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All You Need for German Math Olympiad
SYLLABUS FOR GRADES 9-10
1. Number Theory, Number Systems, and Proof Foundations - Real numbers: rational and irrational numbers - Ordering, comparing, and representing real numbers - Divisibility, factors, multiples, primes, GCD, and LCM - Prime factorization and numerical structure - Euclidean algorithm at an introductory level - Powers and exponent laws, including integer and rational exponents where appropriate - Scientific notation and standard form - Surds and radicals: simplifying, comparing, and operating - Absolute value, intervals, and numerical bounds - Estimation, approximation, significant figures, and reasonableness checks - Introductory modular arithmetic: congruences, residues, and divisibility patterns - Introductory proof involving parity, divisibility, and irrationality - Direct proof, contradiction, and counterexample - Olympiad-style number puzzles and introductory Diophantine equations 2. Algebra, Expressions, and Equations - Algebraic notation, structure, and equivalent forms - Expanding and factorizing expressions, including quadratics - Polynomial operations and simple identities - Algebraic identities and transformations - Rational expressions, restrictions, and simplification - Complex fractions and algebraic manipulation - Rearranging formulae and changing the subject of a formula - Linear equations and contextual equations - Quadratic equations: factorizing, completing the square, and quadratic formula where appropriate - Systems of linear equations: substitution, elimination, and graphical interpretation - Introductory linear-nonlinear systems, especially line-parabola intersections - Radical equations and possible extraneous solutions - Introductory exponential equations in structured cases - Validity of algebraic steps and checking solutions 3. Functions and Graphical Analysis - Function concept: input-output, notation, domain, and range - Linear functions: slope, intercepts, rate of change, and modelling - Quadratic functions: roots, vertex, symmetry, and transformations - Exponential functions: introductory growth and decay models - Simple piecewise and contextual graphs - Function evaluation and comparison - Graphs from equations and equations from graphs - Transformations of graphs: shifts, stretches, and reflections - Inverse functions at an introductory level - One-to-one functions and domain restrictions - Key graph features: intercepts, roots, turning points, and introductory asymptote ideas - Comparing functions using tables, graphs, equations, and descriptions - Graphical problem solving and interpretation of intersections - Modelling real-life data using basic function families 4. Inequalities and Optimization - Linear inequalities and compound inequalities - Interval notation and number-line representation - Quadratic inequalities using sign charts and interval reasoning - Absolute value inequalities at an introductory level - Systems of inequalities in two variables - Feasible regions and graphical constraints - Contextual inequalities and word problems involving constraints - Maximum and minimum reasoning in non-calculus contexts - Introductory linear programming through small-scale graphical problems - Reasonableness checks and interpretation of solution sets 5. Coordinate Geometry and Introductory Vectors - Cartesian plane and coordinate representation - Distance, midpoint, and gradient/slope - Equations of lines in different forms - Parallel and perpendicular lines - Graphical and algebraic interpretation of line intersections - Circle equations in basic forms - Intersections involving lines and circles - Parabola graphs and equations linked to quadratic functions - Transformations in the coordinate plane: reflection, rotation, translation, and enlargement - Vectors in the plane: representation, magnitude, direction, addition, and scalar multiplication - Introductory dot product and basic vector geometry applications 6. Geometry, Constructions, and Trigonometry - Properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, and composite figures - Triangle congruence and similarity - Scale factor reasoning and geometric proportionality - Angle chasing and proof-style geometric reasoning - Circle geometry: angles, chords, tangents, and cyclic quadrilaterals - Compass-straightedge constructions at an appropriate level - Perimeter, area, and composite figures - Surface area and volume of prisms, cylinders, cones, pyramids, and spheres where appropriate - Pythagorean theorem and distance applications - Trigonometric ratios in right triangles: sine, cosine, and tangent - Bearings, angle of elevation, and angle of depression - Sine rule and cosine rule in core applications - Area of triangles using trigonometry where appropriate - Geometric modelling and introductory optimization 7. Sequences, Patterns, and Recursion - Arithmetic sequences: term-to-term and nth-term rules - Geometric sequences: common ratio and growth patterns - Arithmetic and geometric sums - Sigma notation at an introductory level - Recursive and explicit definitions - Sequence graphs and pattern interpretation - Links between sequences and linear or exponential functions - Repeated growth and decay in real-life contexts - Iterative processes and recursive patterns - Olympiad-style pattern generalization - Introductory proof of patterns, including induction-style reasoning where appropriate 8. Probability and Combinatory - Systematic listing and counting strategies - Addition and multiplication counting principles - Permutations and combinations - Pascal’s Triangle and binomial coefficients at an introductory level - Probability of simple and compound events - Experimental and theoretical probability - Tree diagrams and two-way tables - Conditional probability and independence at an introductory level - Introductory Bayes’ Theorem in controlled contexts - Inclusion-exclusion principle at an introductory level - Non-routine probability and counting problems 9. Data Analysis, Statistics, and Modelling - Data collection, sampling methods, and bias - Data displays: histograms, box plots, scatter plots, and frequency graphs - Measures of center: mean, median, and mode - Measures of spread: range, variability, and standard deviation concept and use - Comparing distributions and identifying outliers - Correlation and association at an introductory level - Correlation versus causation - Regression line interpretation at an introductory level - Conceptual confidence ideas without heavy computation - Misleading graphs, statistical fallacies, and limitations of claims - Using data to build, evaluate, and communicate models and decisions 10. Mathematical Logic, Reasoning, Modelling, and Investigations - Statements, conditions, and logical structure: if/then, and/or/not - Always/sometimes/never reasoning - Examples, counterexamples, and claim testing - Validity of arguments and common reasoning errors - Multi-step reasoning and elimination strategies - Reading and critiquing mathematical arguments - Functional equations at an introductory level - Mathematical modelling of real-world problems with constraints - Assumptions, limitations, and reasonableness checks in models - Quantitative and financial literacy: percentages, tax, discounts, interest, comparisons, unit rates, density, speed, and cost efficiency - Student-designed investigation-style scenarios and problem creation contexts