms, Pyramids, Cylinders,
Cones, Spheres)
○ Basic Trigonometry
■ Sine, Cosine, Tangent in Right Triangles
○ Geometric Constructions
■ Bisecting Angles and Segments
■ Constructing Perpendiculars and Parallels

● Algebra
○ Real Numbers and Basic Operations
■ Number Classification (Natural, Whole, Integers, Rational, Irrational)
■ Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division
○ Expressions and Equations
■ Variables and Constants
■ Combining Like Terms
■ Solving Linear Equations
■ Solving Systems of Equations
○ Inequalities
■ Solving Linear Inequalities
■ Compound Inequalities
○ Functions and Graphs
■ Function Notation
■ Domain and Range
■ Graphing Linear Equations
■ Slope-Intercept Form
■ Transformations of Functions
○ Polynomials
■ Adding, Subtracting and Multiplying Polynomials
■ Factoring Polynomials
■ Division of Polynomials
 ○ Quadratic Equations
■ Solving Quadratic Equations
■ Quadratic Formula
■ Completing the Square
○ Radicals and Exponents
■ Simplifying Radicals
■ Operations with Radicals
■ Laws of Exponents
○ Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences
■ Finding Terms in Sequences

“Algeometric Challenge” is a testament to the delegates’ ability to synthesize disparate mathematical

fields into coherent solutions, all while engaging in clear and precise communication with peers. This
challenge not only assesses their mathematical skills but also their capacity to think creatively under
pressure, providing a comprehensive platform to shine in the realms of algebra and geometry!

Treasure Hunt Challenge:

In the first round dubbed “Math Treasure Hunt”, delegates will have to face four challenging phases,
each hosted in a different room. Teams will be required to conquer mathematical challenges in each
room to unveil the code leading to the next.

Phase 1:

Delegates should have a strong foundation in working with number squares and cubes. This involves
the ability to manipulate and analyze square and cube numbers, understanding their properties and
relationships. Proficiency in recognizing these numerical patterns is vital as it forms the basis for
solving problems related to sequences and equations in this phase.

Another key skill set involves the adept handling of simultaneous equations derived from word
problems. Delegates should be capable of translating real-world scenarios into mathematical
expressions, creating systems of equations that accurately represent the given situations. The
competence to solve these systems efficiently using appropriate methods is crucial, requiring a solid
grasp of algebraic techniques and problem-solving strategies.

Furthermore, delegates must have the ability to recognize patterns. This skill is necessary for
interpreting sequences, identifying trends, and predicting outcomes. By refining their ability to
recognize patterns, they can approach problems involving numerical sequences with confidence.

Phase 2:
Delegates should have a strong grasp on rates and ratios. A key skill to master is the ability to deduce
a riddle presented in the question. Understanding the context and translating the questions into
concrete word problems will be vital. This skill involves extracting the relevant information about
rates, quantities and relationships between them to set the stage for problem-solving.

Once participants have successfully deduced the underlying word problem, the next step would be to
solve the rate and ratio questions. This would require delegates to be proficient in manipulating and
interpreting ratios and understanding the implications of a directly proportional relationship and an
inversely proportional relationship.

Delegates should polish both their deduction skills to unravel the riddles and their mathematical
ability to solve rate and ratio questions effectively. This dual proficiency will ensure that they are
able to provide precise mathematical solutions within the given context.

Phase 3:

Delegates should be confident about their ability regarding permutations and combinations. They
must be able to decipher the enigmatic language in the riddle to form a question statement. After
successfully converting the riddles into understandable word problems, delegates must be able to
distinguish whether the question involves permutation or combination and solve it accordingly.

Furthermore, they should be able solve problems about arrangements of objects in a line, including
those involving letters, digits or objects. Delegates should give special focus to mastering the
technical aspects of permutations and combinations, encompassing scenarios with and without
restrictions.

Phase 4:

Delegates should possess a sharp mind, capable of critical thinking without the need for prior
preparation in specific mathematical concepts. This phase would involve tasks such as connecting
dots using a given number of lines or manipulating sticks to create valid equations.

Delegates should approach these challenges with an open mind, embracing the opportunity for
unconventional problem-solving. The focus is on fostering creative thinking and adaptability, as they
explore alternative approaches to connect dots or rearrange sticks in a way that satisfies the
conditions posed by each question.

“Treasure Hunt Challenge” turns the abstract world of mathematics into a tangible and thrilling quest
for knowledge, where participants must solve puzzles, crack codes, and decipher clues rooted in
mathematical concepts to advance!
Study Material:

Treasure Hunt Practice Questions

Calculus Countdown:

In the climatic round named “Calculus Countdown”, delegates will be assessed on their concepts in
calculus. They will be required to answer a variety of challenging questions, each dedicated to
distinct aspects of calculus.

In the first segment, delegates will delve into the intriguing world of limits, testing their
understanding of approaching values and the fundamental principles that govern them. The questions
will require a comprehensive grasp of limit notation, the evaluation of limits using algebraic
techniques and exploring limits at infinity, as well as knowledge of L’Hopital’s rule.

In the second segment, delegates will showcase their prowess in differentiation. The questions will
span topics such as the chain rule, product rule, quotient rule, and implicit differentiation. Delegates
must exhibit a strong command of derivative techniques and their applications in solving real-world
problems.

The third segment delves into the world of integrals, challenging delegates to solve definite and
indefinite integrals using various techniques. Mastery of integration methods, such as substitution,
integration by parts, and treating integrals as variables, is essential for success.

The final segment presents delegates with challenges in differential equations. Questions will cover
solving first-order differential equations and separable equations. A profound understanding of the
principles governing differential equations is imperative.

“Calculus Countdown” challenges delegatess to solve complex calculus problems under time
pressure, testing their grasp of derivatives, integrals, and limits, along with their ability to apply these
concepts to solve real-world problems!

Study Material:

Calculus by James Stewart