Media Advisory: CU-Bloomsburg to Host High School Math Contest

Bloomsburg, PA (02/26/2024) — Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg will host its 25th Annual High School Math Contest on Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 8:30 to 2 p.m. in the Kehr Union Ballroom.

The competition, sponsored by CU's Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Digital Forensics, will include 52 teams from 20 high schools. Participating high schools include Hazleton Area, Hazleton STEM, Lewisburg Area, Mahanoy Area, Millville, Montoursville, MMI Prep, Muncy, Nativity BVM, North Schuylkill, Schuylkill Haven, Shamokin, Shikellamy, Southern Columbia, Parkland, Pottsville, Tri-Valley, Wallenpaupack Area, Weatherly, and Wyoming Seminary.

Morning Competitions:
1. Quiz Bowl: The Quiz Bowl is a fast-paced "Jeopardy" type game where teams compete head-to-head answering questions on topics ranging from arithmetic and algebra to geometry and logic. There are multiple timed rounds with winning and/or high-scoring teams advancing. The teams will be given a question to solve using only pencil and paper. Whichever team raises their hand first gets to answer first. If they give the correct result then they win the point. If they give an incorrect solution, the other team has a chance to answer. If no team solves the problem, or two incorrect answers are given, then the next question is asked.

1. Brainteasers: Each team will be given a set of brainteasers in a test-like format. Using only pencil and paper, students try to solve the problems. Teams must work individually and their solutions are collected at 11:30 a.m. Teams will be given scores based on their correct answers. The highest score wins.

Afternoon Competition:
1. The "Game of 24 Points" begins sharply at 12:30 p.m. The "Game of 24 Points" uses a standard deck of cards with the face cards removed. Four cards are dealt and using only addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division teams try to get 24. When a team figures out how to do this they should hit the table. Upon acknowledgment by the judge, they must explain their answer. If the solution is correct they get a point. If not, other teams have a chance to answer. If after one minute no one has an answer then the cards are collected and four more are dealt. In this game, two or three teams will compete at a time in five to ten-minute rounds, with winning and/or high-scoring teams advancing.

Note: Players may be required to get numbers other than 24 and/or may be allowed to use operations other than those specified above.

For more information on the contest, contact Professor Lisa Lister at llister@commonwealthu.edu or call 570-854-3215.