The key to success in STEM subjects is enjoying learning them and “out of the box” thinking. The purpose of this section is to give you something to think about in your spare time (if you have one). Here we post problems in Math and Physics that you may try to crack. To solve these problems you do not have to know anything that would go beyond the standard material covered in your classes. The problems are not simple though and would require some nonstandard creative thinking.

The idea of Ponder This section was borrowed from the analogous section on IBM's web page. IBM posts challenging problems once a month, and we also attempt to solve them when time permits.

If you do not feel comfortable with the material covered in your class or your homework, you should concentrate on them rather than spend time (which may turn out pretty substantial) on the problems posted here. This is a section for those who do not find homework and tests challenging enough and are hungry for more difficult stuff.

If you think you solved the problem or would like to get a solution please contact us.

We have collected over 145 problems in Algebra and Trigonometry, Geometry, Calculus, and Physics.

Problems with difficulty levels marked as Beginner and Easy are typical problems from appropriate High School or College programs. Most students should be able to solve such problems once they finish the appropriate course. If you experience difficulties solving such problems, you need to revisit certain areas of the course and close the gaps in your knowledge. You should do so as soon as possible because such gaps, especially in mathematics, may impede your further learning. Most of our tutoring time is spent closing such gaps.

Problems with difficulty levels marked as Medium and Hard are more difficult than those typically assigned in class. While they do not require any additional knowledge beyond what you have learned in class they assume mastery of the material since they might require to apply several concepts and/or some nonstandard creative thinking. A-student should be able to crack such problems, especially the Medium ones.

Students who intend to pursue a career related to STEM will discover that such a career implies life-long learning. There is no limit to perfection, and once you solve one problem you will always face another, more challenging and more exciting – Mother Nature has an infinite supply of such riddles for you. For those who feel they have mastered class material and who crave more challenge, we present problems with Expert difficulty level. Enjoy!