AMC 10
The intermediate level of America's AMC series for students in grade 10 and below. Top scorers (~5%) qualify for the AIME invitational.
Grade Levels
Grades 8-10 (Ages 13-17)
Format
Multiple Choice · 25 questions · 75 minutes
Scoring
6 points per correct answer, 1.5 for blank, 0 for wrong. Maximum 150.
Participants
100,000+
Established
2000
November
AMC 10A and 10B held on separate dates in November
Registration
Schools register through MAA
Prizes & Recognition
Certificates. Top ~5% qualify for AIME.
About This Competition
AMC 10 is the intermediate level of the American Mathematics Competitions, targeting students in grade 10 and below. It features 25 multiple-choice questions in 75 minutes, with a scoring system that rewards correct answers (6 points), gives partial credit for blanks (1.5 points), and penalizes wrong answers (0 points).
The top approximately 5% of AMC 10 scorers qualify for the AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination), the next stage in the pipeline toward USAMO and ultimately IMO team selection.
How to Prepare
Focus on Algebra II and Geometry
AMC 10 covers up to Algebra II topics but excludes trigonometry and advanced algebra. Master quadratics, coordinate geometry, and number theory thoroughly.
Use Strategic Guessing Wisely
AMC 10 has a penalty: 6 points for correct, 1.5 deducted for wrong, 0 for blank. Only guess when you can eliminate at least 2 of the 5 choices.
Work Through AoPS Competition Math Textbooks
Art of Problem Solving's 'Competition Mathematics' series and their online AMC 10 course are tailored to this competition. Also solve past AMC 10A and 10B papers.
Target AIME Qualification
Typically, a score around 100-110 qualifies for AIME. Set this as your goal and focus on consistently solving the first 15-18 problems correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between AMC 10 and AMC 12?
AMC 10 is for students in grade 10 and below, while AMC 12 is for grade 12 and below. AMC 10 has a slightly narrower curriculum scope (excluding some precalculus topics). Both have the same format: 25 questions in 75 minutes.
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