Phong Chau
Professor of Mathematics, Evening Assistant Chair
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Glendale Community College, Glendale, AZ 85302
Office: MA 161
Phone: 623-845-4789
Email: phong.chau@gccaz.edu
National Student Mathematics League Annual Competition 2017 - 2018
It's time for the Student Mathematics League Competition!
To participate, follow these steps:
1. Register online: Click here to fill out the online registration form. It should be submitted online by Thursday, March 1st, 2018.
2. Practice information:
The experience of top GCC performers on past exams seems to indicate that the score that you will receive on the exam is directly proportional to the number of old exam problems worked prior to taking the exam. So, it is highly recommended that you work through as many of these exams as you can.
How to study for the test
Practice sessions will be held in room MA 108 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm on Fridays 2/16 and 2/23.
It takes time to adjust to the type of questions which are included on competitions, so the more practice you are able to have, the better. Try to become acquainted with the vocabulary which is included in the questions.
Strategies to Improve Your Score on the Math League Exam
- Review tests from previous years to become familiar with the types of problems and format of the questions.
- Focus on studying the types (algebra, trigonometry, etc.) of problems that you like and you are strong at.
- The questions can be quite challenging. Just look for any questions you think you can handle. There are questions there for all levels of students.
- Remember that you are competing against students in your level and you are not expected to answer all the questions.
- Do not make random or wild guesses. Try to eliminate two wrong answers, then make a reasonable choice, if possible.
- Sometimes working "backwards" from the list of multiple-choice answers is an effective strategy.
3. Take the test: Click here for information about the test date, time and location; what to bring and what to expect on the test date.
4. Win prizes: Click here for information about the prizes and eligibility to receive awards.
Register today to take part in this year's competition. The competition consists of two one-hour exams. The first exam is given during fall semester and the second is given during spring semester. Students may take one or both of the exams. Each exam consists of 20 questions, which are primarily multiple choice. The level of all questions is precalculus mathematics (college algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and probability). For each exam, a perfect score would be 40 points, but achieving a score in the 15-20 range is considered to be a good result. Exams are scored in a manner that discourages guessing - wrong answers count negatively on your final score. Students taking part in the competition should not necessarily expect to answer all of the questions on the exam in the allowed hour. This year's prizes, including scholarships and graphing calculators, will be awarded to top performers at GCC. The awards are as follows:
First Place (after both rounds) - $500 scholarship
Second Place (after both rounds) - $300 scholarship
Third Place (after both rounds) - $200 scholarship
In addition, First Place Winner in each round will win a graphing calculator, provided you have not won one before from GCC.
To compete, you must be a GCC student enrolled in at least one class. To win a scholarship you must take both rounds. Once you win a calculator, you cannot win another one, but you are still eligible for the scholarships.