 Mathcounts logo | |
| Formation | 1983 |
|---|---|
| Type | Foundation |
| Purpose | To provide engaging math programs to US middle school students of all ability levels to build confidence and improve attitudes about math and problem solving.[1] |
| Headquarters | Alexandria, Virginia |
| Location | |
Executive Director | Kristen Chandler[2] |
Co-founder | Donald G. Weinert[2] |
Main organ | National Staff |
| Website | mathcounts |
MathCounts, stylized as MATHCOUNTS, is a nonprofit organization that provides grades 6 through 8 extracurricular mathematics programs in all U.S. states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands. Its mission is to provide engaging math programs for middle school students of all ability levels to build confidence and improve attitudes about math and problem solving.
In MathCounts, testing is conducted in four separate rounds: the Sprint, Target, Team, and Countdown rounds.
The Sprint Round consists of 30 problems to be completed within the time limit of 40 minutes. This round is meant to test the accuracy and speed of the competitor. As a result of the difficulty and time constraints, many competitors will not finish all of the problems in the Sprint Round.
The Target Round consists of eight problems. Problems are presented in sets of two, with each set having a six minute time limit. Calculators are permitted on this portion of the test. This round is meant to test the accuracy and problem solving skills of the competitor. Many later problems are highly difficult, even with the aid of a calculator, and it is common for some students to leave questions blank.
The Team Round consists of 10 problems to be solved in 20 minutes. This round, similar to the Target Round, allows use of a calculator. Only the four students on a school or state's team can take this round officially.[3] The Team Round is meant to test the collaboration and problem solving skills of the team.
The Countdown Round is an optional round with a buzzer type question format. Competitors can buzz in to answer questions. Execution of the Countdown Round varies from different locations, with some using a one-on-one format and some having multiple competitors at the buzzers at the same time. The Countdown Round may be official(has an impact on your score) or unofficial depending on the location. The Countdown Round is meant to test the speed and reflexes of a competitor. The Countdown Round is the official determinant of the National Champion at MathCounts Nationals.
Topics covered in the competition include geometry, counting, probability, number theory, and algebra.
- ^ "MATHCOUNTS: Our Story".
- ^ a b "Our Board of Directors | MATHCOUNTS". www.mathcounts.org. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
- ^ "MATHCOUNTS COMPETITION SERIES". MATHCOUNTS Foundation. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
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