The Motivation and the Thinking behind Each of the Problems Created and Selected for Mathematics Olympiads

Abstract

The reasons that guide the design and elaboration of the problems that compose the different stages or rounds that make up the annual realization of Mathematical Olympiads are analyzed for the purpose of showing how they seek to develop the mathematical thinking of the participating student and how the thinking that the student is invited to develop can be characterized. This is done in the context of the analysis of the thinking involved in the solution or solutions of problems selected as representative of each round belonging to a certain year.