IMC Advanced 1: Arithmetic, Algebra & Number Theory
Go deep on arithmetic, algebra and number theory to confidently reach Gold certificate scores and qualify for follow-on rounds.
About This Course
An in-depth exploration of arithmetic, algebra and number theory at the level needed for Gold certificates and Kangaroo/Olympiad qualification.
What you’ll learn:
🔢 Advanced Number Theory Prime factorisation, sophisticated divisibility problems, properties of powers and roots, and the challenging number puzzles that separate Gold from Silver.
📊 Algebraic Reasoning Formulating complex equations, working with multiple variables, algebraic manipulation in unfamiliar contexts, and the abstract thinking required for top scores.
🧮 Arithmetic at Depth Percentage and ratio problems with multiple steps, efficient calculation techniques, and the computational challenges that appear at Gold level.
🎯 Cross-Topic Problems Many of the hardest IMC questions combine arithmetic, algebra and number theory, along with other areas. You’ll practice recognising these connections and choosing the right approach.
Perfect for:
- Strong students aiming for Gold certificates
- Those targeting Kangaroo or Olympiad qualification
- Students who’ve completed Core Topics and want to push further
- Anyone comfortable with school algebra who wants competition-level challenge
Target grade: Gold Certificate / Kangaroo & Olympiad Qualification
Teacher: Dr Kevin Olding
Format: 5 sessions of 45 minutes via Zoom | Recordings included
Book Live Sessions – Upcoming Dates
Live sessions run in October each year.
All live attendees receive:
- Real-time Q&A with Dr. Kevin Olding
- Interactive problem-solving with other students
- Immediate access to the recording of your live sessions
- Access to polished course recording from a previous session provided after the course (where available)
Not seeing any dates? Booking may not be open yet, or this year’s sessions may now have started or be complete. You can still get the recording below and start this course immediately.
Or Get the Recording Now
Can’t make the live dates, or want to start your preparation now? Get the professionally edited recording from last year’s course.
What’s included:
- All teaching content from the live sessions, but no access to live classes
- Professionally edited and polished
- Work through at your own pace
- Lifetime access to the recording
What Students Say
About Your Teacher
Expert Teaching from Dr. Kevin Olding
After obtaining First Class undergraduate and Masters degrees in Mathematics from Magdalen College, Oxford, Kevin taught at Westminster School and Dulwich College. He later completed his PhD in Mathematics at the University of Bath while founding Mathsaurus.
Kevin’s students have achieved places at leading UK schools and universities, with many earning Olympiad medals. Over 50,000 students have taken Kevin’s courses, with a combined social media following of over 65,000 across YouTube and TikTok.