This course prepares students for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination, the next step after the AMC 10 and AMC 12. Students develop the deeper techniques that AIME problems require in algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory, working through past AIME problems and presenting their solutions to the class.
This course prepares students for the AMC 10 and AMC 12 competitions through a focused study of the techniques that appear most often on these exams. Rather than drilling problems in isolation, we develop the underlying ideas and then see how they play out across many contests, so that students leave with transferable methods rather than memorized tricks. Students preparing for the AMC 8 are also welcome: the course develops exactly the tools needed for the most challenging problems on that exam.
Topics include counting and combinatorial techniques, number theory (divisibility, modular arithmetic, and Diophantine equations), algebraic manipulation and polynomials, sequences and series, plane and coordinate geometry, trigonometry, complex numbers, probability and expected value, and general problem-solving strategies such as invariants, extremal arguments, and clever substitutions. Throughout, students work on problems from past AMC contests, including recent exams, and present their solutions to the class.
Every PiMath course
Seminar-style discussion over Zoom. Every session is recorded.
Small enough that every student is heard and known.
Schedule, recordings, annotated slides, and course notes in one place.
Detailed comments on problem solving and proof writing.
Placement is based on readiness and interest rather than age or grade level. If you are not sure which course fits, choose “Not sure which course fits — please advise” on the application and we will help.
Partial and full need-based scholarships are available for every course. Ask about aid on the application.
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