The 2024 Math Kangaroo competition saw unprecedented participation across the United States, particularly popular among students in grades 1 through 5. In this article, we thoroughly analyzed the dynamics of the 2024 Math Kangaroo competition, examining the breadth of topics covered across Levels 1-2 and Levels 3-4. We delved into the specific modules and challenges presented by the questions. Furthermore, we outlined an effective preparation strategy designed to assist students in gearing up for the challenges of the Math Kangaroo 2025 competition.
Record-Breaking Participation in 2024 Math Kangaroo
Here are the key statistics highlighting the participation in this year’s Math Kangaroo competition:
- The total number of participants across the United States reached a record high of 44,070.
- California led with 17,941 participants, accounting for 40.7% of the total and far surpassing other states.
- Elementary school students were the majority, with students from grades 1 to 5 comprising 75% of all participants.
Achievements of Think Academy Students
Think Academy students from the US demonstrated outstanding performance in the 2024 Math Kangaroo rankings. They comprised 34.5% of National Rank 1 in levels 1-2 and 12.6% in levels 3-4. Furthermore, many students achieved placements in the prestigious Top 20, underscoring their impressive national standing.
For more details on the Math Kangaroo National Awards and Think Academy students’ achievements, explore our article: Unveiling Achievement: Think Academy 2023-2024 Math Competition Report.
Levels 1-2 Analysis
Question Breakdown by Module
In the 2024 Math Kangaroo levels 1-2 exam, geometry maintains a significant majority, with spatial sense becoming increasingly important. Additionally, there is a rising proportion of logical reasoning questions.
Answers, Key Knowledge Areas, and Difficulty Levels for Each Question
| Q# | Module | Key Knowledge Area | Answer | Difficulty (Points) | Think Academy Long-Term Program Coverage | Ability Tested |
| 1 | Geometry | Plane Shapes and Directions | C | 3 | PreK Summer | Spatial Sense |
| 2 | Geometry | Overlapping | A | 3 | K Fall | Spatial Sense |
| 3 | Geometry | Observation of Closed Shapes | E | 3 | K Summer | Reasoning |
| 4 | Geometry | Shape Rotation | C | 3 | K Fall | Spatial Sense |
| 5 | Logical Reasoning | Match the Same Pictures | C | 3 | PreK Spring | Reasoning |
| 6 | Geometry | Count Shapes | D | 3 | G1 Fall | Spatial Sense |
| 7 | Geometry | Count Grids for Length | D | 3 | K Summer | Spatial Sense |
| 8 | Geometry | Symmetry | E | 3 | G2 Summer | Spatial Sense |
| 9 | Geometry | Build with Solid Shape | D | 4 | K Spring | Spatial Sense |
| 10 | Counting and Statistics | Mark to Count Shapes | B | 4 | K Fall | Spatial Sense |
| 11 | Logical Reasoning | Operation with Shapes | B | 4 | G2 Fall | Reasoning |
| 12 | Reasoning | Maze and Addition within 10 | A | 4 | K Fall | Reasoning |
| 13 | Geometry | Edges of the Cuboid | B | 4 | K Spring | Spatial Sense |
| 14 | Number and Operation | Addition and Multiplication | D | 4 | G2 Summer | Number |
| 15 | Word Problem | Cycle Problems | B | 4 | G2 Spring | Number |
| 16 | Logical Reasoning | Number Puzzle | C | 4 | G1 Spring | Reasoning |
| 17 | Geometry | Three Views | E | 5 | G1 Spring | Spatial Sense |
| 18 | Counting and Statistics | Enumeration | C | 5 | K Summer | Reasoning |
| 19 | Geometry | Form Shapes | E | 5 | G2 Fall | Spatial Sense |
| 20 | Logical Reasoning | Conditional Reasoning | D | 5 | K Summer | Reasoning |
| 21 | Logical Reasoning | Operation with Shapes | A | 5 | G2 Fall | Reasoning |
| 22 | Counting | Shortest Way | C | 5 | ||
| 23 | Word Problem | Cycle Problems | D | 5 | G2 Spring | Number |
| 24 | Word Problem | Surplus and Shortage | B | 5 |
Think Academy’s long-term programs cover 92% of the questions assessed in the 2024 Math Kangaroo, with similar questions elucidated during the classes. Interested in preparing for the 2025 Math Kangaroo with Think Academy’s programs?
For a limited time, claim your free Keep Thinking, ThinkLand Kindergarten book or Math Kangaroo practice workbooks delivered to you when you complete a $1 trial class from Pre-K to Grade 2!
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Sample Questions Highlighting Challenges
The challenges in the 2024 Math Kangaroo levels 1-2 exam include navigating deceptively simple questions with hidden traps, meeting high demands for reading comprehension, and demonstrating strong spatial imagination. Next, we’ll examine some questions that highlight the challenges:
1. Questions that are deceptively simple but contain hidden “traps”.
2. Questions requiring high levels of reading comprehension.
3. Questions that demand strong spatial imagination.
Levels 3-4 Analysis
Question Breakdown by Module
In the 2024 Math Kangaroo levels 3-4 exam, significant emphasis is placed on word problems, comprising 43% of the assessment, while logical reasoning also plays a crucial role, accounting for 30% of the questions.
Key Knowledge Areas and Abilities Tested in Each Question
| Q# | Module | Key Knowledge Area | Ability Tested |
| 1 | Geometry | Cut Shape｜Area | Observation |
| 2 | Word Problem | Maze | Observation｜Reading |
| 3 | Word Problem｜Geometry | Form Shapes | Spatial Sense |
| 4 | Word Problem | Reasoning | Logical Sequence |
| 5 | Reasoning｜Word Problem | Place Value | Reading |
| 6 | Number Theory | Enumeration of Numbers | Reading |
| 7 | Geometry | Solid Figure Reconstruction | Spatial Sense |
| 8 | Word Problem｜Reasoning | Find Pattern | Observation｜Reading |
| 9 | Word Problem｜Reasoning | Enumeration | Reasoning｜Reading |
| 10 | Word Problem｜Reasoning | Reasoning | Reasoning｜Reading |
| 11 | Word Problem｜Reasoning | Multi-Step Reasoning | Reasoning｜Reading |
| 12 | Word Problem｜Reasoning | The Chicken and Rabbit Problem | Reasoning｜Calculation｜Reading |
| 13 | Word Problem｜Calculation | Principle of Inclusion and Exclusion | Calculation｜Reading |
| 14 | Word Problem | Permutations and Combinations | Observation |
| 15 | Geometry｜Word Problem | Symmetry | Spatial Sense |
| 16 | Geometry｜Word Problem | Side Length | Calculation｜Observation |
| 17 | Calculation | Complicated Calculation | Calculation｜Reading |
| 18 | Calculation｜Reasoning | Equivalent Substitution | Calculation｜Observation |
| 19 | Number Theory｜Word Problem | Greatest Common Divisor | Calculation |
| 20 | Calculation｜Reasoning | Equivalent Substitution | Calculation｜Observation |
| 21 | Word Problem｜Reasoning｜Geometry | Reasoning (Variation) | Reasoning｜Reading |
| 22 | Reasoning | Reasoning (Minesweeper) | Reasoning｜Reading |
| 23 | Word Problem｜Reasoning | Reasoning (Variation) | Reasoning｜Reading |
| 24 | Word Problem｜Reasoning | Reasoning (Optimization) | Reasoning｜Reading |
Sample Questions Highlighting Challenges
We’ll also review some questions from the 2024 Math Kangaroo levels 3-4 exam:
1. Questions demanding high levels of reading comprehension.
2. Simply put, the questions are difficult!
2025 Math Kangaroo Preparation Plan
Post-Test Reflections and Strategy Evaluation
If you participated in the 2024 Math Kangaroo, and intend to pursue further in math competitions, the first step is to reflect on the exam experience. This involves reviewing the encountered questions and assessing their difficulty levels. Additionally, analyzing the effectiveness of strategies such as time management, dealing with challenging questions, and capitalizing on easy reading questions for quick gains. These reflections are instrumental in planning and refining your preparation strategy for future exams.
Setting Learning Goals for Math Kangaroo Preparation
Setting clear learning goals is crucial for effective Math Kangaroo preparation. Focus on building a strong knowledge base across all tested concepts, improving problem-solving skills through practice, and becoming adept at handling different question types. Enhance your test-taking abilities by familiarizing yourself with the exam format and timing, and refining your approach to optimize performance.
Comprehensive Math Kangaroo Preparation with Think Academy
Think Academy offers comprehensive programs to prepare for Math Kangaroo, featuring long-term classes that progress from simple to difficult concepts, integrating competition knowledge into daily learning for easy mastery. Short-term classes focus on key question types and accumulating wrong questions to fully absorb knowledge points. Additionally, mock exams help students adapt to the examination environment. Students participate in group practices and work on real Math Kangaroo questions, supplemented by monthly webinars for timely planning.
For a limited time, claim your free Keep Thinking, ThinkLand Kindergarten book or Math Kangaroo practice workbooks delivered to you when you complete a $1 trial class from Pre-K to Grade 2!
Offer valid in the US and Canada Only
| Grade | Trial Class | Reward Upon Completion | Book Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-K | Register Now | Keep Thinking | Develop foundational math skills: Counting, number recognition, and basic arithmetic. Enhance cognitive development: Problem-solving and critical thinking. Boost confidence: Foster A sense of achievement and independence. |
| K | Register Now | ThinkLand Kindergarten | Comprehensive Review: Identify and address knowledge gaps before entering Grade 1. Wide Range of Practice: Exercises range from simple to challenging problems, ensuring thorough preparation. Logical Thinking: Develop critical thinking skills through problem-solving activities and puzzles. |
| Grade 1 | Register Now | MK 4-Pointer & 5-Pointer Practice Workbooks (100 Questions) | Boost Your Scores: Extensive practice for top performance. Achieve Mastery: 100 questions tailored to common Math Kangaroo types. Complete Coverage: Includes all challenging topics. |
| Grade 2 | Register Now | MK 4-Pointer & 5-Pointer Practice Workbooks (100 Questions) | Boost Your Scores: Extensive practice for top performance. Achieve Mastery: 100 questions tailored to common Math Kangaroo types. Complete Coverage: Includes all challenging topics. |
