Teens to Face Off in Battle of Math Wits

Ten high school teams will compete in the 24th annual High School Mathematics Contest at Westmont on Saturday, Feb. 12. The contest begins at 1 p.m. with a Chalk Talk Derby, written exams and a fast-paced team competition with buzzers modeled after the once-popular College Bowl TV show. Finals will get under way beginning at 4 p.m. at the Darling Foundation Lecture Hall in Westmont’s Winter Hall (Room 210). Dinner and an awards ceremony begin at 5:30 p.m. in Kerr Student Center.

Because it’s the 24th year of the math contest, the chalk-talk topic will be factorials. Four factorial or 4! is 24 (4x3x2x1).

“The contest brings together the best students from a variety of institutions,” says Russell Howell, Westmont professor of mathematics. “Its purpose is to encourage them to continue in their excellent academic pursuits.”

Participating this year will be Bishop Garcia Diego High School, Cate School, Crescenta Valley High School, Dos Pueblos High School, La Cañada High School, Oaks Christian High School, San Marcos High School, Santa Barbara Family, Santa Barbara High School and the Thacher School.

A contest itinerary, map, sample questions and photos from past events can be found at www.westmont.edu/mathcontest.