VOL. XVI, NO. 11
APRIL 11, 1975
Maine West Holds
Yearly Math Contest
Yearly Math Contest
The twenty‑sixth annual High School Mathematics Examination was held at Maine West on March 11. This test is used to rank high schools throughout the state, and in recent years all the Maine schools have rated in the top 10 per cent.
The top three scores are added together and sent in as one score for the school. This year's top three scorers were Richard Skora '75, first place; Bob Roberts '75, second place; and Brian Tolan '77, third place. Richard placed first for the second year in a row.
A preliminary test was given in February to all Advanced Math III and IV classes and accelerated math classes. These tests were then graded, and the top 50 scorers took the final exam.
The exam consisted of 30 questions and was a multiple choice test lasting 80 minutes. The test was set up so that answering just a few of the questions was a genuine accomplishment. The scores were determined by multiplying the number right by five and then subtracting the number wrong.
The top three scores are added together and sent in as one score for the school. This year's top three scorers were Richard Skora '75, first place; Bob Roberts '75, second place; and Brian Tolan '77, third place. Richard placed first for the second year in a row.
A preliminary test was given in February to all Advanced Math III and IV classes and accelerated math classes. These tests were then graded, and the top 50 scorers took the final exam.
The exam consisted of 30 questions and was a multiple choice test lasting 80 minutes. The test was set up so that answering just a few of the questions was a genuine accomplishment. The scores were determined by multiplying the number right by five and then subtracting the number wrong.
The testing was administered at Maine by Mr. Thomas Keane, math instructor, and its purpose was to provide students with interesting and challenging problems within the realm of possibility. Mr. Keane commented that he hoped the yearly examination would stimulate and sustain Maine West students' interest in mathematics.
The test is sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America, the Society of Actuaries, Mu Alpha Theta, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the Casualty Actuarial Society.
Mr. Keane related, "The majority of students look forward to taking the test. They enjoy the competition and find it challenging. Some of the students start studying old tests as soon as this year's test is taken. I think that this type of dedication really reflects the interest of students in their study of mathematics."
The test is sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America, the Society of Actuaries, Mu Alpha Theta, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the Casualty Actuarial Society.
Mr. Keane related, "The majority of students look forward to taking the test. They enjoy the competition and find it challenging. Some of the students start studying old tests as soon as this year's test is taken. I think that this type of dedication really reflects the interest of students in their study of mathematics."