This week Year 5 and 6 students from Mudgee joined a record number of participants in the 39th annual Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition - to put their problem solving skills to the test.
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A total of 19,226 from 334 schools throughout regional NSW sat the 35-question paper with no help from calculators, rulers or other mathematical instruments.
Last year Ben Bryant, from Mudgee Public School, received the Mudgee District Year 5 Award, setting the challenge for his fellow students.
"We're really excited that we have so many local students taking part this year and we hope everyone has a great time challenging themselves," Sam Watson, Mudgee branch lending manager, said.
"The exam helps students to develop mathematics and problem solving skills which are invaluable at all ages. We're actually told that many adults find the exams challenge their own problem solving abilities [see below].
"Each year students produce some outstanding results and again this year we expect to find some exceptional young minds in our regional schools."
Sample question from 2018 competition:
Melissa saved a certain amount of money for special activities during the school holidays. She spent $24, which was 40 per cent of her money, on a shopping trip. A few days later she went to the movies and spent a further 15 per cent of the original amount of money. How much money did she have left after the movies?
(A) $27 (B) $36 (C) $45 (D) $60