Banting's Math Contest

Introduction To the Math Contest

Sir Frederick Banting S.S. has been a participant in math contests for many years. Over the years, Banting has had excellent participation from students and we hope our fellow students will continue to do so. This page is devoted to informing students about the different kinds of Math Contests for senior students. The following is a list of math contests available at Banting.

Note: The following is only a list of senior math contests

Table of Content

Canadian Mathematics Competition

Descartes Math Contest

Euclide Math Contest

Canadian Mathematics Competition

The Canadian Math Competition is part of the Canadian National Math League Contest that originated in the U.S. It is perhaps the largest math contest in North America with over one million student participants. The Math League provides contests for Grades 4 through 8 and High School students. The goal of this contest is to encourage student interest and confidence in mathematics through solving worthwhile problems.

High School Contests


There are 6 high school contests each school year. There are 6 questions per contest for seniors and 10 questions per contest for juniors. There is no written solution required and there is a 30 minute time limit for each contest. The last two questions on each contest are meant to be very challenging. The last question especially would require some thought. The problems, however, require no knowledge beyond secondary school mathematics and calculators are allowed.

Note: The dates of the math contests are approximately the same every year.

However, the time, period, and place may vary.

Please feel free to participate in the math contests. The math department welcomes everyone!

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Descartes Math Contest

This math contest is designed by the University of Waterloo. It is primarily for students who are strong in math. Its purpose is to challenage the minds of graduating students who plan to proceed to university. There is no limite to the number of inviations extended to each school, however the math departement would like to know the number of participants in advance. Please consider carefully.

Eligibility

Any student is invited to write the Descartes Contest. However, to be able to receive individual awards and to participate in team competitions, students must meet the following conditions.

• Must be a full time senior student registered at Banting S.S. If you finished your studies at the end of first semester, you are still eligible.
• Must be 20 years or younger. For the 1997 contest, your birthday must be on or after Jan.1, 1997.
• Must have been in attendance at a Canadian Secondary School for at least 12 months prior to the year of the examination, e.g. prior to Dec.31, 1996 for the '97 contest.

Preparation

A good preparation for this contest would aid in a respectable score. Reprints and solutions to previous years' tests are available from Ms. Oka. It would also be helpful to review your own notes from math courses taken. In addition, there are practice sessions held throughout the year by Mr. Griffith. Listen to the announcement for more detail.

Scholarships and Awards

By writing the contest, you may become eligible for first year scholarships at the University of Waterloo. If your score is excellent, it will play an important role in admission and entrance scholarship decisions. This is especially the case if you plan to enter the Faculty of Mathematics or the Faculty of Engineering.

Awards Given:

1. The top five competitors will receive a Gold Medal, and a National Bank of Canada cash prize of $500.
2. The next ten will receive a Book prize from the National Bank of Canada.
3. Students scoring in the top 25% will receive a certificate of Distinction.

Structure of the Test Paper

The paper consists of three parts, each requiring knowlege of Calculus, Algebra-Geometry, and some knowledge of Finite Math. The contest will be two and a half hours long, written in the morning. The answers to the contest must be in full and there are marks assigned for form and style. Poorly written solutions will not be given full marks. The three parts of the contest are the folowing:

Part A: this part requires knowledge of Calculus

1. Derivatives of equations, e.g. polynomial functions and rational functions.
2. Applications of derivatives, e.g. maxima and minima, related rates, rate of change, curve sketching and tangents.

Part B: the topics of this part are a selection of three topics from the following. They relate to Algebra and Geometry.

1. systems of equations (linear and others)
2. polynomial equations, properties of roots, remainder theorem
3. basic trigonometry, including simple compound angle formulas
4. lines in 2 space, lines and planes in 3 space
5. algebraic and geometric vectors in 2 and 3 space.
6. sequences and series.

Part C: four problems involving all possible topics. This part is usually the most difficult part.

Registration Procedures

To register, please contact Ms. Oka or any math teacher at the beginning of January.
NOTE: Contest material is available upon request from any math teacher.

Euclid Math Contest

The Euclid Math Contest is also designed by the University of Waterloo. It is suitable for grade 12 students. A student may be an official contestant in both contests, but may not win an individual prize. This year, the contest is written on April 15, 1997. Sample problems and solutions for this contest are also available. It is also advisable to prepare for this contest to achieve a satisfactory score.

For more Information, please contact Ms.Oka or any math teacher.

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