By Larry White
UIL Mathematics Contest Director
It’s official. The rule changes for the Mathematics Contest involving calculators has been approved. The rule change came about after a year’s work by the committee of mathematics coaches from across the state.
The proposal for change was made by the committee and approved by UIL. The change will not affect the direction of the contest itself. It allows for the use of more up-to-date calculators as a tool to help solve problems. The mathematics contest problems will continue to be written according to the high school curriculum and will not be based on a specific calculator.
The current committee of coaches will meet again next spring to discuss any and all effects the rule change has made on the contest. If any adjustments are needed, they will be discussed at that time. The committee appreciates any constructive thoughts and suggestions you might have concerning the calculator rule change.
This rule change is only for the Mathematics Contest. The precise rule changes in the C&CR are as follows:
Section 942: MATHEMATICS CONTEST
e. USE OF CALCULATORS
(1) Students May Use Calculators.
Contestants will be allowed the use of any commercially available silent hand-held calculators that do NOT require auxiliary electric power and as long as they are NOT modified. Each student may bring one spare calculator. Small, hand-held computers are NOT permitted. Clearing the memory will NOT be required.
f. CONDUCTING THE CONTEST.
6. I. You will be allowed the use of calculators on this test. A spare calculator is permitted but must be placed on the work area before the test begins.
As always, feel free to contact me about problems or suggestions concerning the mathematics contest. Good Luck! Work Hard! Play Fair!