Rules/FAQ
Who can participate in QuickThinking Math Competition?
Anyone from 1st grade (Graduating Class of 2036) to 6th grade (Graduating Class of 2031) can participate.
What is Double-Elimination?
In a normal tournament, there is one bracket which everyone competes in, and one out leads to elimination. In double-elimination, there are two brackets: an upper and a lower bracket. Whenever a player loses in the upper bracket, they are sent to the lower bracket. If a player loses in the lower bracket, they are eliminated. Check out the example bracket in Past Competitions for a visual example!
Why does QuickThinking use Double-Elimination?
Firstly, double-elimination allows each student to (at the very least) compete against two other students. This gives every student a chance to practice and improve with each competition.
Secondly, double-elimination is more competitive. By using double-elimination, we can eliminate the aspect of luck and emphasize skill. (For example, in single-elimination, one side of the bracket may be far easier than the other side of the bracket).
Lastly, double-elimination allows us to create more problems, which will lead to higher-quality problems.
If you have any questions regarding double-elimination, don't hesitate to contact us (info found at the bottom of the website).
Secondly, double-elimination is more competitive. By using double-elimination, we can eliminate the aspect of luck and emphasize skill. (For example, in single-elimination, one side of the bracket may be far easier than the other side of the bracket).
Lastly, double-elimination allows us to create more problems, which will lead to higher-quality problems.
If you have any questions regarding double-elimination, don't hesitate to contact us (info found at the bottom of the website).
How long are the tests?
Every test (except for the grand finals and lower bracket finals) is five questions, ninety seconds long. The lower finals is seven questions, two minutes long. The grand finals is seven questions, two minutes and thirty seconds long.
How are tests scored?
Each question is one point. There is no penalty for incorrect answers.
What if there's a tie?
If there's a tie, the student who answered the latest question will win. For example, if student A answered question 1, 3, and 4, while student B answered question 1, 2, and 5, student B will win.
If there is still a tie, a live, one question final tie-breaker will take place. The question will be screen-shared and read aloud. Any student may answer. However, once a student answers, they will not be able to submit an answer until the other student has submitted an answer.
For example: The question is "What is 2+3?" and the options are "A: 1, B: 2, C: 3, D: 4, E: 5"
Student B guesses C. Now, Student B may not guess again until Student A guesses.
Student A guesses A. Now, Student A may not guess again until Student B guesses.
Student B guesses E. Student B has won the tiebreaker.
The only exception is if a student takes over 30 seconds to submit an answer. In that case, the student forfeits their priority and both students may submit an answer.
If there is still a tie, a live, one question final tie-breaker will take place. The question will be screen-shared and read aloud. Any student may answer. However, once a student answers, they will not be able to submit an answer until the other student has submitted an answer.
For example: The question is "What is 2+3?" and the options are "A: 1, B: 2, C: 3, D: 4, E: 5"
Student B guesses C. Now, Student B may not guess again until Student A guesses.
Student A guesses A. Now, Student A may not guess again until Student B guesses.
Student B guesses E. Student B has won the tiebreaker.
The only exception is if a student takes over 30 seconds to submit an answer. In that case, the student forfeits their priority and both students may submit an answer.
What materials are allowed?
Paper, pencils, and pens are allowed. Rulers, compasses, and protractors are allowed but not required.
Calculators, textbooks, and AI tools such as ChatGPT are NOT allowed. It is also against the rules to search up formulas during the contest. You are NOT allowed to use code to help you solve problems.
Calculators, textbooks, and AI tools such as ChatGPT are NOT allowed. It is also against the rules to search up formulas during the contest. You are NOT allowed to use code to help you solve problems.
Are there prizes?
As of now, we will email a certificate to all participants, with special recognition for top competitors.