The competition consisted of three tests throughout the year. First students took a 15-problem test that covered a wide range of topics and levels of difficulty. Then they took a similar test in one of three categories: equations and inequalities, geometry or probability, and combinatorics. The final event of the competition was a 10-round ciphering test, in which students had three minutes to solve three problems.

Coach Steve Headley prepared the students for each test and handled administrative duties.

Participants were divided by their region and mathematical experience: students in Algebra II or lower were in the Theta Division; students in pre-calculus were in the Alpha Division; and students in the Mu division had taken calculus.

Several students helped Homestead reach the top of Region I, which covers roughly half of the western United States. In the Mu division, Guanxiong Mao placed third; Eddson Alcid was sixth; Darrell Chan placed ninth; Lisa Danz finished 19th; and Scott Payne was 26th. In the Alpha division, Charles Liu was third; and Emma Tolley finished 17th. In the Theta division, Drew Haven placed first; Aaron Wong placed seventh; Dennis Yeh 22nd; and Dayv Doberne was 26th.

National Assessment and Testing administers the contest for Mu Alpha Theta, a national high school mathematics honor society. National Assessment and Testing holds competitions by mail and provides opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular mathematics activities at their own school.

For more information about National Assessment and Testing, visit www.natassessment.com. For more information about Mu Alpha Theta, visit www.mualphatheta.org.