A knack for numbers
IF maths were a sport, Phillip Huynh would be an Olympic contender.
The Oxley State School student's skill in mathematics can be summed up in one word: unbelievable.
At least that is how his Year 7 teacher Brett Deighton describes it.
"When I first saw the speed at which Phillip was filling out mathematical equations, I thought he was just mucking around," Mr Deighton said.
"But to my amazement, all his answers were correct."
The 11-year-old showcased his talent for the subject when he took part in this year's Commonwealth Bank Maths Australian Challenge.
The two-day event is the nation's largest online maths competition where students are tested on mathematical skill and knowledge.
Of the 449,315 students that competed this year, Phillip placed first in Queensland and 10th in the country.
"I almost had a heart attack when I found out about the result," he said. "It was so exciting."
Phillip said his interest in mathematics and problem solving stemmed from an early age.
"It's something that has always just come naturally to me," he said.
"But this is the first time I have taken part in a maths competition of this scale."
Phillip was crowned Queensland champion last week at a special ceremony held in Sydney.
"As a teacher, it's been a new challenge teaching Year 7 maths to Phillip, because he is so advanced in the subject," Mr Deighton said.
"But he's also a very friendly, outgoing and humble student and we're all very proud of his achievement."
Phillip said he was interested in one day becoming a doctor and also studying a mathematics degree.
Here are a few examples of the questions young students were asked in this year's Commonwealth Bank Australian Maths Challenge.
How Do You Score?
Finance
- Over a week, Aida had a gift of $70, phone bill $55, travel costs $36, water bill $5, interest $3 and a lottery win $350. Find Aida's savings.
Algebra
2. Find x if x+3.8=-4.6
3. Find x if x--3=-8
Number
4. What number is 90% of 120?
5. The number 176 is 20% of what number?
6. The number 188 is what percentage of 376?
Click here to find your answers
1. $327
2. x = -8.4
3. X = -11
4. 108
5. 880
6. 50%
