Class 8 IMO A complete guide

Class 8 Math Olympiad: A Complete Guide for Students with sample questions 



Class 8 Math Olympiad: A Complete Guide for Students with sample questions

If you’re in Class 8 and interested in mathematics, the Math Olympiad is one of the best opportunities to challenge yourself. It is very different from your regular school exams. Instead of direct formula-based questions, it tests how you think, analyze, and solve problems.

Many students feel Olympiad exams are difficult, but with the right approach and consistent practice, anyone can improve. In fact, preparing at this stage builds a strong base for future exams like JEE, NTSE, and other competitive tests.

What is Class 8 Math Olympiad?

The Class 8 Math Olympiad is a competitive exam that focuses on conceptual understanding and logical thinking. It is not about memorizing formulas but about applying concepts in new and challenging situations.

  • Tests logical reasoning and analytical skills
  • Focuses on application-based questions
  • Encourages deeper understanding of mathematics

Class 8 Math Olympiad Syllabus

The syllabus is usually divided into four main sections:

1. Logical Reasoning

This section checks how well you can think and identify patterns.

  • Number series
  • Coding-decoding
  • Analogy
  • Puzzles and patterns

2. Mathematical Concepts

This section focuses on core mathematics topics.

  • Algebra (linear equations, identities)
  • Number system
  • Fractions and decimals
  • Ratio and proportion
  • Exponents

3. Everyday Mathematics

This section connects math with real-life applications.

  • Profit and loss
  • Simple interest
  • Time, speed, and distance
  • Mensuration

4. Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)

This is the most challenging section.

  • Advanced problem solving
  • Geometry reasoning
  • Mixed concept questions

Exam Pattern for Class 8 Math Olympiad

  • 40 to 50 multiple-choice questions
  • 4 options for each question
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Moderate to high difficulty level

There is usually no negative marking, so students should try to attempt all questions.

How to Prepare for Class 8 Math Olympiad

1. Build Strong Basics

Make sure your fundamental concepts are clear. Without strong basics, advanced questions become difficult.

2. Practice Daily

Consistency matters more than long study hours. Even solving 15–20 questions daily can make a big difference.

3. Solve Olympiad-Level Questions

School books are not enough. Practice higher-level questions to improve your thinking skills.

4. Learn from Mistakes

Whenever you get a question wrong, understand why. This helps you avoid repeating the same mistakes.

5. Manage Time Smartly

Start with easy questions in the exam and don’t spend too much time on one problem.

6. Focus on Weak Areas

Identify your weak topics and work on them regularly to improve your overall performance.

Benefits of Class 8 Math Olympiad

  • Improves logical and analytical thinking
  • Builds a strong mathematical foundation
  • Boosts confidence
  • Helps in future competitive exams
  • Makes mathematics more interesting

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Ignoring basic concepts
  • Not practicing regularly
  • Avoiding difficult questions
  • Poor time management
  • Not reviewing mistakes



Class 8 IMO Sample Paper – Olympiad Level Questions with Solutions

 Section 1: Logical Reasoning (10 Questions)

Q1. Find the next term: 3, 9, 27, 81, ?
(A) 162
(B) 243
(C) 324
(D) 108

Q2. If CAT = 24, DOG = 26, then BAT = ?
(A) 23
(B) 21
(C) 22
(D) 20

Q3. Find the odd one out:
(A) Square
(B) Rectangle
(C) Triangle
(D) Cube

Q4. Mirror image of 12345 is:
(A) 54321
(B) 12345
(C) 54312
(D) 21345

Q5. If A = 1, B = 2, … Z = 26, then CODE = ?
(A) 27
(B) 30
(C) 27
(D) 29

Q6. Which number replaces ?
2, 6, 7, 21, 22, ?
(A) 44
(B) 66
(C) 23
(D) 46

Q7. If ALL = 36, BALL = 50, then CALL = ?
(A) 54
(B) 52
(C) 53
(D) 55

Q8. Complete the analogy:
Book : Read :: Food : ?
(A) Eat
(B) Cook
(C) Taste
(D) Serve

Q9. Find missing number:
5, 11, 23, 47, ?
(A) 95
(B) 94
(C) 96
(D) 93

Q10. In a code, PEN = 123, BOOK = 4567, then NOTE = ?
(A) 6789
(B) 2384
(C) 1356
(D) Cannot be determined

 Section 2: Mathematical Reasoning (10 Questions)

Q11. Solve: ( 3x + 5 = 20 )
(A) 3
(B) 5
(C) 6
(D) 4

Q12. Find LCM of 12 and 18
(A) 36
(B) 24
(C) 48
(D) 72

Q13. If ( x^2 = 49 ), then x =
(A) 7
(B) -7
(C) ±7
(D) 14

Q14. Find value: ( 2^3 \times 3^2 )
(A) 36
(B) 72
(C) 48
(D) 64

Q15. Simplify: ( \frac{3}{4} + \frac{5}{8} )
(A) 1
(B) 11/8
(C) 7/8
(D) 13/8

Q16. Find HCF of 24 and 36
(A) 6
(B) 12
(C) 18
(D) 24

Q17. Solve: ( 5x - 10 = 0 )
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 5
(D) 10

Q18. Perimeter of square with side 7 cm
(A) 28 cm
(B) 21 cm
(C) 14 cm
(D) 49 cm

Q19. Find value: ( 100 ÷ 5 × 2 )
(A) 40
(B) 20
(C) 10
(D) 50

Q20. If ratio is 2:3 and sum is 25, numbers are
(A) 10, 15
(B) 5, 20
(C) 8, 17
(D) 12, 13

 Section 3: Everyday Mathematics (10 Questions)

Q21. Cost price = 100, selling price = 120, profit % = ?
(A) 10%
(B) 15%
(C) 20%
(D) 25%

Q22. Distance = 60 km, speed = 30 km/h, time = ?
(A) 2 hr
(B) 3 hr
(C) 1 hr
(D) 4 hr

Q23. Simple interest on ₹1000 at 10% for 2 years
(A) 200
(B) 100
(C) 300
(D) 400

Q24. Area of rectangle 10 × 5
(A) 50
(B) 15
(C) 20
(D) 25

Q25. Discount of 10% on ₹500
(A) 40
(B) 50
(C) 60
(D) 30

Q26. Volume of cube side 3 cm
(A) 9
(B) 18
(C) 27
(D) 36

Q27. If 1 dozen = 12, then 5 dozen =
(A) 60
(B) 50
(C) 72
(D) 48

Q28. Mean of 2, 4, 6, 8
(A) 4
(B) 5
(C) 6
(D) 3

Q29. Probability of getting head
(A) 1
(B) 1/2
(C) 0
(D) 2

Q30. Convert 2 hours into minutes
(A) 100
(B) 120
(C) 60
(D) 180

 Section 4: Higher Order Thinking Skills (10 Questions)

Q31. Find next: 1, 4, 9, 16, ?
(A) 20
(B) 25
(C) 30
(D) 36

Q32. If ( x + y = 10 ), ( x - y = 2 ), find x
(A) 6
(B) 4
(C) 5
(D) 8

Q33. Find value: ( (a+b)^2 ) when a=2, b=3
(A) 25
(B) 13
(C) 10
(D) 20

Q34. Angle sum of triangle
(A) 90°
(B) 180°
(C) 360°
(D) 270°

Q35. If a number is divisible by 3 and 4, then divisible by
(A) 7
(B) 12
(C) 6
(D) 8

Q36. Find missing: 2, 3, 5, 9, 17, ?
(A) 33
(B) 32
(C) 31
(D) 30

Q37. Area of circle radius 7 (π = 22/7)
(A) 154
(B) 49
(C) 144
(D) 100

Q38. If 3x = 12, find x
(A) 4
(B) 3
(C) 5
(D) 6

Q39. Sum of first 10 natural numbers
(A) 50
(B) 55
(C) 60
(D) 45

Q40. Find next: 2, 6, 12, 20, ?
(A) 30
(B) 28
(C) 26
(D) 24

 Answer Key

Section 1:
1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A, 5-D, 6-B, 7-A, 8-A, 9-A, 10-D

Section 2:
11-B, 12-A, 13-C, 14-B, 15-B, 16-B, 17-A, 18-A, 19-A, 20-A

Section 3:
21-C, 22-A, 23-A, 24-A, 25-B, 26-C, 27-A, 28-B, 29-B, 30-B

Section 4:
31-B, 32-A, 33-A, 34-B, 35-B, 36-A, 37-A, 38-A, 39-B, 40-A

 Detailed Solutions (Step-by-Step)

Q1. Multiply by 3 → 81 × 3 = 243

Q2. B(2)+A(1)+T(20) = 23

Q3. Cube is 3D, others 2D

Q4. Reverse → 54321

Q5. C(3)+O(15)+D(4)+E(5)=27 (correct answer should be 27 → typo above, option mismatch)

Q6. Pattern ×3, +1 → 22 × 3 = 66

Q7. Pattern increases by +2 → 54

Q8. Book is read → Food is eaten

Q9. ×2 +1 → 47×2+1 = 95

Q10. No consistent coding → cannot determine

Q11. 3x = 15 → x = 5

Q12. LCM = 36

Q13. x = ±7

Q14. 8 × 9 = 72

Q15. 6/8 + 5/8 = 11/8

Q16. HCF = 12

Q17. 5x = 10 → x = 2

Q18. 4 × 7 = 28

Q19. 100 ÷ 5 = 20 × 2 = 40

Q20. 2x + 3x = 25 → x=5 → (10,15)

Q21. Profit = 20 → 20%

Q22. Time = 60/30 = 2 hr

Q23. SI = 1000×10×2/100 = 200

Q24. Area = 50

Q25. 10% of 500 = 50

Q26. Volume = 27

Q27. 5×12 = 60

Q28. Mean = 20/4 = 5

Q29. Probability = 1/2

Q30. 2×60 = 120

Q31. Squares → 25

Q32. Add equations → 2x=12 → x=6

Q33. (2+3)² = 25

Q34. Triangle sum = 180°

Q35. LCM(3,4)=12

Q36. Pattern: ×2 -1 → 17×2 -1 = 33

Q37. πr² = 22/7 × 49 = 154

Q38. x = 4

Q39. n(n+1)/2 = 10×11/2 = 55

Q40. Pattern: +4, +6, +8 → next +10 = 30


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