Hardest Math Problem!

Energize students’ perceptions of math with fun, challenging story problems that combine math reasoning skills with writing.

Grades 5-8

Free registration & a chance to win a laptop and $3000 toward a 529 college savings plan, plus gift cards for teachers!

Registration is open every Fall.

Stay informed with registration reminders and upcoming events:

About the Contest

The Hardest Math Problem Contest is an annual competition presented by The Actuarial Foundation, the Institute of Competition Sciences, and the New York Life Foundation that challenges students in grades 6-8 to solve multistep, grade-appropriate math problems with real-world situations and engaging characters. Plus, 5th graders are eligible to participate by reaching to a higher grade level!

Challenge 1

Open to all

Registration has closed

Challenge 2

By invitation to qualifiers

Qualifiers will be notified in January

Where are you joining us from?

Students from public, charter, private, and homeschools across the country have contributed their extraordinary ideas to the Hardest Math Problem Contest – and we’re on a mission to reach more. Do you see your town represented? Register for this year’s Contest to join your local HMP scholars on the map, or to add a brand new pinpoint!

"My students found the questions not only challenging but also interesting and as a teacher, it was great to use the questions. I broke down the questions and students had fun solving it little by little, step by step!"

"It's a fun and engaging challenge. I love problems that make my students THINK, and not just use an algorithm or formula."

"My advanced math students LOVE this contest every year. $5,000 for college would change a life in my school. It's inspiring!"

"I was seeking challenge options for students needing enrichment and this seemed like a fantastic opportunity."

"I like many aspects of the contest. It helps students with their mathematical literacy and I like that it is in two parts. The activity provides a great, real-world challenge to my learners."

"The opportunity for students to not only complete a real world-type word problem with multiple steps, but the chance to challenge themselves further by trying a problem from an advanced grade level really increased my interest in this activity since many students think they can't do math, but when offered the chance to do more than expected for their age, they often do!"

"Students finding the statistical median was great for 6th grade because statistics is often a concept that gets rushed through during the school year because we teach it right before state testing and the end of the school year."

Contest Winners

The 2025–26 contest has closed and we applaud all students’ efforts. Congratulations to our Challenge 2 winners!

GRAND
PRIZE

Grade 6

Owen V., Portland, OR

Grade 7

Arnav V., Novi, MI

Grade 8

Mia L., Chappaqua, NY

RUNNERS
UP

Grade 6

Violet H., Newton, CT

Grade 7

Steve C., Arlington, VA

Grade 8

Uppilli S., Fremont, CA

HONORABLE
MENTIONS

Grade 6

Ivo M., Bethesda, MD

Grade 7

Kirtan W., Grapevine, TX

Grade 8

Kiran L., Middletown, DE