Math Mania returns for 2006-07 school year

Math Mania creator Amy Ruzicka is back with another year of math puzzlers for your enjoyment-and maybe some prizes. But, one of the best things is that you can learn some math principles without having to worry about a grade.

Amy Ruzicka is a math teacher at St. Gabriel's Catholic School in South St. Louis-and a new mother. She gave birth to son, Andrew, last month. Mother, son and father Greg are doing fine.

But, before going into the hospital, Ms. Ruzicka created a whole new set of math puzzles for the 2006-07 school year.

Young Saint Louis.com is glad to have Math Mania back for another year.

The rules for Math Mania will be the same as last year. Each month, the contest will call for you to give answers for five or six brainteasers on the subject of math.

Then, you can submit your answers, using the form attached to the questions. If you answer all the questions correctly, you'll have a chance to win a Borders book certificate.

To enter the September Math Mania competition, fill out the attached entry form and give answers to the five questions. Be sure to follow the instructions when completing the entry form.

In the next YSL.com edition, we'll publish a new set of teasers for October. We'll also include another article giving the answers to the September puzzles. We'll also publish the names of any of the Borders Book certificate winners.

1. Print out the following entry form.
2. Fill out your name, address and telephone number.
3. Answer all five of the September Math Mania questions.
4. Put your completed entry into a stamped, addressed envelope.
5. Mail your entry to:

1. Place the numbers 1-9 in the nine circles below so that the sum of each side of the triangle is 20. The 8 has been placed for you.

2. Place the numbers 1-9 in the nine circles below so that the sum of each side of the triangle is 20. The 3 has been placed for you.

3. Place the numbers from 1-9 in the nine circles below making the sum of each of the two columns 23.

4. Place the numbers from 1-9 in the nine circles below making the sum of each of the two columns 26.

5. Place the numbers from 0-8 in the nine circles below so that the sum of the three-digit numbers formed will be 999. You may not place a 0 in the hundreds place.