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Do you know how many times the number six appears between 100 and 1,000, or two positive integers whose sum and product are prime, or what shape the faucets are in the Pardee bathrooms?
If you can answer these questions, then you should excel in the ninth annual Math Bowl April 26 at 12 p.m in Pardee Hall.
The competition, which is run like Jeopardy with math questions, pulls from a whole range of topics. Questions can be about pop culture, such as math-based movies or cars with math-related names like Infiniti; the math department or faculty; and, of course, mathematics.
“Last year’s math bowl was a great experience,” says math major Jordan Tirrell ’08 (West Grove, Pa.), who was part of last year’s winning team. “I think the questions were selected from a good mix of different topics that Lafayette math majors should know about, including math problems as well as questions about the mathematical community and Lafayette’s math department.”
The format and rules are based on College Bowl competitions. There are four teams of four students each. Correct answers to toss-up questions earn 10 points. Buzzing in early is allowed, but the team loses five points if it’s wrong. Correct answers earn a chance at a bonus question, usually worth 20 points. The winners receive a Math Bowl Champion T-shirt.
“These kinds of academic activities enrich student life and encourage interest in the world of mathematics,” says Tirrell. “The math bowl has certainly added to my Lafayette experience. I still wear my ‘Math Bowl Champion 2005’ t-shirt around regularly.”
Other members of last year’s winning team are Xue Ji ’08 (Wuxi Jiangsu, China), Mark Kokoska ’08 (Bloomsburg, Pa.), and Keming Liang ’08 (Zibo, China). They will also be competing this year.
There are still spots open for participants. To sign-up, contact tournament organizer Gary Gordon, professor of mathematics, at gordong@lafayette.eduor use the sign-up sheet on Gordon’s door (Pardee 229). Free lunch and entertainment will also be provided.