EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Quick, what is 3,072 divided by 32? Easy enough? OK, what is X when 6X + 6 = 24? No problem? OK, oh wise reader, how about one more? What’s X in the equation -2 – 4X = 2X – 74?  

About 400 southeastern Michigan area students will match math skills answering questions such as those and giving correct answers such as 96, 3 and 12 during a competition to be held Monday, May 22 at Eastern Michigan University.

The 2017 Math Facts Challenge will pit students in grades 1-8 in a series of fun head-to-head competitions where students answer grade-level questions, ranging from addition facts to multi-step equations.

The challenge, which is sponsored by the EMU Charter Schools Office, will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the EMU Student Center.

“The Math Facts Challenge is a great event that allows these schools to showcase their aspiring young math scholars,” said Malverne Winborne, director of the EMU Charter Schools Office. “It helps to reinforce the importance for math in the classroom. We refer to these students as 'Mathathletes.' In addition, these students get to experience a beautiful college campus.”

The Math Facts Challenge, which is in its fourth year and third on the EMU campus, originated at PACE Academy, located in Southfield, and was held there for several years as a school-wide competition.

The Math Facts Challenge continues to grow, as 19 charter schools will participate in the event, representing the cities of Detroit, Dearborn, Deaborn Heights, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Grand Blanc, Southfield, Pontiac and Melvindale. Authorizers of the schools include EMU, Central Michigan University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Bay Mills Community College, and Detroit Public Schools.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 22,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.