AMC 10 Compared to AMC 12
The AMC 10 and AMC 12 are closely related exams, with the AMC 12 covering a broader mathematical curriculum. Students often choose between them based on their grade level and mathematical background.
AMC 10 vs. AMC 12
| AMC 10 | AMC 12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Target Grade | 10th grade and below | 12th grade and below |
| Key Exclusions | Trigonometry, complex numbers, logarithms | Calculus |
| Problem Overlap | Shares roughly 10-12 problems with the AMC 12 | Shares its easier problems with the AMC 10 |
| Difficulty Curve | Starts easier, but final problems are very hard | Steeper difficulty, assuming more background |
| Purpose | Qualify for AIME, identify talent in younger students | Qualify for AIME, identify top high school students |
Which Exam Should You Take?
If you are in 10th grade or below, you have a choice. Take the AMC 10 if you are still building your foundation and have not yet mastered trigonometry or complex numbers; it offers a better chance to qualify for the AIME. Choose the AMC 12 if you are confident with the extended syllabus and want to challenge yourself against a wider field, or if you are in 11th or 12th grade.