CEMC Problem of the Week
A new math problem every Thursday at five levels from Grades 3–4 to Grades 11–12, with the solution a week later. Sign up by email or read it online.
- Grades
- Grades 3–12
- Format
- Email newsletter or the CEMC website. Done at home or in class.
- Cost
- No fee is listed. Problems and solutions are posted openly on the CEMC website.
- Official site
- cemc.uwaterloo.ca
Key dates
- ConfirmedNew problemEvery Thursday during the school year (2026–27 has started)
What it is
Problem of the Week is a weekly problem from the University of Waterloo's CEMC, the team behind the Gauss and Pascal contests.
There are five levels: Problem A (Grades 3/4), B (Grades 5/6), C (Grades 7/8), D (Grades 9/10) and E (Grades 11/12).
New problems are sent every Thursday during the school year. Solutions follow one week later.
Problems cover algebra, computational thinking, data management, geometry and number sense. Past problems are searchable by grade and theme.
A good fit if: Any child from Grade 3 who enjoys a weekly puzzle. A gentle, free habit between contests.
How to register
- Go to the Problem of the Week page and choose a level, or All Grades.
- Enter your email to get problems every Thursday.
- It's aimed at educators, but parents can sign up too.
How to prepare
- Pick the level for your child's grade, or one level lower to start.
- Try the problem together on Thursday, then compare with the solution the next week.
For grade-by-grade options see Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12.
Common questions
What grade is CEMC Problem of the Week for?
Grades 3 to 12, in five levels: A for Grades 3/4, B for 5/6, C for 7/8, D for 9/10 and E for 11/12.
Can parents sign up for Problem of the Week?
Yes. Anyone can subscribe by email on the CEMC website. Problems arrive every Thursday, with solutions a week later.
What comes next
Gauss Mathematics Contest
Canada's best-known middle school math contest for Grades 7 and 8. Written at school between May 10 and 21, 2027.
Grades 7–8$5 per studentMathCanadian Math Kangaroo Contest
A fun, international multiple-choice math contest from Grade 1. Parents register directly, and the contest is written on a Sunday in March.
Grades 1–12$20 last year if registered by…Sources
Last checked October 2, 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm with the organizer.