Pupils’ maths skills put to the test

Pupils from grades 11 and 12 from 21 schools and students from five universities participated to raise awareness about the importance of mathematics and its application in practical life.

ABU DHABI // The maths skills of more than 100 high school pupils and university students were challenged in a competition at the Abu Dhabi University on Saturday.

The 2014 National Mathematics Competition, which took place in the Al Ain campus, was organised by the university’s college of arts and sciences for the second year.

Pupils from grades 11 and 12 from 21 schools and students from five universities participated to boost the profile of the importance of mathematics and its application in practical life.

The competition also aimed to encourage participants to develop their skills in critical thinking and the analysis of mathematical problems in a creative way.

Dr Radwan Al Jarrah, the university’s dean of arts and sciences, said the competition had attracted students from schools and universities from across the UAE.

“It’s a great opportunity to spread awareness on the importance of mathematical sciences, and it enhances students’ analytical and critical thinking skills while encouraging them to approach solutions to mathematical problems creatively,” he said.

“It also allows us to share with them our celebrations with Abu Dhabi University’s 10th anniversary.”

The number of entrants increased from 70 to 100 this year.

“This growth emphasises ADU’s success in promoting the importance of mathematics and its applications as well as gives us the opportunity to instil the love of science in students,” said Dr Fares Howari, the chair of applied sciences and mathematics.

Dr Sofiane Grira, the assistant professor of mathematics and statistics, organised the event.

“The large participation from students refutes the misconception that mathematics is an unpopular science amongst students in general,” he said.

“It allows us as educators to enhance awareness on the different applications of mathematics in our daily lives, especially as the competition, which was held online, included questions that covered algebra, calculus, probability, logic and geometry over two rounds.”

All participating teams took part in the first round competing against each other, after which only the top teams from three universities and 10 schools qualified to the second and final round.

The winners of the competition were the Falcons from New York University, AJ Rhinos from Al Ain Junior school and the Enthusiasts from Liwa International School.