Contest Layout
The contest is three hours long. There are 5 questions on the CMO, each worth 7 marks, for a total of 35 points. Each problem is graded the same way as it is on the IMO.
From 1969 to 1972, the CMO was 10 questions long. In 1973, this was shortened to 7 questions. It alternated between 7 and 8 before finally stabilizing to five questions in 1979.
Two graders will grade the questions. If there is a dispute between the graders by more than one point, they will reconsider the problem until a consensus was reached.
The grading is considered as follows:
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- If no work was done or very insignificant progress was made, the answer is graded zero.
- If significant progress is made, marks of 1, 2, or 3 will be given, depending on the amount progress toward solving the problem.
- Marks of 4 or 5 are given for answers that are essentially correct, but are poorly presented or lack showing of work in some areas.
- If the solution has a minor error that can be trivially fixed, it is given a 6.
- An absolutely perfect solution is awarded a mark of 7. This might be given if there is an error in the writing that does not affect the solution in any meaningful way.
Read more about this topic: Canadian Mathematical Olympiad
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