Maths Olympiad Level 1 Preparation: Questions, Answers and Study Plan
Maths Olympiad preparation starts with curiosity, confidence and regular problem-solving. Whether you are practising number patterns, fractions, geometry or algebra, the best approach is to understand each method and explain how you reached the answer.
This guide includes 24 free Maths Olympiad Level 1 practice questions with worked solutions, learning goals for different classes, an achievable two-week study plan and useful Maths Olympiad resources for students, parents and teachers.
Begin with your class’s topics in the School Connect International Maths Olympiad subject guide and the 2026 Maths Olympiad syllabus overview. Use the questions below to discover what you already know and what you would like to practise next.
What to Study for Maths Olympiad Level 1
Choose the subjects that match your grade and build from familiar ideas towards multi-step problems. The SCO Maths Olympiad syllabus is a helpful starting point for selecting lessons and planning revision.
| Class group | Topics to practise | How to learn |
|---|---|---|
| Classes 1–3 | Counting, addition, subtraction, shapes, time and patterns | Use objects, drawings and short word problems |
| Classes 4–6 | Fractions, decimals, factors, percentages, measurement and data | Show calculations and explain the units |
| Classes 7–9 | Integers, equations, algebra, angles, graphs and probability | Write a method, then check each step |
| Classes 10–12 | Advanced algebra, functions, trigonometry, calculus and reasoning | Use formulas carefully and justify the solution |
How to Get Better at Olympiad Problem-Solving
- Read the full question: identify the quantities and what you must find.
- Choose a strategy: draw a diagram, write a simple equation or look for a number pattern.
- Calculate carefully: show the steps so you can check them.
- Test your answer: estimate first or substitute into the original question.
- Learn from mistakes: practise a similar question after understanding the explanation.
24 Maths Olympiad Level 1 Questions with Answers
Try each question before reading the worked answer. You can begin with your own class group and move to another group when you want a different challenge.
Classes 1–3: Numbers, Shapes and Patterns
Question 1. What is 28 + 16?
A. 44 | B. 42 | C. 46 | D. 48
Answer: A. 44. Add 28 + 10 = 38, then add 6: the answer is 44.
Question 2. Which number follows 5, 10, 15, 20, …?
A. 21 | B. 25 | C. 24 | D. 30
Answer: B. 25. The pattern increases by 5 each time, so 20 + 5 = 25.
Question 3. Three baskets contain seven oranges each. How many oranges are there?
A. 10 | B. 18 | C. 21 | D. 24
Answer: C. 21. Three groups of seven give 3 × 7 = 21 oranges.
Question 4. Which shape has four equal sides and four right angles?
A. Triangle | B. Circle | C. Pentagon | D. Square
Answer: D. Square. A square has four equal sides and four 90° angles.
Question 5. Find 100 − 37.
A. 63 | B. 53 | C. 67 | D. 73
Answer: A. 63. Subtract 30 from 100 to get 70, then subtract 7 to get 63.
Question 6. An activity starts at 2:20 p.m. and lasts 40 minutes. When does it end?
A. 2:40 p.m. | B. 3:00 p.m. | C. 2:50 p.m. | D. 3:20 p.m.
Answer: B. 3:00 p.m.. Forty minutes after 2:20 is 3:00 p.m.
Classes 4–6: Fractions, Measurement and Data
Question 7. What is 3/4 + 1/8?
A. 4/12 | B. 5/8 | C. 7/8 | D. 1
Answer: C. 7/8. Write 3/4 as 6/8. Then 6/8 + 1/8 = 7/8.
Question 8. What is 15% of 200?
A. 15 | B. 20 | C. 35 | D. 30
Answer: D. 30. Ten percent is 20 and five percent is 10. Add them to get 30.
Question 9. A rectangular garden is 9 m long and 7 m wide. What is its area?
A. 63 m² | B. 32 m² | C. 16 m² | D. 72 m²
Answer: A. 63 m². Rectangle area = length × width = 9 × 7 = 63 square metres.
Question 10. Find the least common multiple of 6 and 8.
A. 12 | B. 24 | C. 18 | D. 48
Answer: B. 24. The first number divisible by both 6 and 8 is 24.
Question 11. What is the mean of 8, 12 and 16?
A. 10 | B. 14 | C. 12 | D. 16
Answer: C. 12. The sum is 8+12+16=36. Divide by three values to get 12.
Question 12. A book costs 500 units and is discounted by 10%. What is the new price?
A. 400 | B. 550 | C. 490 | D. 450
Answer: D. 450. Ten percent of 500 is 50, so the price after discount is 500−50=450.
Classes 7–9: Algebra, Geometry and Reasoning
Question 13. Solve 3x + 7 = 31.
A. 8 | B. 7 | C. 6 | D. 9
Answer: A. 8. Subtract 7 to get 3x=24. Divide by 3: x=8.
Question 14. Calculate −5 + 12.
A. −17 | B. 7 | C. −7 | D. 17
Answer: B. 7. Moving 12 units right from −5 on the number line reaches 7.
Question 15. A right triangle has perpendicular sides of 6 cm and 8 cm. Find its hypotenuse.
A. 8 cm | B. 9 cm | C. 10 cm | D. 12 cm
Answer: C. 10 cm. By Pythagoras, the hypotenuse is √(6²+8²)=√100=10 cm.
Question 16. Find the gradient of the line through (1,3) and (5,11).
A. 1 | B. 4 | C. 3 | D. 2
Answer: D. 2. Gradient = (11−3)/(5−1)=8/4=2.
Question 17. A bag contains three red and five blue counters. What is the probability of drawing a red counter?
A. 3/8 | B. 1/4 | C. 5/8 | D. 3/5
Answer: A. 3/8. There are eight counters and three are red; probability = 3/8.
Question 18. Expand (x+4)(x−4).
A. x²+16 | B. x²−16 | C. x²−8 | D. x²+8x−16
Answer: B. x²−16. Use the difference-of-squares rule: (x+4)(x−4)=x²−4²=x²−16.
Classes 10–12: Algebra, Functions and Probability
Question 19. Find the roots of x²−5x+6=0.
A. 1 and 6 | B. −2 and −3 | C. 2 and 3 | D. 3 and 5
Answer: C. 2 and 3. Factor to (x−2)(x−3)=0, giving roots 2 and 3.
Question 20. Evaluate cos 60°.
A. 0 | B. 1 | C. √3/2 | D. 1/2
Answer: D. 1/2. On the unit circle, the x-coordinate at 60° is 1/2.
Question 21. Find 1+2+3+⋯+10.
A. 55 | B. 50 | C. 45 | D. 60
Answer: A. 55. The sum of the first n positive integers is n(n+1)/2; for n=10 it is 10×11/2=55.
Question 22. If f(x)=x³, what is f'(2)?
A. 6 | B. 12 | C. 8 | D. 16
Answer: B. 12. Differentiate to get f'(x)=3x²; at x=2 this equals 3×4=12.
Question 23. Find the determinant of the matrix [[2,1],[3,4]].
A. 2 | B. 8 | C. 5 | D. 11
Answer: C. 5. For a 2×2 matrix, calculate ad−bc = 2×4−1×3=5.
Question 24. A fair coin is tossed twice. What is the probability of exactly one head?
A. 1/4 | B. 1 | C. 3/4 | D. 1/2
Answer: D. 1/2. The equally likely outcomes are HH, HT, TH and TT. Exactly one head occurs in HT and TH, so probability = 2/4 = 1/2.
Two-Week Maths Olympiad Revision Plan
| Days | Activity | Learning goal |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Check your class syllabus and try six practice questions | Find the topics that need attention |
| 4–6 | Review number skills, fractions, shapes or algebra | Strengthen the concepts behind the problems |
| 7–9 | Solve a mixture of familiar and challenging questions | Apply methods rather than memorising answers |
| 10–12 | Try a short timed session and explain solutions | Develop accuracy and a comfortable pace |
| 13–14 | Review mistakes, revisit formulas and organise exam details | Feel prepared and confident |
More Class-Wise Maths Olympiad Learning Resources
Explore our Maths Olympiad resources for Classes 1–12 to find your class’s worked questions and available practice papers. When you are ready for deeper multi-step reasoning, visit the Maths Olympiad Level 2 preparation guide.
For examination details, use the official SCO Maths Olympiad page, exam rules and current exam calendar. Select your class and session before making study or registration plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to start preparing for Maths Olympiad Level 1?
Start with the syllabus for your class, revise the basic concepts and solve a few practice questions every day. Understanding an answer is more valuable than memorising its option letter.
Which topics should students practise first?
Begin with the topics that match your school level. Younger students can concentrate on numbers, shapes and patterns; older students can build towards algebra, geometry and more advanced problem-solving.
Can parents help children prepare?
Yes. Ask your child to explain the method, use everyday examples and review mistakes together. Short and positive learning sessions can help develop confidence.
How can teachers use these questions?
Teachers can select the grade group that suits their students, discuss different methods and use worked answers to identify misconceptions.
Are practice questions available without paying?
Yes. The 24 questions and worked answers on this page are available to read, and the class-wise Maths guide has further study material. Exam entry details and any fees are provided in the official registration form.
How long should I practise each day?
Choose a manageable schedule that fits your age and school commitments. You can begin with a few questions, review the reasoning and gradually practise for longer.
Where can I check the exam dates and instructions?
Visit the SCO exam calendar and review the instructions for your selected exam session.
Can I try more challenging problems after Level 1 practice?
Yes. The Level 2 Maths Olympiad study guide offers multi-step practice problems and explanations to build advanced skills.
Start practising: Choose six questions from your class group, explain your working and use the answer explanations to plan your next learning session.
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