FAQ

Can I use a programming language other than C, C++, Java,  Python, or Kotlin for the contest?

No. Allowing additional languages would cause more work for the Site Directors (who must install the necessary software) and the Regional Chief Judges (who must write judging utilities for the language).

Does it matter which language I use?

Contest problems are designed with C++ and Java programmers in mind, so C programmers may be at a disadvantage. C++ and Java are roughly comparable, so pick whichever one you’re most familiar with.

Python programs typically run longer than C++ or Java implementations. Python is good where the issue is in coding time, not in run-time. Python is still OK if most of the time is in optimized built-in functions.  However, the judges do not promise that there is an acceptable Python solution for all contest problems.

What mathematical knowledge is needed for the contest?

Up to 25% of the Mid-Central Regional Competition may include higher math as described below. That means typically at most two problems, but there is no guarantee of the number of problems using certain kinds of mathematics.

Higher math may include:

• matrix operations: multiplication, addition, subtraction; solving a matrix equation
• 3D vector operations: addition, scalar multiplication, dot product, cross product, triple scalar product as volume
• root finding of continuous functions by bisection
• calculus of one variable topics: finding extrema with the help of derivatives

In other situations needed mathematical formulas will be provided, for instance for statistics.