Young Math Enthusiasts Show Competitive Edge

Hundreds of students participate in annual high school competition

(April 12, 2010 —Thunder Bay, ON) The 8th Annual TD Canada Trust Northwestern Ontario High School Mathematics Competition takes place in Lakehead University’s Ryan Building at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 28. The contest has two components including an individual contest (to be held in the morning) and a team competition (to be held in the afternoon). A substantial number of high school students from across the region have signed up to participate. For the first time this year, event organizers are also pleased to welcome Orillia high schools to participate in the contest.

“Mathematical applications are important to a broad spectrum of fields,” says Dr. Fridolin (Fred) Ting, Associate Professor of Mathematics at Lakehead University. “Math is the backbone of our technological and scientific advances, and it is becoming increasingly clear that math makes an impact in many areas, such as economics, business, and related avenues.” Dr. Ting emphasizes the role math plays in giving industry the edge.

The TD Canada Trust Northwestern Ontario High School Mathematics Competition tests students’ abilities to solve challenging problems related to their educational curriculum. Winners of the contest receive medals and cash prizes. An entrance prize for the top Grade 12 participating student who plans to attend Lakehead University in September 2010 is also available. Last year, the competition welcomed more than 170 student participants, including those from Geraldton, Terrace Bay, Wawa, and Atikokan.

“The purpose of this particular contest is to stimulate and develop the mathematical talents of students, boost their confidence, and invigorate mathematical interest,” explains Dr. Ting. Math can be both a group and social activity, and this competition highlights teamwork via team-based problem solving. Dr. Ting notes that in his experience, participants have seemed to thoroughly enjoy the team-focused aspect of the contest.

In preparation for the contest, tutorials are held every Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in Lakehead University’s Ryan Building, room 2023. All young math enthusiasts are welcome to attend – free of charge.

Northwestern Ontario has been home to many talented young people who, over the years, have excelled in established mathematics contests, run both nationally and internationally, and who have later gone on to enjoy successful careers in fields related to mathematics.

Lakehead University’s Department of Mathematical Sciences thanks major sponsor TD Canada Trust for making this contest possible. The support provided by Thunder Bay Hydro, BMO Nesbitt Burns, Thunder Bay Ventures, NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada), Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS), Lakehead University, TBT Engineering, Engineering Northwest Ltd., and Thunder Bay Chinese-Canadian Association is also greatly appreciated.

To learn more about the 8th Annual TD Canada Trust Northwestern Ontario High School Mathematics Competition, please contact Dr. Ting via 807-343-8469.