Maths Battles

Maths Battles are debate competitions between two teams of students, where the solutions of one team are put under scrutiny of the opposing team.

Intra-Circle Maths Battles are held approximately once a term at every running Maths Circle. London Inter-School Maths Battles are held twice a year.

Contents

• Maths Battles Overview
• How to Participate
• Intra-Circle Maths Battles in 2023/24
• Inter-School Maths Battles in 2023/24
• How to Run a Battle in your School
• Past Battles

Maths Battles Overview

Two teams of students participate in each maths battle. Both teams are provided with the same set of mathematical problems, similar to the ones solved during our Maths Circles.

After an hour of quiet work, the teams take turns presenting their solutions to the opposing team, who then challenges their answers and rationale.

A team can win by successfully solving more problems and presenting their solutions, or by identifying more errors in the presentations of the opponents.

Please see full maths battle rules.

How to Participate

If you do not attend our Circles, but still would like to participate in a Maths Battle, you need to gather a team of 4–6 like-minded people, ideally, led by your Maths teacher. It also needs to be comprised of participants falling approximately into one of the two age groups: either school years 7–8 or 9–11.

Intra-Circle Maths Battles are held about once every term in each of our ongoing Maths Circles. Your team can always participate if you contact us in advance at registration@wesolveproblems.org.uk or by filling in this form.

London Inter-School Maths Battles are held twice a year, and are by invitation only. Learn more.

Upcoming dates for all battles are listed below.

If you are interested in sending your school’s team to one of our battles, please fill in this form.

Our Maths Battles are free of charge.

Intra-Circle Maths Battles in 2024/25

Inter-School Maths Battles in 2024/25

How to Run a Battle in your School

We can also provide all the necessary support if you want to have a Maths Battle organised at your school. This includes a selection of suitable problems, tutors and referees, as well as instructions for teachers and students. If you’re interested, please contact us at registration@wesolveproblems.org.uk.

Past Battles

During the years, we have ran over 25 Maths Battles at schools or other Maths Circles. Among them are:

• Inter-School Maths Battle at Kings, May 2024, with guest lecture by Alexander Veselov
• Inter-School Maths Battle at Kings, December 2023, guest lecture by Rob Eastaway
• Inter-School Maths Battle at Kings, May 2023, guest lecture by Junaid Mubeen
• Inter-School Maths Battle at Kings, November 2022, guest lecture by Alex Bellos
• The first battle at the Royal Grammar School High Wycombe, 2015