Math Ability of Competitors

[NSCDS3RdCaptain]

When writing questions involving math, what do you assume that students have been exposed to? In Div B, how much algebra do you think that students would be exposed to? Quadratic formula? Logs and exponential functions? Simple calculus using something like an Nspire? What about Div C? Is it reasonable to expect calculus? Integration techniques? Differential equations (with series solutions)? Multivariable calculus?
As a supervisor, I think that it is important not to overestimate or underestimate competitors, hence this question.

[EastStroudsburg13]

When writing questions involving math, what do you assume that students have been exposed to? In Div B, how much algebra do you think that students would be exposed to? Quadratic formula? Logs and exponential functions? Simple calculus using something like an Nspire? What about Div C? Is it reasonable to expect calculus? Integration techniques? Differential equations (with series solutions)? Multivariable calculus?
As a supervisor, I think that it is important not to overestimate or underestimate competitors, hence this question.

For Division C, general testing philosophy seems to be to avoid calculus, or if calculus is necessary, then basic calculus. Differential equations (unless you explain how to do them in the test) and multivariable calc are beyond the scope of all events and should not be included.

[Kai0721]

When writing questions involving math, what do you assume that students have been exposed to? In Div B, how much algebra do you think that students would be exposed to? Quadratic formula? Logs and exponential functions? Simple calculus using something like an Nspire? What about Div C? Is it reasonable to expect calculus? Integration techniques? Differential equations (with series solutions)? Multivariable calculus?
As a supervisor, I think that it is important not to overestimate or underestimate competitors, hence this question.

I’m was in 8th grade last year and took algebra, we learned the quadratic formula, Pythagorean’s theorem among other things. Quadratics even though some of the competitors know it might not be that good for tests as most 6th and 7th graders don’t know it. That being said this should not stop someone from when it makes sense putting some upper level math. For B I would say nothing more then algebra.

[Unome]

No calculus, except possibly in edge cases for very high end Div C tests. Div B can handle most algebra, although I would avoid logs and exponents. Depends on the event and situation of course.

[pikachu4919]

No calculus, except possibly in edge cases for very high end Div C tests. Div B can handle most algebra, although I would avoid logs and exponents. Depends on the event and situation of course.

I've heard somewhere that calculus is fair game for Div C nationals, which I guess mostly fits under "high end Div C tests"

[CPScienceDude]

One of my teammates said that there was basic calc on the IN State div B circuit lab test. He also got 35 out of 36 teams, so idk.

[TheCrazyChemist]

It really shouldn't be too hard for div. B. Most events where you need to use math are with formulas, so basic algebra is needed. Definitely don't do exponents or logarithms, most people won't know those. There also aren't really any practical applications for polynomials and quadratics either. Basic algebra is generally all that is needed.

[NSCDS3RdCaptain]

What about geometry and trig? This is not for any event in particular, but in general. Thank you for the feedback.

[Tailsfan101]

What about geometry and trig? This is not for any event in particular, but in general. Thank you for the feedback.

I know trigonometry is used in GeoLogic Mapping (certain trend/plunge measurements, bed thickness).

[Unome]

What about geometry and trig? This is not for any event in particular, but in general. Thank you for the feedback.

I know trigonometry is used in GeoLogic Mapping (certain trend/plunge measurements, bed thickness).

I'd say trig is fair game for Div C (it's effectively required for Geomaps) as well as for high end tests in some math-heavy Div B events - I've taken and written tests for Simple Machines with trig.