This week’s question: Can you describe a time when you used mathematics to solve a problem outside of the classroom?
To take part, drop us a line via this form or email us at [email protected] by 11.59pm on May 10. Tell us your name, age and school.
The Hang Lung Mathematics Awards (HLMA) encourages secondary students to unleash their creativity in mathematics and ignite their passion for intellectual discovery. Our four upcoming questions aim to inspire you to think deeply about the power of mathematics, importance of integrity, and the pursuit of excellence. Unleash your potential to make a positive impact on the world!
Daniel Lee Tsz-tan, 17, Law Ting Pong Secondary School: “Pi” (π) would be great to describe my family. In maths, the circumference divided by the diameter of a circle is always “pi”. The circumference is just like my dad since he is the family’s breadwinner. My brother, my mum and I are the diameter of a circle because we all count on him. In the end, the “pi” comes out which represents our happy family thanks to my dad’s hard work.
Yoyo Yeung Yang, 13, Kwok Tak Seng Catholic Secondary School: The “does not equal” (≠) symbol. This is because everyone is unique and has their own personality. On top of that, we use our strengths to cover up for others’ weaknesses. For example, my elder sister is not good at cooking. So I cook meals, such as breakfast, for her. In return, when I have problems with my studies or encounter things I don’t know how to deal with, I will ask my sister, and she will help me.
Which electronic device best describes you?
Shen Lik-hang, 16, Sing Yin Secondary School: The sigma symbol (Σ), which is generally used to denote a sum of multiple terms. My family comprises four members, and I feel good when all of us can concentrate on the same obstacle, becoming a group of small but significant individuals.
Joey Wu Jia-man, 15, Buddhist Tai Hung College: It would be “is similar to” (～) because my mother, father, and I have similar personalities. For example, me and my mother rarely get angry. However, I am a stubborn person unlike my mother. When something is almost finished, I won’t stop and have dinner and continue what I did afterwards. I will not have dinner until I finish my work. My father is also stubborn. So there are similarities as well as differences.
What symbol best describes your family? Photo: Shutterstock
Lam King-fui, 15, Carmel Bunnan Tong Memorial Secondary School: The math symbol in my family is the division sign (÷) . In my family, everyone has a role to play, but at the same time, we cooperate, using each other’s talents and expertise to achieve a common goal. This is similar to the “quotient” in mathematical problems, that is, the numbers work together to achieve the result more quickly and efficiently. In addition, “division” is like a mirror in our family, which can help us reflect on our behaviour and thoughts. For example, when some of my family members misbehave, we will point out the problem and think about ways to improve ourselves. Just like when simplifying a fraction, we think about how to divide it to make the calculation easier.
Hadden Chan Tsz-kin, 18, St Joan of Arc Secondary School: The minus sign (-) because my parents are almost always absent. When I was a child, I spent most of my time with my grandma. My parents worked very hard, so I seldom saw them. When my grandma passed away, I felt like I was alone. Even when I visit my parents on weekends, I rarely see them as they come home late at night, and I am already fast asleep. I really miss talking to my parents. I hope they work less so they can be with me more.
If you could hire any human from history to be your tutor, who would it be?
Angie Wong Nga-ching, 10, ESF Quarry Bay School: My family has common traits, but we are still different. “The greater than or equal to” symbol (≥) shows how even though I am an only child, I am still sometimes smarter than adults. The equal sign shows how people are treated the same way regardless of their age. On the other hand, the “greater than” part shows that we all have different personalities and our own way of thinking.
Daphne Wong Yuen-ting, 15, Carmel Bunnan Tong Memorial Secondary School: It would definitely be the plus (+) symbol. This means me and my family members are added together, even though we have different personalities. The symbol represents the positive energy in my family. Positive thinking won’t make all of our problems disappear, but it will help us approach hardships in a more productive way. It’s a good description of my family.
Describe your family using a calculator! Photo: Shutterstock
Eason Li Yik-sen, 14, Ho Yu College and Primary School (Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen): The brackets (). This is because these marks are shaped like two hands, embracing words or figures in the middle and protecting them. It is just like the relationship between my parents and me.
Dicky Tong Tik-yeung, 14, Kau Yan College: I would use the infinity symbol (∞). The reason is when I do something wrong, my parents will use their infinite patience to teach me what is right. When I have some questions, they will also help me without any hesitation. In addition, they give me infinite happiness by taking good care of me and playing with me. To me, these moments are always infinite.
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