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The biggest frustration for self-studying students is getting stuck on a problem with no teacher to ask. This book’s solutions are not just answers; they are lecture notes. They explain the thought process—why you try a specific substitution or why you consider parity first.
Originally published by World Scientific, this book is part of a celebrated series by mathematician Xu Jiagu. Unlike a typical textbook that moves from definition to example to drill problem, this volume is structured like a live course.
Volume 1 traditionally focuses on the foundational pillars of senior Olympiad mathematics:
Crucially, the "senior section" designation means the author assumes you already know high school math. It does not waste time teaching you what a quadratic equation is. Instead, it teaches you how to weaponize it.
This isn't about solving for $x$. This is about inequalities, functional equations, and complex numbers.
A concise, well-structured set of lecture notes that effectively prepares motivated senior students for olympiad contests. Recommended as a core study supplement, provided readers supplement sparse proofs and diagrams with additional references when necessary.
Lecture Notes on Mathematical Olympiad Courses for Senior Section (Vol. 1)
, edited by Xu Jiagu, is a highly regarded resource designed for high school students preparing for elite math competitions like the IMO. Published by World Scientific, it bridges the gap between standard school curriculums and the creative, rigorous thinking required for modern competitive mathematics. Content and Structure
The book is organized into 15 "lectures". Each lecture typically follows a consistent pedagogical flow: Theory & Concepts
: A concise introduction to notations, basic theorems, and core mathematical methods. Worked Examples
: Carefully chosen problems that demonstrate how to apply theoretical concepts. These are designed to be accessible enough for motivated students to grasp the logic quickly. Practice Problem Sets
: Designed to reinforce the specific techniques introduced in the lecture.
: More challenging problems requiring originality and unconventional thinking, often sourced from actual international competitions (China, Russia, USA, and Singapore).
: Detailed solutions for all practice questions are included at the end of the book. Core Topics Covered
Volume 1 focuses heavily on foundational algebra, functions, and trigonometry. Notable chapters include: Crucially, the "senior section" designation means the author
Fractional, higher-degree polynomial, and irrational equations. Logarithmic and indicial functions.
Trigonometric functions, expressions, and the Law of Sines/Cosines. Mean inequalities and extreme value problems. Fundamental properties of circles. Pros and Cons Reviewer Consensus Organization
Highly focused and logical; topics are narrowly defined, which helps in mastering one skill at a time. Problem Quality
Excellent selection of diverse international problems, particularly from China, known for its rigorous Olympiad standards. Explanations
Explanations are "frugal" (brief). It assumes a certain level of mathematical maturity and may not hold a beginner's hand. Self-Study
Very suitable for self-study due to its self-contained nature and the inclusion of full solutions. This volume is best suited for advanced high school students math coaches
. It is an efficient, targeted "workout" for the mathematical mind. If you find the explanations in other standard textbooks too wordy, you will appreciate Xu Jiagu's direct and problem-centric approach.
The Lecture Notes on Mathematical Olympiad Courses for Senior Section, Volume 1
, written by Jiagu Xu, is a comprehensive resource designed to bridge the gap between standard high school curricula and the rigorous demands of international mathematical competitions. Based on training courses conducted in Singapore, it focuses on modern mathematical concepts through a structured "lecture-and-practice" format. Core Lectures and Topics
Volume 1 contains 15 detailed lectures that primarily cover advanced algebra and circle geometry: Advanced Algebra & Equations: Lecture 1: Fractional Equations. Lecture 2: Higher Degree Polynomial Equations. Lecture 3: Irrational Equations.
Lecture 4: Indicial (Exponential) and Logarithmic Functions. Trigonometry:
Lectures 5–7: Trigonometric Functions, Laws of Sines and Cosines, and Manipulation of Trigonometric Expressions. Lecture 9: Extreme Value Problems in Trigonometry. Inequalities & Functions: Lecture 8: Extreme Values of Functions and Mean Inequality. Circle Geometry:
Lectures 10–11: Fundamental Properties of Circles and Relations between Lines and Circles. Lecture 12: Cyclic Polygons. Lecture 13: Power of a Point with Respect to a Circle.
Lectures 14–15: Important Theorems in Geometry and the Five Centers of a Triangle. Lecture Notes on Mathematical Olympiad Courses and complex numbers. A concise
For students and educators aiming for the pinnacle of high school mathematics, the "Lecture Notes on Mathematical Olympiad Courses for Senior Section Vol 1" is a cornerstone resource. Authored by Jiagu Xu, a former professor at Fudan University with extensive experience training Singapore's national teams, this volume offers a structured "system for advancing mathematical education" rather than just a list of tricks. Core Philosophy and Origin
The book is based on over 15 years of lecture notes from top-tier Singaporean institutions like Victoria Junior College, Hwa Chong Institution, and Nanyang Girls' High School. Its philosophy is that Olympiad math is about developing flexible, rigorous thinking and the ability to bridge the concrete and the abstract. Key Content and Curriculum
Volume 1 focuses heavily on Algebra, Trigonometry, and Geometry, providing a deep dive into topics that often go beyond the standard high school syllabus. Algebraic Foundations
Fractional and Polynomial Equations: Techniques for solving high-degree equations and expressions where unknowns appear in denominators.
Indicial and Logarithmic Functions: Mastery of indices and logs as they relate to complex problem-solving.
Extreme Values: Utilizing the Mean Inequality and other tools to find maxima and minima of functions. Trigonometric Mastery
Law of Sines and Cosines: Advanced applications in geometry.
Trigonometric Expressions: Manipulation and simplification of complex series and identities.
Trigonometric Extreme Values: Finding boundaries for trigonometric functions. Geometric Theorems
Circle Properties: In-depth study of lines, circles, and their relations.
Cyclic Polygons: Specialized theorems for polygons inscribed in circles.
The Five Centers: Analysis of the Incenter, Circumcenter, Orthocenter, Centroid, and Excenter of a triangle. Why This Book Stands Out
Unlike many competition books that only offer problems, these lecture notes emphasize the theories and methods as the core.
Problem Sets: Each lecture includes "List A" problems to practice specific techniques and "List B" problems to challenge originality and experience. edited by Xu Jiagu
Global Scope: Problems are sourced from worldwide competitions, including those from China, Russia, the USA, and the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
Self-Contained: Because the standard syllabus is often insufficient, this book is designed to be a comprehensive, self-study guide with detailed solutions for every question. Access and Availability
The book is part of the Mathematical Olympiad Series (Volume 8) published by World Scientific Publishing.
The Lecture Notes on Mathematical Olympiad Courses: For Senior Section (Volume 1)
is a foundational textbook authored by Xu Jiagu and published by World Scientific. This volume is part of the "Mathematical Olympiad Series" (Volume 8) and is designed to transition students from standard school curricula to the complex, creative problem-solving required for high-level competitions like the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). Core Content and Structure
The book is structured into 15 specific "lectures," each serving as a self-contained module that focuses on essential theories and unconventional solving techniques.
Algebraic Foundations: Lectures 1–4 cover Fractional, Higher Degree Polynomial, and Irrational Equations, as well as Indicial and Logarithmic Functions.
Trigonometry Focus: Lectures 5–9 delve into Trigonometric Functions, the Laws of Sines and Cosines, manipulations of trigonometric expressions, and extreme value problems.
Geometric Depth: Lectures 10–15 explore the Properties of Circles, Cyclic Polygons, Power of a Point, and the "Five Centers of a Triangle". Key Pedagogical Features
I understand you're looking for a solid (i.e., legitimate, legal, or high-quality) copy of the PDF for Lecture Notes on Mathematical Olympiad Courses for Senior Section Vol. 1.
Here is the accurate information regarding this book and how to access it properly:
Book Details:
Finding the PDF is the easy part. Using it correctly is where the work begins. Here is a 3-step strategy to get the most out of this resource:
1. The Cover-Up Method When you see an example problem in the notes, do not read the solution immediately. Cover the page and attempt the problem yourself. Even if you struggle for 30 minutes, that struggle builds the neural pathways needed for competition day.
2. The "Why" Margin Print the PDF out (or
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