MathFocus

Math Focus is an audio-based mathematics game that tests your ability to calculate, concentrate, remember information, and make decisions under time pressure. At the beginning of each round, you are given a mathematical problem and a suggested answer. Your task is to calculate the actual answer mentally and determine whether the given answer is equal to, higher than, or lower than the actual answer.

For example, you may hear: "Problem: 27 times 14. Given result: 380." You calculate that 27 × 14 is 378. Since the given result, 380, is higher than the actual result, you should press D.

However, while you are calculating, the game will also play a random number of beeps. The beeps are not a separate challenge or a break from the mathematics. They are deliberately played while you are solving the problem to distract you and test your concentration. For example, while calculating 27 × 14, you might hear: beep... beep... beep... beep. You must keep track of how many beeps you heard. When you are ready, you can press the corresponding number on your keyboard. If there were four beeps, press 4. You can do this while you are still calculating the mathematical problem. Once you correctly enter the number of beeps, you can continue concentrating on the mathematical question.

The beep challenge is designed to make the calculation more difficult by dividing your attention. You therefore have to calculate the answer while simultaneously listening carefully enough to remember the number of beeps. If you calculate the mathematical answer before the beeps finish, you can simply give your mathematical answer. Similarly, if you have already finished counting the beeps, you can enter the number of beeps and then give your mathematical answer. The two tasks can be completed in whichever order is most convenient for you.

There is a limited amount of time available for each question. The amount of time depends on your current level. Higher levels give you more challenging problems and a different time limit. When a beep sequence is played, the time taken by the sequence effectively gives you additional opportunity to think because you are expected to respond to the beeps while continuing to calculate. If you correctly identify the number of beeps, you can continue playing without being penalised simply for the time spent listening to them. However, if you fail to provide the correct number of beeps within five seconds, or fail to give the correct mathematical response before your available time runs out, the attempt ends and you are sent back to Level 1.

The mathematical responses are:

• A — The given result is equal to the actual answer.

• D — The given result is higher than the actual answer.

• F — The given result is lower than the actual answer.

• S — Restart the game from Level 1.

• X — Exit the game.

As you successfully answer questions, you progress through increasingly difficult levels and earn different mathematical titles. The ultimate goal is to progress through all thirty-seven levels and earn the title "Math Creator." The game is therefore not simply about being good at mathematics. It is about maintaining focus while your attention is being deliberately divided. You must calculate, listen, remember, make comparisons, and respond quickly while using sound and keyboard input.