Maths simply fun

Balmacewen Intermediate pupils (from left) Sam Thompson and George Bates  use puzzles to develop...
Balmacewen Intermediate pupils (from left) Sam Thompson and George Bates use puzzles to develop their spatial concepts, which in turn helps them develop their mathematical skills. Photo by Linda Robertson.
Sam Thompson and George Bates love nothing more than to answer complex mathematical equations off the top of their heads, just to see the looks on people's faces.

''People try to stump us in the playground by asking hard questions, like what's 42 squared, or what's 36 x 73,'' Sam said.

''It takes a while [about 10 seconds], but I can normally answer them.

''It's funny watching their faces when I answer.''

The Balmacewen Intermediate duo are only 13 and 12 respectively, but already they are making names for themselves in mathematical circles.

Sam recently won a gold medal for scoring the highest mark in the New Zealand Maths Olympiad, scored 100% in the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) mathematics exam, and received a high distinction in the Australian Mathematics Competition.

George won a bronze medal in the New Zealand Maths Olympiad, a high distinction in the ICAS mathematics exam, and finished in the top 0.1% in the Australian Mathematics Competition.

Balmacewen Intermediate maths teacher Janne Miller said the boys were ''very competitive. They are always chasing each other to try to beat each other in competitions.

''If one knows something, they other wants to know it too.''

Mrs Miller was particularly pleased with the boys' results in the New Zealand Maths Olympiad because it was the first time the competition had been held for intermediate-aged pupils.

''It has really in-depth questions which take a lot of working out.''

While the questions seemed complicated to many, they were just plain fun for the boys. Seven other pupils gained honourable mention for achieving top results.

She said Balmacewen Intermediate pupils received six high distinctions and 12 distinctions in the ICAS maths competition; as well as two high distinctions and 17 distinctions in the Australian Mathematics Competition.

john.lewis@odt.co.nz

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