Being good in math

-Focus:
I think that focus is one of the most important aspects of being good at math. If you are not focused, you will not be able to do math very well.
-Confidence:
To be good in math, you have to believe that you can do it! If you start a math problem thinking that you can't do it, chances are, you won't be able to.
-Good Memory
There are many equations that you have to learn in math. If you don't remember them, you'll will have to keep looking back at your notes. A good memory helps you to do problems faster!

These are the three aspects that I think make a good math student! Focus, confidence, and good memory are the start of a smart math student.

Monster Equation

Cayley Contest Grade 10, Febuary 22 2006

Yesterday, we had a choice between three contests. We could pick the grade 9, the grade 10, or the grade 11. We chose the grade 10. I worked with my partners Trevor,Jeff, and Martin. Tim C left us for Donna. Most of the questions were quite easy. With our friends, we could easily figure out the easiest of problems. I have learned that to do these contests, you have to have a clear mind and you have to never give up.

The question that i found the most interesting was number 16. In this question, we have to find out how much it cost for Gerry to download 360 songs.

"In 2004, Gerry downloaded 200 songs. In 2005, Gerry downloaded 360 songs at a cost per song which was 2 cents less than in 2004. Gerry's total cost each year was the same. The cost of downloading 360 songs in 2005 was.."

To do this question, i made an equation.

My equation was

200X = 360(x-32)

-160X = -11520

X=72

Now i plug in the equation.

360 times (72-32) = 144 dollars

The answer is 144.


This Contest was very fun! I especially liked the fact that we were able to work with each other. It made me want to work hard and find out the answer! Doing math contests is like playing a video game. It is much more fun when you have friends with you!