About 1,100 attend 2016 Math Relays

  Monday, April 11, 2016 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

About 1,100 of the coolest kids in high school demonstrated their skill in math at Pittsburg State University’s 48th annual Math Relays on Tuesday, April 12.

Terry Ann Martin, a member of the PSU Math Department faculty, coordinates the event. She said students competed in a wide range of events designed to test their math knowledge. The students, from schools in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, were tested in a wide array of math activities ranging from algebraic equations to geometry, trigonometry, programming and logic and set theory.

Tim Flood, chair of the Department of Mathematics, said one of the things he loves about the event is the enthusiasm the students show for the competition.

Organizers say a national emphasis on the importance of mathematics and other STEM classes as well as the popularity of shows like “Big Bang Theory” have helped make math “cool” again.

The top 10 competitors in each of the contest's categories have their names listed in Yates Hall and the top three in each receive medals. The top performers are invited back to campus for Math Honor Day later in the year.