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This collection of American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) problems is student curated. It is intended as an information and learning resource beyond the classroom, to help high school students apply age-appropriate formulas to Comp Math when developing problem-solving skills.

TAS student Roy Park has made a service-learning contribution to the Math community by organizing AMC materials by topic. This is significant: Comp Maths are typically chronologically organized by year and can be daunting for younger learners to find by topic.  Roy's topical organization makes the resource more accessible for high school students and for learners focused on specific areas. Additionally, by providing explanations, supports high school learners understand process, not just solutions. 

The collection is designed so that it can grow from contributions by other students in the Math and Data Science Team.

Original competition materials are attributed to the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

Curated Comp Math Collection

3 results found

Recognizing Patterns Using the Difference-of-Squares Identity

Problem Solving Approach

This practice problem demonstrates how recognizing a familiar algebraic identity can simplify calculations. Rather than expanding expressions individually, students identify a difference-of-squares pattern and apply it to reach the solution efficiently.

Simulated Practice Problem

Evaluate:

 

 

 

Worked Solution

Using the difference-of-squares identity:

Problem-Solving Note: Recognizing the difference-of-squares pattern eliminates the need to calculate two large squares.

Student Contributor
Sim Simulator Algebraica
AMC Source
Original practice problem; not from an AMC competition
Key Concepts / Formulas
Difference of squares; algebraic identities
Suggested Learning Level
Grades 8–10; introductory algebra
Keywords
Algebra, difference of squares, identities, simplification
Original Source Reference
AI Simulation, Original simulated example. Not AMC Material
Math Topic
Algebra
Problem-Solving Method
Pattern Recognition
Resource Type
Problem and Solution
AMC Level
AMC 8
Publication Date
2026

Finding the Area of a Right Triangle

Problem Solving Approach

This practice problem illustrates how the Pythagorean theorem can be used to determine an unknown side length before calculating the area of a right triangle.

Problem-Solving Note: The key is recognizing that the missing side must be calculated before applying the area formula.

Student Contributor
Sim Simulator Geometrica
AMC Source
AI simulated prototype. Not an AMC Source
Key Concepts / Formulas
Pythagorean theorem; triangle area
Suggested Learning Level
Grade 8, right triangles
Keywords
Geometry, triangles, Pythagorean theorem, area
Original Source Reference
AI Simulation
Math Topic
Geometry
Problem-Solving Method
Geometric Reasoning
Resource Type
Problem and Solution
AMC Level
AMC 8
Publication Date
2026

Counting Outcomes Using Combinations

Problem Solving Approach

This practice problem introduces combinations as a method for counting selections when order does not matter. Students learn to distinguish between selecting objects and arranging them.

Practice Problem

A mathematics club has 8 members.

How many different groups of 3 students can be selected to represent the club?

Worked Solution

Since the order of selection does not matter, use combinations:

Problem-Solving Note: The important distinction is that selecting students does not involve arranging them in a particular order.

Student Contributor
Sim Simulator Otherica
AMC Source
AI Generated Content for Simulation
Key Concepts / Formulas
Combinations; factorials; counting
Suggested Learning Level
Grades 9–10; introductory combinatorics
Keywords
Combinatorics, counting, combinations, factorials
Original Source Reference
Simulation
Math Topic
Other
Problem-Solving Method
Logical Reasoning
Resource Type
Worked Example
AMC Level
AMC 10
Publication Date
2026
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