2017 Math Kangaroo Real Questions and Analysis

In this article, you’ll find:

• A topic distribution chart for the 2017 Math Kangaroo Levels 1–4
• Key concepts tested in each topic
• A question–module mapping table
• Four real 2017 questions with solutions and common mistakes
• Study tips and resources to prepare effectively for Math Kangaroo

2017 Math Kangaroo Overview

The Math Kangaroo competition consists of a single 75-minute multiple-choice test with five answer options per question. Students can participate either online or on paper.

Scoring Structure

• Grades 1–4: 24 questions, maximum score of 96 points
• Grades 5–12: 30 questions, maximum score of 120 points

Learn more about Math Kangaroo Format and Scoring Here: Math Kangaroo FAQ and Resources: Your Ultimate Guide

Levels 1-2 Analysis

Topic Distribution

The 2017 Math Kangaroo Levels 1–2 exam is led by geometry and reasoning (both 33%), followed by number sense (25%) and a small portion of word problems (9%), reflecting an early focus on spatial sense, pattern recognition, and basic quantitative skills.

Detailed Module Summary

Module	Question Numbers	What It Tests (Brief)
Geometry	Q5, Q6, Q10, Q11, Q12, Q14, Q19, Q21	Counting shapes; composite shapes; rotations of shapes; building blocks; lining up; symmetry & reflection
Reasoning	Q1, Q4, Q7, Q15, Q16, Q22, Q23, Q24	Visual tracking; cutting times and parts; finding the code; equivalent substitution reasoning; positional reasoning; rule-based logic
Word Problem	Q18, Q20	Multiples word problems; time word problems
Number	Q2, Q3, Q8, Q9, Q13, Q17	Counting; multipes; equivalent substitution; addition; sums

Real Questions and Solutions Explained

Geometry Example – Problem 12

Question:

Alfred was rotating a shape. The first three turns are shown in the picture. He did six turns in total. How does the shape look at the end?

Solution:

After 4 turns, the shape returns to its original position. So, 6 turns is the same as doing 2 extra turns beyond a full cycle. Look at how the shape looks after 2 turns — that’s the final answer E.

Answer: E

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring the rotation pattern and guessing from shape.
• Miscounting the number of turns.

Reasoning Example – Problem 15

Question:

The ancient Romans used Roman numerals. We still use them today. Here are some examples: I = 1, II = 2, V = 5, IX = 9, X = 10, XI = 11, XX = 20. This year, 2017, we celebrate Math Kangaroo number XX. What year was Math Kangaroo number XV?

(A) 2010  (B) 2011  (C) 2012  (D) 2013  (E) 2014

Solution:

XX means 10+10=20. XV means 10+5=15.

If the 20th Math Kangaroo is in 2017, then the 15th Math Kangaroo happened 5 years earlier. 2017 − 5 = 2012.

Answer: C

Common Mistakes:

• Mixing up Roman numeral values.
• Subtracting the wrong number of years.
• Thinking XV means “10 minus 5” instead of “10 plus 5.”

Word Problem Example – Problem 20

Question:

A kangaroo makes 10 jumps in 1 minute and rests 3 minutes after. He repeats this cycle. What is the least number of minutes needed to make 30 jumps?

(A) 4  (B) 5  (C) 7  (D) 8  (E) 9

Solution:

To reach 30 jumps, the kangaroo must complete 3 sets of 10 jumps. Each set takes 1 minute, and after the first two sets, he rests 3 minutes. So the time is:

Jump (1 min) + Rest (3 min) + Jump (1 min) + Rest (3 min) + Jump (1 min) → 1 + 3 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 9 minutes.

Answer: E

Common Mistakes:

• Forgetting to include rest time
• Thinking 3 jumps = 3 minutes

Number Example – Problem 13

Question:

In which picture are there twice as many apples as carrots and twice as many carrots as pears?

Solution:

The condition is: Apples = 2 × Carrots; Carrots = 2 × Pears.

Picture D shows: 4 apples, 2 carrots, 1 pear. This satisfies both conditions.

Answer: D

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring the order of the relationships (apple to carrot, carrot to pear)
• Only checking one part of the condition (e.g., apples vs carrots)
• Miscounting the number of fruits/vegetables in the images

Levels 3-4 Analysis

Topic Distribution

The 2017 Math Kangaroo Levels 3–4 exam shows an even balance among geometry (29%), reasoning (29%), and number skills (25%), with word problems (17%) adding real‑world context—indicating a well‑rounded focus on spatial reasoning, logical deduction, and fundamental arithmetic thinking.

Detailed Module Summary

Module	Question Numbers	What It Tests (Brief)
Geometry	Q3, Q4, Q7, Q9, Q12, Q17, Q18	Overlapping; polygonal shapes; reflection & symmetry; front & back views; paper folding; 3D block diagram; length & distance
Reasoning	Q8, Q10, Q16, Q19, Q20, Q21, Q22	Permutation; local rules; equivalent substitution; logic reasoning; distributing problems
Word Problem	Q13, Q15, Q23, Q24	Sum-difference problems; arranging problems; multiples problems
Number	Q1, Q2, Q5, Q6, Q11, Q14	Operations; counting; factors & multiples; addition & subtraction; sums

Real Questions and Solutions Explained

Geometry Example – Problem 12

Question:

Solution:

Option C folds the paper into quarters, so one hole in the folded paper becomes four holes when unfolded. The positions match the final image.

Answer: C

Common Mistakes:

• Choosing a fold that creates diagonal symmetry instead of grid
• Not visualizing the cut multiplying across folds
• Thinking one cut means one visible hole in the end

Reasoning Example – Problem 19

Question:

The ancient Romans used Roman numerals. We still use them today. I=1, V=5, X=10, L=50, C=100, D=500, M=1000. John was born in February of the year MMVII. How old is John today? (Today’s date is on this booklet.)

(A) I (B) III (C) IV (D) V (E) X

Solution:

The Roman numeral MMVII equals: M = 1000, M = 1000, V = 5, I = 1, I = 1.

So, MMVII = 1000 + 1000 + 5 + 1 + 1 = 2007. The question asks how old John is today (in 2017, according to the test date), and since he was born in February, his birthday in 2017 has already passed. So: 2017 − 2007 = 10. John is 10 years old, which in Roman numerals is X.

Answer: E

Common Mistakes:

• Misreading MMVII as 2005 instead of 2007.
• Choosing the wrong Roman numeral for 10.

Word Problem Example – Problem 15

Question:

David wants to prepare a meal with 5 dishes using a stove with only 2 burners. The times needed to cook the 5 dishes are 40 min, 15 min, 35 min, 10 min and 45 min. What is the shortest time in which he can do it? (He may only remove a dish from the stove when it is done cooking.)

(A) 60 min   (B) 70 min  (C) 75 min  (D) 80 min  (E) 85 min

Solution:

David has 5 dishes with cooking times: 40, 15, 35, 10, and 45 minutes.

To cook them using 2 burners as quickly as possible, he needs to divide the total time (145 minutes) between the two burners efficiently.

145 ÷ 2 = 72.5 minutes, which is not a whole number, but the closest reasonable even split that’s a multiple of 5 is 75 + 70. That can be done by placing:

• On burner 1: 40 min + 35 min = 75 min
• On burner 2: 15 min + 10 min + 45 min = 70 min

Since the burners work at the same time, the total time is the longer of the two: 75 minutes.

Answer: C

Common Mistakes:

• Adding all times together and not dividing by number of burners
• Forgetting that two dishes can cook at the same time
• Assuming dishes can be swapped before they finish cooking

Number Example – Problem 11

Question:

Balloons are sold in packets of 5, 10 and 25. Marius buys exactly 70 balloons. What is the smallest number of packets he can buy?

(A) 3  (B) 4  (C) 5  (D) 6  (E) 7

Solution:

Try combinations of 25, 10, and 5 balloon packets to total exactly 70. Three 25-balloon packets would be too many (3 × 25 = 75). Two 25-packs and one 10-pack = 60, which is not enough. But two 25-packs (50) and two 10-packs (20) make 70. That’s four packets.

Answer: B

Common Mistakes:

• Choosing 3 packets without checking total exceeds 70
• Not testing multiple combinations

2017 Math Kangaroo Answer Key

Question	Level 1 & 2	Level 3 & 4
1	D	E
2	C	A
3	B	E
4	A	C
5	A	A
6	A	E
7	E	C
8	C	A
9	D	E
10	A	E
11	D	B
12	E	C
13	D	D
14	A	D
15	C	C
16	B	D
17	B	C
18	C	B
19	C	E
20	E	D
21	E	C
22	D	B
23	B	E
24	E	B

Best Resources to Prepare for Math Kangaroo

Visit our All-in-One Math Kangaroo Hub for free and exclusive preparation materials, including video explanations, worksheets, and topic breakdowns.

About Think Academy

Think Academy, wholly owned by TAL Education Group, specializes in preparing students for the Math Kangaroo competition. Each year, over 300 Think Academy students win Math Kangaroo awards, including 35% of all Level 1 perfect scores nationwide. 7 out of 10 Think participants won national awards in 2025. Supported by world-class resources and expert coaching, we empower students to achieve exceptional results in international mathematics competitions.

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