| name | cumcm-problem-reading |
| description | Parse and decompose 2026 CUMCM problem statements into subquestions, data requirements, deliverables, hidden constraints, scoring signals, assumptions to verify, and first-day action plans. Use when reading a new CUMCM problem, extracting tasks, clarifying what must be modeled, or building the initial problem brief before choosing methods. |
CUMCM Problem Reading
Use this skill at the start of a contest problem or when a team is confused about what the problem is actually asking.
Workflow
- Split the statement into subquestions, required outputs, given data, constraints, and evaluation hints.
- Mark ambiguous wording and assumptions that must be decided by the team.
- Build a task matrix: subproblem -> model need -> data need -> result artifact -> validation need.
- Identify which parts can start immediately and which depend on data cleaning or external definitions.
- Produce a first-day plan with baseline model, data audit, and paper skeleton actions.
- Read
references/checklist.md for the full reading pass.
- Read
references/task-matrix.md when converting a problem statement into work items.
- Read
references/examples.md when deciding how much detail to include.
Guardrails
- Do not solve from a vague reading; list missing definitions first.
- Do not invent hidden data or performance numbers.
- During the active contest window, do not browse public discussion of current problems.