Category: Blog

01 Focus and Difficulty Differences

AMC10 A
Basic points are key: Questions are mostly "direct applications of core knowledge points," without obscure or weird questions.
Features:
The first 15 questions are basic (accounting for 60% of the total score), suitable for test-takers who want to "secure basic points and aim for medium-level points."
Questions 16-20 are medium difficulty.
Only a few advanced questions among 21-25.

AMC10 B
Advanced questions determine the gap: Places more emphasis on "higher-order thinking and comprehensive problem-solving strategies," with a higher proportion of difficult questions (19-25), requiring unconventional methods to solve.
Features:
Reduced proportion of basic questions, with a tighter connection between medium and difficult questions.
Suitable for test-takers with "solid fundamentals aiming for top 5%/top 1%."

02 Score Differences

A and B versions have similar difficulty levels, but some questions in B are more challenging.
Historical data shows that the qualification cutoff for B is generally higher than that for A, but the overall fluctuation is small.

03 How to Choose?

Exam Time: A is usually one week earlier than B (expected to be November 6 and November 14, 2026).
Difficulty and Focus:
A focuses more on the application of mathematics in real scenarios and computational solving.
B emphasizes a balanced examination across different areas, with some questions being more flexible and requiring higher mathematical literacy.
Strategic Advice:
If conditions permit, it is recommended to take both exams and use the higher score.
If only one can be taken, you can first refer to A's past papers to familiarize yourself with the question types before making a choice.

1. Foundation Phase (6 months in advance)

Core Goal: Focus on Algebra (main scoring subject) + Number Theory (advantageous for scoring), thoroughly understand medium-level Geometry problems, and grasp basic Combinatorics question types.
Specific Steps:
Practice questions 1-22 of past papers from the last 10 years by module, summarizing quick problem-solving techniques for each module (e.g., substitution in algebra, auxiliary lines in geometry, congruence simplification in number theory).
Keep the error rate per module ≤5%, ensuring immediate idea generation for medium-level questions (11-20).

2. Advanced Phase (3 months in advance)

Core Goal: Full-length timed mock exams (75 minutes) to practice time allocation and answering strategies.
Golden Rhythm:
Questions 1-10: ≤18 minutes (get all correct)
Questions 11-20: ≤32 minutes (≤1 error)
Questions 21-25: ≤20 minutes (aim for 2-3 correct)
Last 5 minutes: review
Study Plan:
Complete 3 sets of A/B past papers from the last 5 years per week, review errors on the same day, and fill in high-frequency gaps.

3. Sprint Phase (1 month before the exam)

Core Goal: Abandon obscure and weird questions, return to high-frequency topics and core formulas.
Specific Steps:
Review error notebooks + high-frequency questions from the last 3 years of past papers, memorize quick calculation formulas for Geometry/Number Theory, and practice classic question types from questions 21-25.
Establish consistent answering habits, circle keywords in questions, and avoid reading/computation errors.

1. Required Knowledge Points (Key Mastery)

Algebra

Algebraic calculation techniques: factorization, substitution method, expansion, etc.;

Linear functions and equations: linear equations systems, slope-intercept form;

Absolute value and floor functions: absolute value inequalities, floor operations;

Sequences: arithmetic sequences, geometric sequences and their applications;

Quadratic functions and equations: quadratic formula, Vieta's formulas, discriminant.

Geometry

Geometric transformations: translation, rotation, symmetry;

Geometric properties of circles: tangents, secants, arc length, inscribed angles;

Similar triangles: proportional relationships, similarity criteria;

Lines and circles: intersection, tangency, distance formula.

Number Theory

Congruence: modular arithmetic, congruence equations;

Divisibility: prime factorization, greatest common divisor (GCD), least common multiple (LCM);

Prime factorization: primality testing, fundamental theorem of arithmetic;

Base conversion: conversion between binary, decimal, and hexadecimal systems.

Combinatorics

Permutations and combinations: basic counting principles, permutation and combination formulas;

Probability fundamentals: classical probability, conditional probability;

Inclusion-exclusion principle: union, intersection, and complement in set operations;

Recurrence relations: Fibonacci sequence, dynamic programming concepts.

2. Distribution of Common Error Points (By Module)

Algebra

Application problem comprehension: pay attention to unit conversion and implicit conditions;

Solving absolute values: consider multiple solution cases;

Exponential and logarithmic calculations: special handling when the base is a fraction or negative.

Geometry

Finding equal angles in congruent/similar triangles: construct auxiliary lines, use properties of parallelograms;

Cutting and augmenting figures: partitioning and reorganizing complex figures;

Plane geometry spatial imagination skills: develop spatial sense, 3D geometry projections.

Counting

Distinguishing between permutations and combinations: avoid double counting, understand the meaning of combinations;

Application of recurrence relations: Fibonacci sequence, dynamic programming thinking.

Number Theory

Prime factorization: quickly determine primality;

Last digit problems: patterns of last digits, periodicity analysis.

Probability

Discrete probability: event independence, mutually exclusive events;

Geometric probability: area ratios, length ratios, volume ratios.

1. Basic Questions (Questions 1-8)
Lower difficulty, covering basic knowledge points in algebra, geometry, and number theory;
Goal: Get all correct, ensuring accuracy and speed to save time for later difficult questions.

2. Relatively Easy Questions (Questions 9-13)
Slightly increased difficulty, mainly reflected in the trap designs in the problem statements;
Requires careful reading by students; this section is also conquerable by most students.

3. Medium Difficulty Questions (Questions 14-17)
This is the dividing line and the key to entering the top 1%;
For G8 and below students, answering 15 questions correctly is excellent; for G9+ students, focus on conquering this section, aiming for all correct.

4. Relatively Difficult Questions (Questions 18-23)
More challenging; besides basic techniques, introduces advanced concepts like linear functions, quadratic equations, probability and statistics;
Key focus area for those aiming for the top 5% and the AIME qualification line.

5. Difficult Questions (Questions 24-25)
The truly difficult area, requiring deep knowledge and high mental agility;
Only a very small number of students can solve them; students aiming for a perfect score can focus on breaking through these.

1. Foundation Consolidation Phase (Recommended 6-8 months in advance)
Goal: Systematically organize knowledge points from various AMC10 sections, expanding on the basis of school mathematics;
Method:
- Beginners and lower-grade students: Spend at least six months building a solid foundation;
- Review school knowledge: Ensure no significant weaknesses in the four major modules: Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, Combinatorics;
- Supplement competition-specific content: such as congruence equations in number theory, recurrence relations in combinatorics, etc.

2. Practice Phase (3-4 months before the exam)
Goal: Improve problem-solving speed and accuracy through practice with past papers;
Method:
- Study past papers: Familiarize yourself with the application of each knowledge point in the exam;
- Connect knowledge sections: Train flexible problem-solving approaches;
- Accumulate mistakes: Conquer your own challenging problems.

3. Sprint Phase (1-2 months before the exam)
Goal: Simulate the real exam environment, optimize time allocation and test-taking strategies;
Method:
- Take timed mock exams: Simulate the real exam process, control time allocation;
- Strategy optimization: Adjust the order of attempting questions based on mock results, develop a "gain maximization" strategy;
- Psychological adjustment: Maintain a good mindset to avoid unnecessary errors due to nervousness.

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