2026 AMC 10 Preparation Guide: Sample Problems

The AMC 10 is a high-level mathematics competition held annually in the United States. The competition is aimed at students in 10th grade and below, and is designed to test their problem-solving skills.Strong performance on the AMC10 can open doors to advanced competitions, strengthen math foundations for high school and college, and build skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

The good news is that AMC10 preparation does not require expensive materials or advanced college math. With the right strategy, consistent practice, and a clear understanding of key topics, students can significantly improve their scores using free, high-value resources and proven techniques. In this article, WuKong Education will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for AMC 10.

• What the AMC10 exam looks like and how it is scored
• The most important AMC10 math topics, including algebra, geometry, number theory, and counting
• Effective practice strategies used by top-scoring students
• Common mistakes to avoid and time-management tips
• AMC Official Website：https://maa.org/student-programs/amc/

Whether you are just starting your AMC10 journey or aiming to break into a higher score range, this guide will help you prepare with confidence and clarity.

AMC10 Exam Overview: Description, Timing, and Scoring

AMC10 Description at a Glance

The AMC 10 provides students with an opportunity to develop their problem-solving skills. It serves as the first step in qualifying for the USA team in prestigious international mathematics competitions, including the International Mathematical Olympiad.


The AMC 10 is a 25-question, 75-minute multiple-choice competition designed for students in grades 10 and below. Each question has five options(A-E). The content covers mathematical topics such as elementary algebra, basic geometry, area and volume formulas, elementary number theory, and elementary probability. Advanced topics like trigonometry, advanced algebra, and advanced geometry are excluded.

The AMC 10 offers two versions of the test, the ‘A’ and ‘B’ competitions. Competition managers can choose the date that best fits their schedule or have their students participate in both.

For: High school students in grades 10 and below, with a maximum age of under 17.5 years on the day of the competition.

AMC10 Scoring System

• Correct answer: 6 points
• Blank answer: 1.5 points
• Incorrect answer: 0 points
• Maximum score: 150

Key takeaway: Guessing randomly is risky, but leaving a question blank still earns points.Questions that are uncertain can be left blank to retain 1.5 points

How do I get involved?

1、For those living in the United States and Canada:
Students/Parents: Ask your school if they will be hosting the AMC 8 or AMC 10/AMC 12. If they are unable to do so, check at local colleges and universities, math circles, or learning centers.
Educators: Register your accredited middle/high school, university, math circle, or learning center and pay the fees by the deadline for each competition cycle.
2、Live outside the USA and Canada:check if your country participates in our parallel AMC International program.

AMC 10 2026 Key Time Points

Registration and Pricing:

• Early Bird Registration Deadline: September 30, 2025 ($55 registration fee)
• Regular Registration Deadline: October 15, 2025 ($75 registration fee) – Final deadline for new competition managers
• Late Registration Deadline: October 28, 2025 ($115 registration fee) – Returning competition managers only
• Additional Bundles Deadline – AMC 10 A: November 4, 2025
• Additional Bundles Deadline – AMC 10 B: November 12, 2025
• AMC 10 A Competition Date: Nov. 5, 2025
• AMC 10 B Competition Date: Nov. 13, 2025

Competition Bundle Pricing: One “bundle” provides ten student licenses for the AMC 10 and costs $30. These licenses can be applied to either the AMC 10 A or the AMC 10 B. A

Time Management During the Test

Managing 25 questions in 75 minutes is a skill in itself.

Here is the majority of people using the following time management methods correctly

1. First Pass (Minutes 1-25): Swiftly solve problems 1-15. These are generally more straightforward. Answer every question in this block.
2. Second Pass (Minutes 26-55): Tackle problems 16-22. These require more thought. If stuck after 2-3 minutes, circle it and move on.
3. Final Pass (Minutes 56-75): Attack the hardest problems (23-25) and revisit any circled questions. Make educated guesses on any remaining blanks in the last minute.

Key AMC 10 Math Topics You Must Master

AMC10 problems cover middle school and early high school math, but they demand deeper understanding.Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, and Counting and Probability are the mathematical knowledge areas that account for the largest proportion and are the most common in the AMC10.

Below are the core topics you should focus on during your AMC10 preparation.

Algebra

Algebra is an important part of the AMC10. Many AMC10 problems use algebra to test how well students understand equations, inequalities, functions, and patterns. Common topics include linear and quadratic equations, systems of equations, ratios, sequences, and absolute value. To do well, students should practice simplifying expressions, using substitution to make problems easier, and reading word problems carefully to find hidden conditions. These skills help students solve AMC10 algebra questions faster and with fewer mistakes.

2025 AMC 12A Problems/Problem 3

Geometry

Geometry is another key topic on the AMC10. Geometry problems often focus on triangles, circles, angles, and area. Students need to understand basic formulas and also learn how to read diagrams carefully, since figures are not always drawn to scale. Drawing clear diagrams, marking given information, and using symmetry can help solve geometry problems more efficiently.

Number Theory

Number theory problems on the AMC10 test how well students understand numbers and their properties. Common topics include factors, multiples, prime numbers, and remainders. These problems often look easy at first, but they require careful thinking. Testing small cases and looking for patterns can help students avoid mistakes.

Counting and Probability

Counting and probability questions on the AMC10 focus on logical thinking and organization. Students may need to count different outcomes or find the chance that an event happens. Using clear steps, breaking problems into cases, and avoiding double counting are important strategies for this topic.

Why is AMC 10 so important?

AMC 10 is important for several reasons: It is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their problem-solving skills. The test is challenging, but not impossible, and requires logical thinking and the ability to apply mathematical concepts.

It helps identify students with talent in mathematics. Students who score well on the AMC 10 may be invited to participate in other high-level math competitions, such as the AMC 12 and the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME).

Offer scholarship and award opportunities. Some colleges and universities offer scholarships to students who score well on the AMC 10.

Specifically, the AMC 10 is important for 10th grade students for the different reasons: It helps them prepare for college. The test covers the high school math curriculum through 10th grade, and provides a good foundation for college math courses.

It helps them develop their problem-solving skills. The test requires students to think critically and apply mathematical concepts to solve problems. These skills are essential for success in college and in life.

It helps them develop their self-confidence. Having a student score well on the AMC 10 can help them develop confidence in their ability to succeed in mathematics.

All in all, the AMC 10 is a valuable mathematics competency that can offer students many opportunities.

How to Practice Effectively for AMC10

AMC 10 2023 2023 Problems

AMC 10 2024

The key to effective preparation for the AMC 10 lies in systematic practice. It is recommended that you use past official exams as your foundation and familiarize yourself with the test pace through timed mock exams.

On this basis, you should focus on breaking down the four major sections: algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics, concentrating on strengthening your weak areas.

For every mistake and challenging problem, conduct a thorough analysis and study multiple solution methods to broaden your thinking.

The crucial principle is quality over quantity: mastering one type of problem thoroughly is far more valuable than mechanically completing ten practice tests. Consistently engaging in this kind of targeted, feedback-driven practice will lead to steady improvement in your abilities.

Many students most common AMC 10 mistakes include poor time management, calculation errors, and strategic missteps.

• To avoid them, first, strictly simulate real test conditions to practice pacing—skip stubborn problems early.
• Second, prevent careless errors by showing all work systematically, not just mental math.
• Third, master elimination techniques and educated guessing; an incorrect answer costs more than a blank.
• Finally, always review solutions to understand the most efficient method, not just the correct answer.
• Consistent, mindful practice targeting these areas turns weaknesses into reliable strengths.

Recommended AMC10 Mock Exam Websites：AOPS onlineRSM

Time Management Strategies for AMC10

Why Time Management Matters on the AMC10

Time management is critical on the AMC10. With 25 questions in 75 minutes, students have an average of 3 minutes per problem. Successful students answer easy questions quickly, skip difficult ones at first, and avoid spending too much time on a single problem. The goal is to confidently solve at least 20 questions within the time limit. Educated guessing can be helpful, but questions that are completely unfamiliar are often better left blank.

Building a Long-Term AMC10 Study Plan (8–12 Weeks)

A clear study plan helps students prepare for the AMC10 more effectively. In the first 1–3 weeks, focus on reviewing algebra and number theory fundamentals with untimed practice. During weeks 4–6, shift attention to geometry and counting problems and begin timed exercises. In weeks 7–9, practice mixed-topic problem sets and carefully analyze mistakes. Finally, in weeks 10–12, complete full-length mock tests and refine timing and test strategies.

Conclusion: Start Your AMC10 Preparation Today

The AMC10 is a challenging but rewarding math competition that helps students grow as thinkers and problem solvers. With a clear understanding of the exam, focused practice on key topics, and smart strategies, any motivated student can improve their performance.

👉 Take action today:
Preparing for the AMC 10 exam is a challenging process during which you will encounter various problems. However, once successful, it will bring about significant changes to a child’s entire mathematical learning and personal development. Therefore, do not hesitate; take action today. When you encounter a bottleneck in your AMC 10 preparation, I believe that Wukong Math specialized courses will be of assistance to you.

Kharis | WuKong Math Teacher

Kharis graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Kharis has extensive teaching experience in Math with students of all ages for more than 10 years. As an educator, Kharis believes in a collective learning approach where each topic is addressed by a collaborative effort with the student.