<p>Do the AMC/AIME/USAMO require a higher level of "reasoning ability" than SAT I math? Or is it a test of just learning theorems and applying them?</p>
<p>I might be taking AIME later this year for my school's math club. I'd like to know what it's about as well. All I know so far is that there are 15 grid-in questions w/answers integers between 1 and 999 and that it is very difficult.</p>
<p>I would say it's more about reasoning, IQ, and that stuff. Took AMC</p>
<p>The AMC/AIME/USAMO are the progressively difficult series of national level math exams. They require a high level of math ability, but not necessarily a very high level of course work. Google and you can find out much more.
Generally, to take the AIME, you have to qualify, normally by doing well on the AMC 10 or 12.</p>
<p>Well, does the AMC require more "reasoning" ability than regular SAT math? Or does it only get that difficult at the AIME/USAMO level?</p>
<p>You decide. See these AMC sample questions: <a href="http://www.unl.edu/amc/b-registration/b1-archive/2007-2008/2008-AMC1012BroQuest.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://www.unl.edu/amc/b-registration/b1-archive/2007-2008/2008-AMC1012BroQuest.pdf</a></p>
<p>Uh...seriously? THAT's an example of the vaunted AMC? Pfft.</p>
<p>That #13: </p>
<p>Let A, B, and C, denote the radii of the circles after which they're named. </p>
<p>2A + 2B + 2C = 12
A+B+C = 6 </p>
<p>A+B = 3
A+C = 4
B+C = 5 </p>
<p>Solve everything in terms of A...</p>
<p>A = A
B = 3-A
C = 5 -(3-A) = 2+A</p>
<p>6 = A+5
A = 1 </p>
<p>A = 1; B = 2; C = 3 </p>
<p>Sum of Areas = (1^2)pi + (2^2)pi + (3^2)pi = 14 pi. </p>
<p>That's easier than an SAT geometry problem, yes?</p>
<p>can you get a perfect score on amc? i don't think so. it's hard. the aime and usamo are even harder.</p>
<p>the sat math isn't that bad.</p>
<p>If the problems are like that, then I think I would have a fairly reasonable shot.</p>
<p><em>bumpalicious</em>?</p>
<p>the problem given above is one of the easiest problem that can be given.
It gets a lot harder as the problem numbers go up.
Mostly, you have to score above 100 on AMC12 to get into AIME.
Trust me, it is WAY harder than SAT1 math or SAT2 math.
People who can get into AIME can basically ace SAT1 math unless they make mistakes.</p>
<p>Well, aren't mistakes indicative of not being able to solve the problems? Or do you mean trivial computational mistakes?</p>
<p>SAT I Math is ridiculously easy compared to AMC.</p>
<p>But, like, is it because the problems just require more hardcore thinking or just more knowledge?</p>
<p>its both.
first 15 problems or so are relatively easy.
Then, from on, you need to think rele creatively or more knowledge might actually help u.
Although calculus does not help at all I believe.</p>
<p>What do you mean, exactly? Are you saying memorizing techniques can offset lack of creativity?</p>
<p>First, there are actually three levels to the AMC - 8, 10 and 12. The 10 and 12 are HARD. Kids who can score 750+ on the SAT math 1 or 2, or SAT math section, may not necessarily do extremely well on the AMC. And only the the top 1% of the AMC10 scores, and top 5% of the AMC12 scores go on to the AIME. Given that only strong math students generally try the AMC, not all possibly college bound kids, that says much. But to really find out about these tests, just go to the website(s) and prowl around. There is no lack of material available.</p>
<p>AMC and AIME, best math tests ever!! :D
A very small percentage of people who take the AMC qualify for the AIME (5%).
They made the test harder recently by decreasing the amount of points you get for skipping questions.</p>
<p>During my junior year, as many as ten people qualified (out of 100).
My senior year, only me and one other person qualified (same number took it), people who qualified junior year didn't qualify senior year.</p>
<p>The AMC requires knowing some math that's not necessarily more advanced, but that are things you don't cover in depth in a regular high school math series since high school is geared toward analytic math (pre-calc/calc and the likes) while the AMC is a lot more geared toward number theory, combinatorics, series and that kind of stuff. You do need to know a few things about these topics such as maybe formulas for sums of series, and some aspects of number theory, and be able to work out algebra well but above that it's just about being naturally intuitive with numbers and you can't get by by just knowing formulas and theorems like you can in say pre-calc/calc making it a lot harder despite the actual topics being at a pre-calc or lower level.</p>
<p>AMC/AIME/ and USAMO are all much harder than SAT Math
Getting a perfect score on AMC is challenging, even if it's multiple choice, and AIME is very different and much more difficult than AMC. </p>
<p>@ Arachnotron memorization to study for tests like the AIME would definitely be a waste of time. You won't be able to get anywhere memorizing concepts/formulas.
I almost felt offended by our "Pfft" comment about the vaunted AMC until I realized that I am way too in love with AMC/ AIME/USAMO and not everyone is. :)</p>
<p>The math competitions are about applying math and being able to think analytically. AIME/ USAMO require hardcore thinking/ studying outside of school.<br>
SAT Math just have ridiculously easy problems.</p>