How to Do Well on Math Contests Like the AMC

Math contests are a fun way to show off your math skills. Doing well in a math contest takes a lot of advanced preparation and practice. In addition to strengthening math skills, math contests can help you to learn life skills such as team work and discipline.

Instructions

1. Practice all of your math skills as often as possible. If you are competing in one specific skill, it is still good to practice all of your math skills to prepare you for any variation of the specific skill.

2. Ask parents, friends and teachers to quiz you. This will help to keep your mental focus sharp.

3. Learn to use number association to help you figure out the solution to a problem quickly. Judges time some contests, so speed will matter.

4. Make math problems out of any numbers you see during the day. This will help you to learn to think quickly about the correlation between any numbers.

5. Get a full night of good sleep before the contest. A well-rested mind will help you to concentrate better during the contest.

6. Eat a well-balanced meal before the contest. If the contest will last all day, consider bringing snacks with you so you can stay nourished at the contest.

7. Review your material the day of the contest. If there is free time during the contest, use it to your advantage and review or practice any skill that is presenting you with a challenge.

Tips & Warnings

• If you will be participating in the contest as part of a team, it is important that the team practice together prior to the event.

• Always double-check your figures during a contest.