Mathematical challenges

Mathematical challenges generally refer to more basic mathematics such as that experienced in elementary or junior high school, but can extend to any realm of the study. It is commonly accepted that mathematics is a difficult area of study. Even so, it is generally agreed that the difficulty experienced when one attempts to master a topic leads to meaningful, long lasting, rewards. There is a long list of mathematics competitions throughout the world.

Professional context

There are a number of problems in pure mathematics with a cash prize offered for a successful solution. Often the problems are thought of as relevant areas of study in modern mathematical research. One example of such a mathematical challenge is the Riemann hypothesis which is currently an unsolved problem. The Riemann hypothesis is that all nontrivial zeros of the Riemann zeta function have a real part of ¹⁄₂. A proof or disproof of this would have far-reaching implications in number theory, especially for the distribution of prime numbers.

There are several professional organizations that collect various unsolved math problems and present them as mathematical challenges. Some collections are the:

• Millennium Prize Problems
• Certicom ECC Challenge
• RSA Factoring Challenge (no longer active)

Mathematical Challenge can also refer to:

• United Kingdom Mathematical Challenges