AMC 12 Compared to AMC 10
The AMC 10 and AMC 12 are closely related exams, often taken on the same day. The primary difference is the scope of the mathematical topics covered.
AMC 12 vs. AMC 10
| AMC 10 | AMC 12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Grades 10 and below | Grades 12 and below |
| Syllabus Scope | Excludes topics typically taught after grade 10 | Includes the full pre-calculus curriculum |
| Key Exclusions | No trigonometry, complex numbers, or advanced logarithms | Includes all pre-calculus topics |
| Difficulty | Problems are generally more straightforward | Problems are more complex and require more advanced concepts |
| Shared Problems | Shares a significant number of its problems with the AMC 12 | Shares its easier problems with the AMC 10 |
| Qualification | Qualifies for the AIME | Qualifies for the AIME, often with a different cutoff |
Which One Should You Take?
If you are in grade 10 or below, you can choose either. Take the AMC 10 if you are still building your foundation and are not yet comfortable with trigonometry or complex numbers. Choose the AMC 12 if you have mastered those topics and want to challenge yourself with harder problems. Students in grades 11 and 12 must take the AMC 12.