Math Team Builds Tournament Skills through Early Morning Prep

Team B solves problems at the Downtown Manhattan Invitational at Stuyvesant High School on December 15. Photo: @midwoodmathteam

By JONATHAN LI  and MARTINO PIERRE

Try solving this question: Find the number of integers n between 1 and 1,000 inclusive such that n cannot be written in the form k/2+k/3+k/5. Being faced with this problem would make most students' heads spin, but for Midwood's mathletes, it's simple, and even exciting. What seems overwhelming at first glance becomes an opportunity for the team to demonstrate their problem-solving ability and quick thinking.

So far this year, the Math Team has competed against rivals from all over the tri-state area at the Math Majors of America Tournament for High Schools (MMATHS) at Yale University on November 15, as well as at the Downtown Manhattan Invitational (DMI) on December 20 at Stuyvesant High School.

The MMATHS tournament went from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m and consisted of an individual round that had students do 12 problems within 75 minutes and a team round with 12 questions in only 45 minutes, with no calculators allowed. 

“The questions were on a whole other level of difficulty,” said Mueez Manzoor ‘27, who joined this year. “You need to think creatively to solve these problems.”

The DMI consisted of a team round where six students solved ten questions in 40 minutes, a power round where teams were given ten minutes to familiarize themselves with formulas and 60 minutes to solve a series of problems, an individual round where students were given five ten-minute rounds to solve a pair of questions for each round, and a marathon round where teams were given 60 minutes to solve 26 questions.

During competitions such as these, the team is split up into groups A, B, and C, with group A consisting of the members who are more advanced. At the DMI, Team A placed 33rd out of 51 teams.

The team shows impressive dedication, holding meetings before first period, at 6:45 a.m. every Thursday and Friday.

“It's been a shift from my schedule before,” said Vice President Sophia Fintenko ‘27. “However, I think I'm adjusting to it pretty well because it is not every day. I actually find it relaxing to wake up so early, so I'm not complaining.” These meetings are mostly lecture-based, with an emphasis on understanding when and how to apply different concepts, ensuring that students are prepared for future tournaments.

“The period 0 meetings are a pain sometimes, but they’re necessary to reinforce the math we do at competitions,” Vincent Sun ‘27 said.

“It’s quite peaceful,” said Manzoor. “The only bummer is waking up super early.”

The Hornets' three coaches, Ms. Sandy Wu, Ms. Nicole Herd, and Mr. David Lee, bring a range of experience, with dedication that ensures students feel supported at every stage of learning. Mr. Lee, who has been coaching math for ten years, said that his favorite part of the role is seeing students improve over the years.

President Raymond Gong ‘27, for example, “was very reserved at first,” Mr. Lee said, “but now he’s taken a leadership role and has done very well with leading the team and getting them motivated.”

If you’re interested in trying out, you only need a good understanding of Algebra I/II and Geometry, as there’s no Calculus. Mr. Lee is also planning to open up a team for freshmen.

Secretary Jeremiah Rosario ‘27 said, “Being on the math team has definitely improved my math skills. Using stuff that I learned on the math team has helped me in AP Calculus and AP Physics.” 

If you’re a math fanatic but want a more relaxed, introductory experience, there’s also the Math Club, which meets every Wednesday in room 4N, periods 9 to 11. The club focuses on solving more basic problems in friendly group competition, creating a welcoming environment for beginners and experienced students alike.

“It's open to everyone,” Fintenko said, “so you shouldn't be afraid to try new things, especially if you really like math.”

The team gathers at the Math Majors of America Tournament for High Schools at Yale University on November 15. Photo: @midwoodmathteam