2024 Math Kangaroo Real Questions and Analysis

In this article, you’ll find:

• A topic distribution chart for the 2024 Math Kangaroo Levels 1–4
• Key concepts tested in each topic
• A question–module mapping table
• Four real 2024 questions with solutions and common mistakes
• Study tips and resources to prepare effectively for Math Kangaroo

2024 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

In the 2024 Math Kangaroo Levels 1–2 exam, geometry continues to hold a dominant share, emphasizing spatial sense and shape visualization. Logical reasoning also increased in proportion, highlighting conceptual understanding and pattern recognition.

Detailed Module Summary

Module	Question Numbers	What It Tests (Brief)
Geometry	1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 17, 19	Tests spatial sense and visual reasoning — recognizing 2D and 3D shapes, rotation, overlapping, symmetry, edges, and perspective views.
Logical Reasoning	5, 11, 12, 16, 20, 21	Assesses pattern recognition, conditional reasoning, and logical deduction using visual or numeric cues; encourages flexible thinking and problem-solving.
Counting & Statistics	10, 18, 22	Focuses on enumeration and systematic counting — marking, grouping, and identifying shortest paths to strengthen quantitative reasoning.
Word Problem	14, 15, 23, 24	Evaluates application of number operations in context, including addition, multiplication, cycle patterns, and surplus/shortage reasoning.

Real Questions and Solutions Explained

Geometry Example – Problem 6

Question:

Bruno is making this large triangle using identical small triangular tiles. How many more tiles does Bruno need to complete the large triangle?

(A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 6 (E) 7

Solution:

By examining the pattern, the triangle has gaps where six tiles are missing. Counting each equal-sized tile shows Bruno needs 6 more tiles to complete the figure.

Answer (D)

Common Mistakes:

• Counting half tiles as full ones
• Ignoring symmetry or miscounting repeated patterns

Logical Reasoning Example – Problem 16

Question:

One of the numbers in the picture is equal to the sum of the numbers connected directly to it. Which number is this?

(A) 3 (B) 5 (C) 7 (D) 10 (E) 12

Solution:

Observe the figure carefully: the number 7 in the upper-right corner connects directly to the numbers 1 and 5.

\[1 + 1 + 5 = 7\]

Thus, the condition is satisfied.

Answer (C)

Common Mistakes:

• Missing one connected line
• Adding diagonally adjacent numbers

Counting & Statistics Example – Problem 22

Question:

Zara wants to move through the grid from A to B. She can only move right (→) or up (↑). Each time she visits a gray box, she pays 1 dollar; each white box costs 2 dollars. What is the minimum total cost Zara must pay?

(A) 11 dollars (B) 12 dollars (C) 13 dollars (D) 15 dollars (E) 16 dollars

Solution:

Zara passes through 8 boxes in total.

To minimize cost, she must go through as many gray boxes as possible.

After testing paths, the minimum cost is

\[1 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 13\]

Answer (C)

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring start or end boxes
• Counting diagonal paths

Word Problem Example – Problem 24

Question:

Andrew was throwing darts at a target. He started with 10 darts and got 2 new darts each time he hit the target. In total, Andrew threw 20 darts and then had none left. How many times did Andrew hit the target?

(A) 4 (B) 5 (C) 6 (D) 8 (E) 10

Solution:

Andrew threw 20 darts and began with 10.

Each hit earns 2 extra darts:

\[10 + 2𝑥 = 20 \Rightarrow 𝑥 = 5\]

Therefore, Andrew hit the target 𝟧 times.

Answer (B)

Common Mistakes:

• Forgetting extra darts are part of the total count
• Misreading “2 new darts each time” as total bonus darts

Levels 3-4 Analysis

Topic Distribution

In the 2024 Math Kangaroo Levels 3–4 exam, word problems dominate (43%), requiring multi-step reasoning and real-world application. Logical reasoning (30%) remains a key component, focusing on deduction and analytical skills.

Detailed Module Summary

Module	Question Numbers	What It Tests (Brief)
Word Problem	2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24	Tests students’ ability to interpret real-world contexts, translate them into equations or logic steps, and apply multi-step reasoning in scenarios like maze navigation, pattern finding, combinatorics, and optimization.
Logical Reasoning	4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24	Focuses on deductive and pattern reasoning, sequencing, conditional logic, and variant puzzles; strengthens analytical and inferential thinking.
Geometry	1, 3, 7, 15, 16, 21	Evaluates spatial visualization and symmetry recognition, solid figure reconstruction, and reasoning involving shape properties and transformations.
Calculation	13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20	Tests numerical fluency, multi-step arithmetic, equivalent substitution, and number manipulation in applied contexts.
Number Theory	6, 19	Focuses on enumeration and divisibility concepts such as greatest common divisor and basic number properties.

Real Questions and Solutions Explained

Word Problem Example – Problem 12

Question:

Peter the Penguin goes fishing every day and brings back 9 fish for his 2 chicks. Each day, he gives 5 fish to the first chick he sees and 4 fish to the second chick. The chicks eat all the fish they get. Over the last few days, one chick ate 26 fish. How many fish did the other chick eat during those days?

(A) 19 (B) 22 (C) 25 (D) 28 (E) 31

Solution:

Each day, Peter distributes 5 fish to one chick and 4 fish to the other.

That means in total, he gives away 9 fish per day.

If one chick ate 26 fish, then the other chick must have received a different number of fish per day.

Since they alternate between getting 5 and 4 fish each day, the second chick would have eaten 28 fish in the same period.

Answer (D)

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming one chick always gets 5 fish
• Ignoring the alternating pattern

Logical Reasoning Example – Problem 22

Question:

The figure below shows a honeycomb with 9 cells. There is honey in some cells. The number in each cell shows how many neighboring cells contain honey. Neighboring cells share a side in common. How many cells contain honey?

(A) 4 (B) 5 (C) 6 (D) 7 (E) 8

Solution:

As shown in the figure, the numbers marked in blue represent clues for reasoning.

Cells marked in red are confirmed to contain honey, while cells marked in gray have no honey.

By analyzing the neighboring relationships step by step, it can be deduced that 6 cells contain honey in total.

Answer (C)

Common Mistakes:

• Counting diagonal neighbors
• Misreading numbers as amounts of honey

Geometry Example – Problem 1

Question:

Which square is cut into two different shapes?

Solution:

Upon observation, the two parts of Option E are different in shape.

One piece forms an “M”-like structure, and the other forms a “U”-like structure.

Therefore, Option E is the only square that is cut into two non-congruent (different) shapes.

Answer (E)

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing shape difference with area difference
• Overlooking symmetry

Calculation Example – Problem 20

Question:

In the following calculations, the same digits are hidden under the same figures.

Different digits are hidden under different figures.

\[ △ + △ = □ ○ \]
\[ ○ + △ = □ □ \]

What is the value of \( △ × ○ × □ \)?

(A) 0 (B) 15 (C) 18 (D) 28 (E) 30

Solution:

Since the sums involve one-digit numbers, their results are less than 20. Testing possible values, we find:

\[7 + 7 = 14 \Rightarrow □ = 1, ○ = 4 \; \text{Thus,} \; △ × ○ × □ = 7 × 4 × 1 = 28\]

Answer (D)

Common Mistakes:

• Treating shapes as multi-digit numbers
• Mixing digit order (14 vs. 41)

Number Theory Example – Problem 19

Question:

There are 60 students on a trip. When they line up, the colors of their reflective vests follow this pattern: yellow, green, yellow, green, …

The colors of their backpacks follow another pattern: red, brown, orange, red, brown, orange, …

How many students with a yellow reflective vest also have an orange backpack?

(A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 6 (D) 8 (E) 10

Solution:

The reflective vest pattern repeats every 2 students, and the backpack pattern repeats every 3 students.

The least common multiple (LCM) of 2 and 3 is 6, so the complete combined pattern repeats every 6 students.

Within each 6-student group, exactly one student has both a yellow vest and an orange backpack.

Since there are 60 students total, \[60 \div 6 = 10 \Rightarrow 10\text{ students meet the condition.}\]

Answer (E)

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring LCM
• Counting patterns separately

2024 Math Kangaroo Answer Key

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

Recommended Reading

• Math Kangaroo FAQ and Resources: Your Ultimate Guide
• Math Kangaroo 2025 Results: Scores, Awards & Rankings
• Math Kangaroo: Solutions for 2025 and Preparation for 2026

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