English

Jewish Problems

History and Overview 2013-06-25 v2

Abstract

This is a special collection of problems that were given to select applicants during oral entrance exams to the math department of Moscow State University. These problems were designed to prevent Jews and other undesirables from getting a passing grade. Among problems that were used by the department to blackball unwanted candidate students, these problems are distinguished by having a simple solution that is difficult to find. Using problems with a simple solution protected the administration from extra complaints and appeals. This collection therefore has mathematical as well as historical value.

Cite

@article{arxiv.1110.1556,
  title  = {Jewish Problems},
  author = {Tanya Khovanova and Alexey Radul},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1110.1556},
  year   = {2013}
}

Comments

21 pages, 14 figures

R2 v1 2026-06-21T19:16:46.133Z