University hosts high school mathematics competition
FOR RELEASE: Monday, November 7, 2005
Huntington, Ind. "The semiannual Huntington University Mathematics Competition took place Wednesday, October 26, 2005, in the Science Hall. The goal of the event was to support and encourage students seeking to achieve great things in mathematics. Seven area high school teams competed for individual and team awards for their demonstration of mathematical abilities. Represented were Ayersville High School of Defiance, Ohio; Compass Home Schools of Andews, Ind.; Rochester High School of Rochester, Ind.; Clay High School of South Bend, Ind.; North Miami High School of Denver, Ind.; Hamilton Southeastern High School of Fishers, Ind.; and Southern Wells High School of Poneto, Ind.
Huntington University's Eric Throne, a junior mathematics major from Stryker, Ohio, coordinated the competition. Dr. Jeffrey Lehman, associate professor of computer science, provided technological assistance.
With a total of 280 points, Hamilton Southeastern High School retained its first place title and earned its fourth consecutive win. Compass Home Schools came in second with 215 points. Ayersville High School dropped one place from last spring's competition finish with 190 points.
In the individual standings, junior Nathan Biberdorf of Compass Home Schools earned first place with a score of 110 points. Following him was senior Brian Thomas of Hamilton Southeastern High School with 100 points.
Heading into the final test of the day, an unprecedented six-way tie at 65 points knotted the competitors for third place. Amir Aburabi of Southeastern High School correctly answered a tie-breaker question in the fastest time and took home third place honors.
The mathematics competition is comprised of three rounds. The first round is a 20-question written exam with subjects ranging from algebra to calculus. Students can earn up to 100 points for the exam. The individual round of competition features 10 questions with a two-minute time limit to complete each question. Correct answers within the first minute give the student 10 points while correct answers in the second minute earn five points. The final round, or team round, allows for an additional 25 points.
