Currently, my math training includes Calc 1-3, linear algebra, and some introduction to set theory/discrete math. What would you recommend that I study over summer in preparation for the Putnam? Real analysis, topology, abstract algebra (all of the above)? What would be the most pertinent? Thanks!
2026-03-29 08:44:50.1774773890
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Preparation for Putnam?
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There are lots of good books.
- William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition: Problems & Solutions: 1938-1964
- William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition: Problems & Solutions: 1965-1984
- William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition: Problems & Solutions: 1985-2000
- Putnam and Beyond
- Problem-Solving Strategies
The first 3 are all the contests from 1938 through 2000, and includes solutions to all of them. The last 2 have lots of problems that are arranged by topic. So, those are some topics you can study. The last 2 are probably better for this reason because it teaches you many strategies/problem solving techniques and gives you problems that you can try involving those techniques. Then, you can try other problems from the first 3 books where they aren't organized by topic. If you're in college now, your library may have some or all of these books, or similar books.
Putnam does not require any knowledge of analysis/algebra/topology, just do past exams like suggested above by user6312.