Mathematics competition

Press, 4 October 1984, Page 2

Mathematics competition

Twenty of New Zealand’s top young mathematical brains will meet in Christchurch tomorrow for the Bank of New Zealand Senior Mathematics Competition.

About 3800 sixth-formers and seventh-formers from 200 schools sat a 90-minute preliminary paper to establish the finalists. The competition co-ordi-nator, Mr Paul McWilliam, of the Canterbury Mathematical Association, said the final paper would last 90 minutes and consist of four questions. Although there was an expected method for the students to follow to find the solutions in the preliminary .paper, many found shorter methods, said Mr McWilliam.

The first prize ia a $3OO bank account with the Bank of New Zealand, second prize is a $2OO bank account, and the third placegetter will win a $lOO bank account. The other 17 finalists will each be given a $25 bank account. Each finalist will also be presented with a trophy and a book prize and students from outside Christchurch will be flown to the city.

The top 100 students from the preliminary paper will be presented with a certificate.

Mr McWilliam said in previous years a maximum

of two girls had reached the final. This year, seven girls would compete in the final. The examination will be held at the University of Canterbury between 11 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. After lunch, the students will visit the Harewood base of the United States Naval Support Force Antarctica. The results will be announced at an evening function at Christchurch Boys’ High School.

The 20 finalists are: Lorna Brant, Takapuna Grammar School; Peter Manning, Mahurangi College; Michael Pointon, Rangitoto College; Robert Hamilton, Auckland Grammar School; Steven Mackey, Auckland Grammar School; Catherine Scherp, Edgewater College; Brian Kirtlan, Rotorua Boys’ High School; Wayne McDougall, Pukekohe High School; Alan Thomas, Tauranga Boy’s College; Alison Southby, Sacred Heart Girls’ College; Donald Pointon, Waqganui Collegiate School; Andrew Fletcher, Central Hawke’s Bay College; Angela Barnes, Hutt Valley High School; Lance Wiggs, Scots College; Spencer Scoular, Nelson College; John Laban, Burnside High School; Andrew Mcßae, Christ’s College; Mark Tomlinson, Mairehau High School; Jonathan Fabre, Logan Park High School; Lesley Henderson, Central Southland College.