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AMC 12

Common Mistakes on the AMC 12

The AMC 12 is designed to be tricky, with plausible but incorrect answer choices. Awareness of common pitfalls can help you avoid losing points to simple errors.

Problem-Solving Traps

  • Ignoring Constraints Always check for constraints like 'positive integer' or 'distinct roots' in the problem statement.
  • Algebraic Errors in the Last Step Double-check your final calculations, especially when simplifying complex fractions or solving quadratics.
  • Misinterpreting Geometric Diagrams Redraw the diagram yourself; do not assume lines are parallel or angles are right unless stated.
  • Forgetting Edge Cases Consider cases like n=0, n=1, or when a variable could be negative, especially in number theory.
  • Guessing Randomly Only guess if you can eliminate at least two choices, as unanswered questions are worth points.
  • Overlooking Simple Solutions If your calculation becomes very complex, pause and look for a more elegant, conceptual approach.