2026 Math Contest Preparation Course

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(CEMC Gauss Focus)

The Gauss 8 Contest is a multiple-choice mathematics competition for Grade 8 students, organized by the University of Waterloo’s Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC). It tests mathematical problem-solving and logical reasoning skills, with questions based on the Canadian Grade 7 and 8 math curricula. The contest has 25 multiple-choice questions divided into three sections, with difficulty increasing progressively. Students complete the contest within a set time and face challenges appropriate to different skill levels.

Instructor:

Binhang Zhu (Peter)

I am a graduate of the Medical Science and Computer Science programs at the University of Western Ontario. A dedicated community leader since Grade 7, I currently serve as a Supervisor for the Chinese Emotional Support Hotline at ECSSEN Career School. In this role, I lead, train, and mentor volunteers to ensure the delivery of compassionate, dependable emotional support to individuals in need. Through consistent guidance and role modeling, I have enhanced service quality and cultivated a supportive, empathetic environment that positively contributes to community well-being.

In addition to my volunteering in emotional support services and medical research, I serve as a Vice President responsible for teaching and coordinating physics and mathematics instruction. Through this leadership role, I have supported both individual student development and the broader educational growth of the community. This year, I plan to continue my Gauss 8 mathematics lessons, focusing on Questions 24 and 25 from the 2017 contest, as well as covering the 2016 and 2015 Gauss competitions. I welcome constructive feedback as I strive to continuously improve the quality and impact of my teaching.

Topic Breakdown by Section:

These questions focus on foundation-level Grade 8 math concepts that most students will have seen in class:

Main topics in Part A:

  1. Arithmetic & number evaluation
  2. Fractions and decimals
  3. Data interpretation
  4. Geometry & spatial reasoning
  5. Coordinate geometry basics
  6. Area & perimeter
  7. Ratios & classification
  8. Percent
  9. Circles

Main topics in Part B:

  1. Geometry reasoning
  2. Operations & order of operations
  3. Counting & combinations
  4. Scale & measurement
  5. Averages
  6. Number properties
  7. Fractions in real-world contexts
  8. Balance/equality problems
  9. Geometry length calculations

Main topics in Part C: Advanced & Creative Problem Solving

  1. Number theory & optimization
  2. Geometry & spatial reasoning
  3. Combinatorial path problems
  4. Exponents & digit patterns
  5. Arithmetic sequences & logic

Class Schedule:

Dates: January 18 – March 8, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Focus: CEMC Gauss

Cost: Free

Note: No class on February 15, 2026