Success on the AMC 10 requires more than just natural mathematical ability—it requires access to the right resources and the discipline to use them effectively. With countless books, websites, apps, and tools available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best resources for AMC 10 preparation, organized by type, difficulty level, and learning style.
The Importance of Quality Resources
Before diving into specific resources, it's important to understand why quality matters. The AMC 10 tests not just your knowledge of mathematical concepts, but also your ability to apply them creatively and efficiently. High-quality resources will:
Teach you problem-solving techniques, not just facts
Provide progressively challenging problems
Offer detailed solutions and explanations
Help you identify and improve weak areas
Simulate the actual test experience
Essential Books for AMC 10 Preparation
The Art of Problem Solving Series
The Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) series is widely considered the gold standard for math competition preparation. Written by Richard Rusczyk, a former USA Mathematical Olympiad winner, these books are comprehensive, well-organized, and filled with challenging problems.
Art of Problem Solving, Vol. 1: The Basics
Best for: Beginners and intermediate students
Content:
Algebra: Linear equations, quadratics, polynomials, inequalities
Geometry: Triangles, circles, coordinate geometry, area and volume
Number Theory: Divisibility, primes, modular arithmetic
Combinatorics: Counting, probability, permutations and combinations
Why it's great: Clear explanations, progressive difficulty, hundreds of practice problems with solutions
Art of Problem Solving, Vol. 2: and Beyond
Best for: Advanced students aiming for top scores
Content: More advanced topics in algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics
Why it's great: Bridges the gap between AMC 10 and AMC 12/AIME
Introduction to Algebra
Best for: Students who need to strengthen their algebra foundation
Content: Comprehensive coverage of algebra topics with competition-style problems
Introduction to Geometry
Best for: Students who need to strengthen their geometry foundation
Content: Detailed geometry coverage with emphasis on problem-solving
Introduction to Number Theory
Best for: Students new to number theory
Content: Fundamental number theory concepts with AMC-style problems
Introduction to Counting & Probability
Best for: Students new to combinatorics
Content: Counting principles, probability, and combinatorial techniques
Other Highly Recommended Books
Competition Math for Middle School by J. Batterson
Best for: Younger students or those new to competition math
Content: Accessible introduction to competition-style problems
Why it's great: Gentle introduction, builds confidence
The Art and Craft of Problem Solving by Paul Zeitz
Best for: Advanced students
Content: Problem-solving strategies and techniques
Why it's great: Focuses on problem-solving approach rather than specific topics
101 Problems in Algebra by Titu Andreescu and Zuming Feng
Best for: Students wanting focused algebra practice
Content: 101 carefully selected algebra problems with detailed solutions
102 Combinatorial Problems by Titu Andreescu and Zuming Feng
Best for: Students wanting focused combinatorics practice
Content: 102 combinatorics problems with detailed solutions
Geometry Revisited by H.S.M. Coxeter and S.L. Greitzer
Best for: Students wanting deep geometry understanding
Content: Advanced geometry topics and theorems
Why it's great: Classic text, beautiful mathematics
Problem-Solving Strategies by Arthur Engel
Best for: Advanced students preparing for olympiad-level competitions
Content: Comprehensive problem-solving strategies
Why it's great: Extremely thorough, covers many advanced techniques
Online Resources and Websites
Art of Problem Solving Website (artofproblemsolving.com)
The AoPS website is an invaluable resource for AMC 10 preparation. It offers:
Alcumus: Free adaptive learning system with thousands of problems
Forums: Active community where students discuss problems and solutions
Past AMC 10 Problems: Complete archive of past tests with solutions
Wiki: Comprehensive mathematical reference
Online classes: Live and recorded courses (paid)
Best feature: The forums allow you to see multiple solution approaches to the same problem
MAA's Official Website (maa.org/math-competitions)
The Mathematical Association of America's website provides:
Official AMC 10 information and registration details
Past problems and solutions (some free, some for purchase)
Test dates and locations
Eligibility requirements
Best feature: Official source for all AMC 10 information
Khan Academy (khanacademy.org)
While not specifically designed for AMC 10, Khan Academy offers:
Free video lessons on all AMC 10 topics
Practice exercises with instant feedback
Progress tracking
Personalized learning recommendations
Best feature: Excellent for building foundational knowledge
Brilliant.org
Brilliant offers interactive courses in mathematics, including:
Competition math courses
Interactive problem-solving
Visual explanations
Progress tracking
Best feature: Interactive, engaging approach to learning
Note: Requires subscription for full access
YouTube Channels
Several YouTube channels offer excellent math competition preparation:
Numberphile
Content: Engaging videos on various mathematical topics
Best for: Building mathematical curiosity and intuition
3Blue1Brown
Content: Beautiful visual explanations of mathematical concepts
Best for: Understanding geometric and algebraic concepts visually
Michael Penn
Content: Problem-solving videos, including AMC and AIME problems
Best for: Learning problem-solving techniques
Art of Problem Solving
Content: Official AoPS channel with problem-solving videos
Best for: Learning AoPS approaches to problems
Practice Tests and Problem Collections
Past AMC 10 Tests
The most important resource for AMC 10 preparation is past AMC 10 tests. These are available from:
Art of Problem Solving website (free)
MAA website (some free, some for purchase)
Various math competition prep books
How to use them:
Start with older tests (2000-2010) when problems were generally easier
Progress to more recent tests (2011-present)
Take tests under timed conditions (75 minutes)
Review every problem, especially those you got wrong
Try to solve problems using multiple methods
AMC 10 Problem Collections
Several books compile AMC 10 problems by topic or year:
AMC 10 Practice Tests by Richard Rusczyk
Content: Full-length practice tests modeled after actual AMC 10
Best for: Simulating test conditions
The Art of Problem Solving's AMC 10 Preparation
Content: Curated problems from past AMC 10 tests, organized by topic
Best for: Focused practice on weak areas
Mobile Apps and Digital Tools
Math Apps
Photomath
Features: Scans and solves math problems, shows step-by-step solutions
Best for: Checking your work and understanding solution steps
Limitation: May not handle complex competition problems well
Wolfram Alpha
Features: Computational knowledge engine, solves complex problems
Best for: Verifying answers and exploring mathematical concepts
Note: Some features require Pro subscription
GeoGebra
Features: Dynamic geometry, algebra, and calculus tool
Best for: Visualizing geometry problems and exploring mathematical relationships
Note: Free and available on multiple platforms
Flashcard Apps
Anki
Features: Spaced repetition flashcard system
Best for: Memorizing formulas, theorems, and key concepts
Note: Free on most platforms
Quizlet
Features: Flashcards and study games
Best for: Quick review of concepts and formulas
Online Communities and Forums
Art of Problem Solving Forums
The AoPS forums are the most active math competition community online. Benefits include:
Discussion of problems and solutions
Multiple approaches to the same problem
Help from experienced students and mentors
Access to additional problems and resources
Best practice: Don't just read solutions—try to understand them and contribute your own ideas
Reddit Communities
Several Reddit communities discuss math competitions:
r/math: General mathematics discussion
r/learnmath: Help with learning mathematics
r/mathematics: Academic mathematics discussion
Discord Servers
Several Discord servers focus on math competitions:
Art of Problem Solving Discord server
Math competition study groups
Best for: Real-time discussion and collaboration
Creating a Personalized Resource Plan
Assess Your Current Level
Before diving into resources, take a diagnostic test to understand your current level:
Take a past AMC 10 test under timed conditions
Identify which topics are strong and which need work
Determine your comfortable difficulty level
Set Clear Goals
Define what you want to achieve:
Minimum goal: Qualify for AIME (typically 100+ points)
Stretch goal: Score in the top 5% (Honor Roll)
Ultimate goal: Score in the top 1% (Distinguished Honor Roll)
Choose Resources Based on Your Needs
If you're a beginner (scoring below 90):
Start with AoPS Vol. 1 or Competition Math for Middle School
Use Khan Academy to build foundational knowledge
Focus on understanding concepts before tackling hard problems
If you're intermediate (scoring 90-110):
Work through AoPS Vol. 1 thoroughly
Start doing past AMC 10 problems
Join AoPS forums for discussion
Consider AoPS online classes
If you're advanced (scoring 110+):
Move to AoPS Vol. 2 or specialized topic books
Do all past AMC 10 problems under timed conditions
Start working on AMC 12 problems
Consider AIME preparation resources
Organizing Your Study Materials
Physical Organization
Keep all books and notes in one dedicated space
Use notebooks or binders for each topic area
Create a "problem log" to track problems you've solved
Maintain an "error journal" to record and learn from mistakes
Digital Organization
Create folders for different types of resources
Use cloud storage to access materials from anywhere
Bookmark important websites for quick access
Use note-taking apps (Notion, Evernote) to organize concepts and solutions
Making the Most of Your Resources
Active vs. Passive Learning
Passive learning (reading, watching videos) is necessary but not sufficient. You must also engage in active learning:
Solve problems yourself before looking at solutions
Explain solutions to others or out loud to yourself
Try multiple approaches to the same problem
Create your own problems based on concepts you've learned
Spaced Repetition
Don't try to learn everything at once. Use spaced repetition to retain information:
Review concepts regularly
Revisit problems you struggled with
Spiral back to topics periodically
Quality Over Quantity
It's better to deeply understand 10 problems than to superficially work through 100. Focus on:
Understanding why each step works
Identifying the key insight or technique
Learning how to apply the technique to other problems
Budget-Friendly Resource Options
Free Resources
Art of Problem Solving website (Alcumus, forums, wiki)
Khan Academy
YouTube channels (Numberphile, 3Blue1Brown, etc.)
MAA website (some free resources)
Library books
Past AMC 10 problems (available free online)
Low-Cost Resources
AoPS books (one-time purchase, can be resold)
Used books from online marketplaces
Library borrowing
Free trials of subscription services
Investment Resources
AoPS online courses (various price points)
Brilliant.org subscription
Private tutoring (if needed)
Math competition prep programs
Staying Motivated and Consistent
Set a Regular Study Schedule
Study at the same time each day
Start with 30 minutes and gradually increase
Be consistent—even short daily sessions are better than occasional long ones
Track Your Progress
Keep a log of problems solved
Record your scores on practice tests
Celebrate improvements, no matter how small
Find a Study Buddy or Group
Study with friends who are also preparing
Join a math club at school
Participate in online study groups
Conclusion
The right resources can make a significant difference in your AMC 10 preparation. The Art of Problem Solving series remains the gold standard for books, while the AoPS website provides an unparalleled online community and resource collection. Past AMC 10 tests are essential for practice, and online forums offer valuable discussion and learning opportunities.
Remember that resources are only as good as your engagement with them. Active problem-solving, careful review of solutions, and consistent practice are what will ultimately lead to success. Start with the resources that match your current level, gradually work your way up, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
With the right resources, the right approach, and the right mindset, you can achieve your goals on the AMC 10 and develop mathematical skills that will serve you well throughout your academic career and beyond.
For more information about AMC 10 preparation, visit the official Mathematical Association of America website at maa.org/math-competitions and explore the Art of Problem Solving community at artofproblemsolving.com.
