A brief introduction
I am Srisht, a graduate member of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto, advised by Prof. Andreas Veneris. I enjoy designing and building novel systems with extremely high potential for impact. These days, I am building fundamental financial systems using blockchains.
I also love mathematics mainly because there are no conventions and restrictions to be followed. Rather, one can apply imagination beyond any limits.
Selected writing
Math Olympiad Resources
I started practicing for the Mathematics Olympiad from a young age. In 2016, I brought a Silver Medal for India in the Asian Pacific Mathematics Olympiad. Towards the end of my journey, I felt a lack of direction when it came to competing against the world. Thus, I am sharing a complete resource for anyone who wants to train for the Mathematics Olympiad.
Here is a step-by-step manual for math olympiad aspirants:
Beginner
Geometry: Start geometry by solving basic theorems and problems from Challenge and Thrill of Pre-College Mathematics. Focus more on proofs than the theorem itself.
Combinatorics: Don’t neglect combinatorics! It is not only important for Olympiads, but it also helps you to develop a mind for challenging real-life computer programming problems. Start basic topics like the pigeonhole principle, counting, etc. from Mathematical Circles.
Number Theory: Mathematical Circles is a very good book to start Number Theory itself. Practice topics like divisibility, remainders, Euclid’s algorithm, etc.
Algebra: Although algebra for beginners doesn’t cover a lot, you can find sufficient material to begin with in Challenge and Thrill of Pre-College Mathematics.
Practice problems: The best resource to practice from at this stage is the British Mathematical Olympiad, Round 1. You won’t find solutions to most of the problems, but the problems are simple (not easy!) and interesting.
Intermediate
Geometry: Geometry at this level involves solving more complex theorems to begin with. An Excursion in Mathematics is a concise handbook containing most of the important theorems. Once you cover this, you can move on to Euclidean Geometry in Mathematical Olympiads by Evan Chen. This book has topics ranging from theorems to important lemmas. Covering this book allows you to bridge the gap between the intermediate and advanced levels.
Combinatorics: The next level of the combinatorics syllabus could be achieved by covering topics from Problem-Solving Strategies by Arthur Engel. At this stage, also start the Combinatorics chapters by Pranav Sriram (google search them).
Number Theory: Lemmas are more important at this stage than theorems. Mathematical Olympiad Challenges is a good combination of problems and lemmas.
Algebra: Mathematical Olympiad Challenges and Problem-Solving Strategies contain a pretty good amount of material for Algebra at this level.
Practice problems: Now, you can start solving the British Mathematical Olympiad, Round 2, the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad, USAMO, and other national-level olympiads. Solutions to most of the problems can be found on AoPS.
Advanced
Geometry: To begin with, complete all the lemmas from Euclidean Geometry in Mathematical Olympiads by Evan Chen. Next, cover handouts by Yufei Zhao and start solving IMO Shortlist problems.
Combinatorics: Start covering handouts by Po-Shen Loh. Also start solving the IMO Shortlist.
Number Theory: Handouts by Yufei Zhao for some important lemmas. Apart from this, start solving the IMO Shortlist.
Algebra: Solving problems from the IMO Shortlist is a very good strategy for practicing Algebra at this stage.
Practice problems: You might have guessed it right! Practice the IMO Shortlist to the extent possible.