Why is Russian math so strong?
The answer is hidden in our mentality. Russian mathematics is a reflection of the national character. We give ourselves to it with all our passion and strength, making it a way of life, devoting a lot of time to it, and succeeding. When we do not succeed, we look for different ways to reach the goal, and in the end we reach it.
Perhaps this is why Gregory Perelman proved Poincaré's theorem, one of the seven problems of the millennium (2002). The Clay Mathematical Institute awarded him the Millennium Prize of one million dollars for it. Perelman was also given an award for his proof, every mathematician's dream, the Fides Prize. True, he declined the award.
You not only have to be great at math, but you also have to teach math effectively
Our scientists created universities and institutes, training excellent specialists there. Since 2004, the International Collegiate Programming Contest has been held. Almost every year there are winners and runners-up from Russia. This is excellent proof of the power of Russian mathematics.
Schools in other countries understand the advantage of Russian mathematics and try to attract customers. At Princeton, for example, the math school is positioning itself as a "Russian math methodology for American students." The math program for schools in America differs from ours not only in content, but also in the speed of learning. A Russian 7-year-old child and an American 10-year-old child will have about the same math skills. The program is taught slowly and at a lower rate than in Russian schools. That's why knowledge is different.
Yes, Russian math is strong and fundamental. And we are proud that we can teach it to children.
