Louis La Minh Hoang

Today’s math session was all about pushing my limits — I spent hours working through past Singapore Mathematics Olympiad (SMO) problems, and wow… these questions are no joke. They’re not like the usual textbook exercises with neat formulas and clear paths. Each SMO problem feels like a puzzle, demanding creativity, logic, and a really deep understanding of mathematical principles.

The first thing I noticed is that SMO problems test how you think, not just what you know. Some questions start simple but twist into something completely unexpected halfway through. For example, one algebra problem I worked on looked normal until it suddenly required a clever substitution and pattern recognition to simplify it. Geometry ones were even trickier — the diagrams always hide a symmetry or a hidden ratio that you have to discover yourself.

I also realized that doing these problems is less about memorizing formulas and more about connecting ideas. You might have to mix number theory with algebra, or geometry with combinatorics, just to get one question right. It’s like every problem is testing how flexible your brain can be.

Even though it’s tough, solving (or even attempting) SMO problems feels incredibly rewarding. Every time I finally crack one, there’s this rush — like unlocking a secret that only patience and logic can reveal. And even when I get stuck, I learn something new from the solution that helps me see math from a totally different angle.

In short, studying SMO past exams isn’t just preparing me for competitions — it’s training my mind to think sharply, creatively, and rigorously. It’s difficult, yes, but it’s also what makes math exciting.