Resource
Mathlete Competition
Find out how to use the Mathlete Competition materials with your student or child.
What is a Mathlete Competition?
The Mathlete Competition provides an opportunity for braille readers in grades 6-12 to practice their math and braille skills! There are four rounds in the Mathlete Competition. The rounds are:
- Sprint Round: Read a problem written in words and select the correct way to braille the problem from the 3 answer choices.
- You Solve It Round: Read and solve a math problem using the order of operations.
- You Write It Round: Listen to a math problem being read aloud and then braille the problem.
- Relay Round: Solve a math problem and then plug the answer into the next problem.
What Type of Math Knowledge Does a Student Need to Have to be a Mathlete?
Junior Mathletes should be able to read, write, and solve problems in braille that contain fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, degrees, exponents, and grouping symbols. They should also be able to solve problems using what they know about the order of operations.
Senior Mathletes should be proficient with all of the Junior Mathlete content. In addition, they should be able to read, write, and solve longer problems in braille that may contain radicals, absolute value, negative numbers, and geometry.
Take a look at the sample problems to see if Project INSPIRE’S Mathlete Competition is a good fit for the potential mathlete.
Nemeth Sample Problems PDF BRF
UEB Math Sample Problems PDF BRF
Junior Mathlete Practice Materials and Answer Keys
Use the practice materials below to allow mathletes to prepare for each round. Answer keys are also provided.
Junior Proctor Information: For each round, proctors should read the directions exactly as written. Be sure to set a timer so your mathlete can get used to the time limit for the round. Mathletes must use a Perkins braillewriter. They may use an abacus, but not a calculator. Mathletes may use an addition/subtraction and/or multiplication/division chart.
Junior Nemeth Practice Rounds
Sprint Round PDF BRF
You Solve It Round PDF BRF
Relay PDF BRF
Junior UEB Practice Rounds
Sprint Round PDF BRF
You Solve It Round PDF BRF
Relay PDF BRF
Here are the answer keys for the four rounds of competition.
Senior Mathlete Practice Materials and Answer Keys
Use the practice materials below to allow mathletes to prepare for each round. Answer keys are also provided.
Senior Proctor Information: For each round, proctors should read the directions exactly as written. Be sure to set a timer so your mathlete can get used to the time limit for the round. Mathletes must use a Perkins braillewriter. They may use an abacus, but not a calculator. Mathletes may use an addition/subtraction and/or multiplication/division chart.
Senior Nemeth Practice Rounds
Sprint Round PDF BRF
You Solve It Round PDF BRF
Relay PDF BRF
Senior UEB Practice Rounds
Sprint Round PDF BRF
You Solve It Round PDF BRF
Relay PDF BRF
Here are the answer keys for the four rounds of competition.
Campbell Rutherford Shares Her Advice During the Mathlete Competition Award Ceremony
During the May 18, 2024 award ceremony, Campbell Rutherford, a braille reader who is attending Harvard and studying applied mathematics, shared her experiences with mathletes and their families. Enjoy this short video from her presentation.