Campus to host state's 28th Math Olympiad

The Colorado Math Olympiad will return to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs for its 28th year Friday, April 22.

An estimated 400 middle and high school students from around the state will meet in Berger Hall and the Gallogly Events Center at 9 a.m. Participants are given four hours to complete five essay-style problems.

The competition – chaired by Alex Soifer, professor in interdepartmental studies – provides a chance for middle and high school students to test their talents and ingenuity while competing for medals, scholarships and other prizes.

The event is the largest mathematical competition in the United States with participants from grades six through 12 competing against one another. Annually, prizes are provided by the competition sponsors, such as Intermap Technologies, Wolfram Research and Texas Instruments.

UCCS Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak will offer gold, silver and bronze medalists a scholarship to UCCS. Other prizes include Casio calculators and math software.

Student participation is free and open to all students in grades six through 12. There is no limit on the number of schools or students who may participate.

Winners will be announced at an April 29 awards ceremony in the Upper Lodge. At that time, Soifer will deliver a lecture titled "A Proof From the Book" and present the awards. A reception will follow.

The Colorado Math Olympiad is supported by Casio Inc.; Wolfram Research; Office of the Chancellor; College of Letters, Arts and Sciences; school districts 11 and 20; Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper's Office; and Colorado Springs Mayor Lionel Rivera's Office.

For more information about the Colorado Math Olympiad, and to view problems from previous years, visit http://www.uccs.edu/olympiad.