ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Putnam model

The Putnam model is like a puzzle that people try to solve together, kind of like a teamwork game. The puzzle has a lot of tricky questions that need smart and creative answers.

The Putnam model is a way for mathematicians and students to challenge their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The puzzle is called the Putnam Competition, and it happens once a year at different universities in North America.

The Competition has been happening since 1938, and it's named after William Lowell Putnam, an American mathematician. The goal is to solve as many of these math problems as possible in 6 hours, and whoever gets the most points, wins!

The questions are very complex, so it's not easy for anyone to solve. However, the purpose of the competition is not only to win but to train your brain and become a better thinker. It's like going to the gym to work on your muscles, but instead, you're working on your brain.

So, imagine you and your friends are playing a brainy game with puzzles and challenges that will keep you busy for a whole day. That's what the Putnam model is! Except it's for mathematicians and students who love to use their brainpower to solve complex problems.
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