Jewish Problems

TL;DR

This paper presents a collection of entrance exam problems used at Moscow State University, designed to subtly exclude certain applicants while maintaining plausible simplicity and avoiding complaints.

Contribution

It provides a historical and mathematical analysis of exam problems intentionally crafted to discriminate while appearing straightforward.

Findings

Problems had simple solutions but were hard to find

Used to exclude undesired candidates without complaints

Has both mathematical and historical significance

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.