All students in grades five through 12 are invited to challenge their thinking and creativity skills throughout the event, which is a part of K-State's All-University Open House.

Yan Soibelman, professor of mathematics, expects 85 to 150 students to participate in the competition, which will be from 9 a.m. to noon in Cardwell Hall. Participants are invited to return for the solution session and awarding of prizes from 5 to 8 p.m.

"This is an open competition," said Soibelman, chair of the Olympiad committee. "We expect a team from Alabama. A few years ago, we had a winner from Wichita."

Students will have three hours to complete four problems.

"Solutions will require creativity and concentration, not just routine application of what they learned at school," Soibelman said.

The Olympiad, which Soibelman introduced to K-State seven years ago, is designed to encourage kids interested in mathematics.

The competition is modeled after both the U.S. and International Mathematical Olympiads as well as others throughout Europe.

"Mathematical Olympiads have long tradition in Eastern Europe," Soibelman said. "I use the same format. I don't think there is anything like that in Kansas."