Jamia Collins
Editor-in-Chief

Math enthusiasts, grab your calculators and start studying math equations to win some cash: Applications are being accepted for the 2017 Algebra Relay, set for April 5 in the PSB.

The annual event, a collaboration of the Office of Undergraduate Research and the Actuarial Science Program, will feature teams of five – each with a faculty mentor – who pass math problems like a track team would in a relay race. Each person will answer a question involving a math problem with a time limit based on concepts learned in MAT121 College Algebra.

Each round will be judged by three faculty members from the Mathematics and Actuarial Science. (Math faculty won’t be eligible to serve as mentors, and major majors will act as assistant mentors.)

Lynn Strong, director of undergraduate research, said each team will be judged on “finding good-quality solutions to tricky real-world situations.”

Thirty students will be selected, and students can either apply as a team or as an individual. Individual students will be grouped together to create teams.

Twenty-five competed last year; The five first-place individual winners in 2016 included Asha Pierce, a junior chemistry major from Vacherie; Justiss Tyner, Alleah Hayes, Caio Vitor de Silva Moreira and Nzingha Banani.

Individual prices are $100 for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for third place. The top three teams will get certificates.

To register, pick up an entry form from the Undergraduate Research Office ([email protected] or 816-4446) or the Mathematics & Actuarial Science Program (PSB 262).