Zhejiang University Won the First Prize of "International Mathematic Modeling Contest" for Three Years in Succession
May 15, 2001

Recently,all 6 teams of Zhejiang University won the first prizes in "the International Mathematic Modeling Contest, 2001". This is the best achievement for Zhejiang University in this kind of international contests for 3 years in succession since 1999.

Mathematic Modeling refers to a process through which to abstract a mathematic question and then to use methods of computers and information consulting to work out a mathematical solution according to the characteristics and rules of the practical problems in the production and daily lives. The resolution will be used to solve practical problems and guide the daily life. Mathematic modeling is an increasingly important interdisciplinary area with the increasing popularity of the application of computers in the production and practice. This is a converging point for mathematics and social production (industrial and farm production, economic management, etc.). The first Mathematic Modeling Contest was held in U.S.A in 1985 and from then on it has become an important occasion among the global universities. The contest is now regarded as important criteria for college students innovating abilities, practical capability and comprehensive qualities.

This contest is divided into Subject A (choosing bicycle tyres), Subject B (problem of evacuation of people when struck in hurricane) and Subject C (the problem of pollution of the Great Lakes). These subjects are considerably difficult, involving the comprehensive application of multi-disciplinary knowledge. Especially Subject C, which is a new inter-disciplinary question and hence very difficult, challenging and originative, requires the contestants ability of computer application, English composition and team spirit.

768 teams from 238 universities all over the world took part in the contests of Subject A and Subject B this year, and 171 teams from 58 universities took part in the contest of Subject C. According to the rules of contests, every participating university should send 2 teams at most to take part in the contests of Subject A, Subject B and Subject C respectively, three persons per team, i.e. 6 teams all together. Zhejiang University sent 6 teams to the contests and all of them won a first prize, which again shows the comprehensive strengths of mathematic modeling of students of Zhejiang University.