130 students compete in Abu Dhabi University’s 3rd Annual “National Mathematics Competition”

More than 130 high school students from around the UAE recently disproved the widely spread misconception that mathematics is an unpopular science while competing for the top three places during the 3^rd Annual “2015 National Mathematics Competition” on Abu Dhabi University’s Al Ain Campus. Organized by the University’s College of Arts and Sciences, in its third year the competition attracted 11^th and 12^th graders who formed around 60 student teams representing 30 schools from around the UAE, with each team competing by utilizing their critical and analytical thinking to solve complex mathematical problems in a creative way.

Explaining the significance of the competition, Dr.  Radwan Al Jarrah Dean of Abu Dhabi University’s College of Arts and Sciences stressed its role in highlighting the importance of mathematics and its applications in practical life, as well as focusing on enhancing participants critical and analytical skills and encouraging them to think outside the box when solving mathematical problems. “The increased turnout of student participants from schools across the UAE is a testament to the competition’s success in embodying ADU’s message in teaching, scientific research and community service. Moreover, it confirms ADU’s commitment to contributing to the preparation of future generations who will help transition the UAE into a knowledge-based economy corresponding with the policy agenda of Abu Dhabi’s Government and its Economic Vision 2030”, said Dr. Al Jarrah.

Chair of the Applied Sciences and Mathematics Department, Dr. Yousef Nazzal pointed out that the competition is one of many academic activities that the department is keen on organizing annually as it serves the community and translates ADU’s interest in disseminating knowledge and exporting experiences to aid the academic community. “The number of participating teams this year show a real difference that proves how much the academic community needs this type of activity that highlights the importance of mathematics in our daily lives”, added Dr. Nazzal.

On his part, Dr. Sofiane Grira Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Statistics and organizer of the 3^rd Annual “National Mathematics Competition” asserted that the participation of more than 130 high school students refutes the misconception that mathematics is an unpopular science and asserts its position as an essential and fundamental pillar for a broad-based education. He added: “Mathematics is a central component required to develop a well-educated individual. No matter the specialty, universities worldwide require mathematics as a key element in their undergraduate students’ academic repertoire before allowing them to advance to other levels of their degree”. 

The competition included questions that covered calculus, logic, probability, algebra and geometry over two rounds. All participating teams took part in the first round competing against each other, after which only the top teams qualified to the second and final round. The winning teams of the 3^rd Annual National Mathematics Competition are: The Dubai College in 1^st place, Abu Dhabi Grammar School in 2^nd place and The Glenelg School of Abu Dhabi in 3^rd place.