2019 Math Kangaroo Real Questions and Analysis

In this article, you’ll find:

• A topic distribution chart for the 2019 Math Kangaroo Levels 1–4
• Key concepts tested in each topic
• A question–module mapping table
• Several real 2019 questions with solutions and common mistakes
• Study tips and resources to prepare effectively for Math Kangaroo

2019 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 2019 Math Kangaroo Levels 1–2 exam emphasizes geometry (46%) and strong logical reasoning (29%), with word problems (17%) and number sense (8%) playing smaller supporting roles.

Detailed Module Summary

Module	Question Numbers	What It Tests (Brief)
Geometry	Q2, Q4, Q5, Q7, Q9, Q10, Q13, Q14, Q15, Q18, Q21	2D shape composition, cube views & visible faces, perimeter, divide shapes, nets & folding, rotation, grid transformations
Reasoning	Q8, Q11, Q12, Q20, Q22, Q23, Q24	Substitution, routes planning, pattern reasoning logic
Word Problem	Q3, Q16, Q17, Q19	Basic comparison & difference, least amount, time; calendar, price problems
Number	Q1, Q6	Counting & pairing

Real Questions and Solutions Explained

Geometry Example – Problem 14

Question:

Each of the shapes shown is made by gluing together four cubes of the same size. The shapes will be painted. Which shape has the smallest area to be painted?

Solution:

Each cube has 6 faces, but when cubes are stuck together, some faces are hidden. To find the shape with the smallest painted area, count how many faces are still showing. Shape B has the fewest visible faces (only 16). That means it has the smallest painted area.

Answer: B

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking all shapes have the same area just because they use 4 cubes.
• Forgetting that touching sides are not painted.

Reasoning Example – Problem 12

Question:

A cat and a bowl of milk are in opposite corners of the board. The cat can only move as shown by the arrows. In how many ways can the cat reach the milk?

(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 5 (E) 6

Solution:

To reach the milk, the cat must make 2 right moves and 2 down moves, no matter what path it takes. There are different orders the cat can do these 4 steps (like: right, down, right, down… or down, right, down, right…). By checking all possible paths or tracing them like in the picture, there are 6 different ways for the cat to reach the milk.

Answer: E

Common Mistakes:

• Forgetting the cat can only move right or down (not up or left)
• Repeating the same path or missing paths
• Thinking the cat can go diagonally or skip steps

Word Problem Example – Problem 3

Question:

Together, Mom Kangaroo and her son Jumper weigh 60 kilograms. Mom Kangaroo alone weighs 52 kilograms. How much does Jumper weigh?

(A) 2 kilograms (B) 4 kilograms (C) 8 kilograms

(D) 30 kilograms (E) 46 kilograms

Solution:

The total weight of Mom and Jumper is 60 kg. Mom by herself weighs 52 kg. To find how much Jumper weighs, subtract: 60 − 52 = 8 kilograms.

Answer: C

Common Mistakes:

• Adding instead of subtracting

Number Example – Problem 6

Question:

Jorge pairs his socks so that the numbers match. How many pairs can he make?

(A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 6 (E) 8

Solution:

The socks with numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 can be paired up. The socks with 4, 6, and 8 do not have matches.

Answer: C

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to pair socks with different numbers

Levels 3-4 Analysis

Topic Distribution

The 2019 Math Kangaroo Levels 3–4 exam prioritizes reasoning (38%) alongside substantial geometry (33%) and solid number work (29%), meaning many problems require clear step-by-step reasoning with basic number skills.

Detailed Module Summary

Module	Question Numbers	What It Tests (Brief)
Geometry	Q4, Q6, Q5, Q7, Q10, Q11, Q18, Q20	Transformations (translation/rotation/reflection), shape composition, cube/nets & surface painting, area/perimeter, 3D views & overlays
Reasoning	Q1, Q9, Q13, Q16, Q17, Q21, Q22, Q23, Q24	Logic, ordering with rules, combinatorial selection, schedule
Number	Q2, Q3, Q8, Q12, Q14, Q15, Q19	Arithmetic structures & expressions, digits, sums, counting by cases

Real Questions and Solutions Explained

Geometry Example – Problem 18

Question:

Anna used 32 small white squares to frame a 7 by 7 picture. How many of these small white squares does she need to frame a 10 by 10 picture?

(A) 36 (B) 40 (C) 44 (D) 48 (E) 52

Solution:

For a 10×10 picture: Each side needs 10 squares. There are 4 sides: 10 (top) + 10 (bottom) + 10 (left) + 10 (right) = 40. And 4 corners: 40 + 4 = 44 squares.

Answer: C

Common Mistakes:

• Forgetting to add the 4 corner squares

Reasoning Example – Problem 21

Question:

In a park there are 15 animals: cows, cats, and kangaroos. We know that precisely 10 are not cows and precisely 8 are not cats. How many kangaroos are there in the park?

(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 8 (E) 10

Solution:

There are 15 animals in the park: cows, cats, and kangaroos.

• 10 animals are not cows → Cows = 15 − 10 = 5
• 8 animals are not cats →  Cats = 15 − 8 = 7
• Kangaroos = 15 − 5 − 7 = 3

Answer: B

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing “not cows” or “not cats” as the number of cows or cats.
• Forgetting that the total includes cows, cats, and kangaroos altogether.

Number Example – Problem 12

Question:

The weight of dog toy is a whole number. How much does one dog toy weigh?

(A) 7 kg (B) 8 kg (C) 9 kg (D) 10 kg (E) 11 kg

Solution:

From the first scale, one dog is lighter than 12 kg. From the second scale, two dogs together weigh more than 20 kg, so each must be heavier than 10 kg. The only whole number that is more than 10 and less than 12 is 11.

Answer: E

Common Mistakes:

• Missing the clue that 2 dogs > 20 kg means each is over 10 kg.
• Choosing 10 kg, forgetting it must be more than 10 and less than 12.

2019 Math Kangaroo Answer Key

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

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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