The AMC10 exam content can be categorized into four major modules: Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, and Combinatorics. The weight, difficulty, and preparation strategies for each module vary significantly. Based on the latest question changes in 2025, this article will provide an in-depth analysis of the key practical points for each module and offer a forward-looking perspective on the 2026 question trends.
I. AMC10 Four Modules: Weight and Difficulty Breakdown
Algebra (30%–40%) – The Foundation
Algebra is the largest module in the AMC10, covering quadratic equations, function graphs, sequence recursion, polynomial factorization, and inequality scaling. For students with a solid foundation, this is the most stable scoring zone. The core requirements are a strong command of Vieta's formulas, function transformations, arithmetic and geometric sequence summation formulas, as well as algebraic techniques such as factorization and substitution.
Geometry (25%–30%) – Soaring Proportion in 2025
Triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and similarity are the core frequently tested topics. Notably, the proportion of the geometry module increased significantly in the 2025 AMC10. The later questions on Paper A even featured deep geometric reasoning, with difficulty approaching that of the AIME Invitational level. Comprehensive applications of the power of a point theorem and geometric transformations (rotation, symmetry, translation) are common vehicles for difficult problems.
Number Theory (20%–25%) – The Biggest Weakness for Domestic Students
This module includes divisibility, primes, congruences, Fermat's little theorem, and other topics that are almost entirely absent from the domestic school curriculum but carry significant weight in the AMC10. This is also the key module that separates scores and requires dedicated systematic study.
Combinatorics (10%–15%) – Few Questions, but Extremely Flexible
From basic counting and probability to the inclusion-exclusion principle and recursive counting, combinatorics has a small number of questions, but each one requires flexible thinking. Problems that appear simple often conceal traps related to case-based discussions.
II. Question Gradient and Scoring Strategy
The difficulty gradient of AMC10 questions is very clear, with different ranges corresponding to different preparation goals:
| Question Range | Difficulty Benchmark | Score Target |
|---|---|---|
| Questions 1–10 | High School Entrance Exam hardest level | Above 90% accuracy; solid foundation secures points |
| Questions 11–20 | Gaokao hardest / High School League Round 1 | Above 60% accuracy; the watershed that separates scores |
| Questions 21–25 | High School League Round 2 | Above 40% accuracy; requires cross-module knowledge and creative solutions |
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III. 2025 Question Changes and 2026 Trend Outlook
Key 2025 Question Changes:
Soaring Geometry Proportion: The later questions on Paper A featured deep geometric reasoning, with difficulty approaching that of the AIME Invitational.
Mid-range Questions Saw Increased Computation: Case-based discussions and complex models significantly increased, adding to solving time.
Emergence of New Definition Problems: New concepts such as "fair numbers" appeared, testing students' on-the-spot comprehension and knowledge transfer ability, with a style leaning toward olympiad mathematics.
2026 Question Trend Predictions:
Difficulty Gradient Shifts Forward: Pressure is no longer concentrated solely on the last 5 questions. The difficulty of the mid-range questions (11–20) has significantly increased, becoming a new "invisible watershed."
Higher Demand for Computational Stability: Complex analytic geometry and multi-step logical reasoning are becoming the norm; calculation accuracy directly determines success or failure.
AIME Difficulty Descends: The boundary between the final challenge questions and the early AIME questions is increasingly blurred, requiring students to higher-level problem-solving skills in advance.
IV. Registration Tips and Pitfall Avoidance Guide
The AMC10 does not support individual direct registration on the MAA official website. It must be completed through one of the following three channels:
School Group Registration (Preferred): If your school is an AMC official cooperative test center, teachers will submit information collectively to complete registration.
Individual Registration via Official Platform: Register through the "ASDAN International Academic Challenge" WeChat mini-program or the AMC China Regional Committee official website.
Institutional Proxy Registration: If your school is not a test center, you can seek out educational institutions with AMC official test center qualifications to register on your behalf. We are an officially authorized test center and can provide proxy registration.
Four Key Pitfall-Avoidance Tips:
Do not wait until the last day of the deadline: The mini-program is prone to lag and system congestion during peak periods. It is recommended to complete registration at least 1–2 weeks in advance.
Test seats are first-come, first-served, with no waitlist: The 2026 season has fully reverted to in-person paper-based exams; online home exam channels have been completely discontinued. Seats in popular cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou are limited. Once capacity is full, you will lose the opportunity to take the exam in that session.
Personal information must be accurate: Errors in name, ID number, or current grade level may result in invalid registration or invalid scores. Furthermore, all information is non-modifiable after successful registration.
Confirm registration eligibility: The AMC10 is only open to students in grade 10 or below who are under 17.5 years old on the day of the exam. Students in grade 11 or above cannot register.
