St. Pius X hosted its first two math competitions of the year on October 30 and November 5 in the Mark Kelly Gym.
The first competition, the KSU Mathematics Competition, took place on October 30. It consisted of 45 students solving pre-calculus problems during a 90-minute block at the start of the school day.
The competition uses a point system in which correct answers earn six points, leaving an answer blank earns two points, and incorrect or multiple answers earn zero points. Students who score in the top 10 percent in Georgia are invited to participate in the second round of the competition.
The event is sponsored by the Department of Mathematics in the College of Science and Mathematics at Kennesaw State University.
The students involved, often called “mathletes,” relied on study methods from the nights before the competition to help them succeed. Sophomores Caitlin Flowers and Gabbi Lee shared their approach, saying, “[We] do a couple practice problems by [ourselves], then take a 30-minute nap break. Then I call my friends, and we work together [on problems].”
The second competition, the American Mathematics Competition 12 (AMC 12), was hosted the following week. According to the Mathematical Association of America, “The AMC 12 is a 25-question, 75-minute multiple-choice competition designed for students in grades 12 and below. It covers the full high school mathematics curriculum, including trigonometry, advanced algebra, and advanced geometry. Calculus is excluded.”
Using study strategies from their teachers and years of math experience, some students moved quickly through the questions. Both competitions offer awards to top performers.
Despite the perceived ease of the competition, student Germann admitted, “I thought it was challenging, but there were some parts I was good at. I think my education as a whole helped me in the competition, and I think I did pretty well.”
Many participants expressed interest in competing again in the future. Freshman Amelia Peiper said, “Yeah, I would do it again. It was fun!”
St. Pius will host additional math competitions later in the year. Students are encouraged to sign up to participate or come out to support our mathematicians.
