Good luck on the AIME!
by shiningsunnyday, Mar 2, 2016, 2:56 PM
For everyone taking the AIME I, good luck! At first I wanted to make a list of my top 5 all-time favorite AIME problems as well as providing my solutions for them, but realized I don't have time. 
Thanks school.
Try not to stress, and just think of it as an opportunity to play with 15 high-quality problems!
Some general tips:
1. Do a LOT of sanity checks.
-Probability: Does my probability seem about right?
-Algebra bash: Can I plug in values to check, does my method look clean? (Don't dive into meaningless computations without first seeing if you can simplify things!)
-Geometry: Can I use my ruler to help me see if my answer is in the ballpark?
-Summations: When writing out general terms, test out a few values to make sure it works
-Arithmetic: Don't screw up! Add things twice (top to bottom and bottom to top, etc.)
2. Try to be elegant and organized.
Remember, bashing is only for when you can't spot any easier way to do the problem, while being able to see a clear path to getting the answer with bash.
Bash: Try to box your computations as well as sticking to your plan. And make sure to check your steps over!
Usually, most AIME problems can be solved elegantly. Make sure you don't fall into the common trap and wearing yourself out with computations and not having the energy to close out the test!
3. Game Plan
My game plan is to usually attempt all the problems that I think I can realistically solve, try to muster out an answer, then make a list of the questions I most likely messed up on, and use the remaining time to check my steps. Do whatever works for you! Also, VERY VERY important: DO THE PROBLEMS THAT YOU CAN SOLVE. Skim through some questions before deciding on which one to attempt. It's not worth it doing every problem in order!
Also, SKIP around the problems! Your mind will subconsciously get in a better condition if you do so, as opposed to getting stuck on a question for a long time.
I'll be taking the AIME II, but I will get my hands on the AIME I problems as soon as I can, so I'll post some thoughts/comments afterwards.
Thanks school.Try not to stress, and just think of it as an opportunity to play with 15 high-quality problems!
Some general tips:
1. Do a LOT of sanity checks.
-Probability: Does my probability seem about right?
-Algebra bash: Can I plug in values to check, does my method look clean? (Don't dive into meaningless computations without first seeing if you can simplify things!)
-Geometry: Can I use my ruler to help me see if my answer is in the ballpark?
-Summations: When writing out general terms, test out a few values to make sure it works
-Arithmetic: Don't screw up! Add things twice (top to bottom and bottom to top, etc.)
2. Try to be elegant and organized.
Remember, bashing is only for when you can't spot any easier way to do the problem, while being able to see a clear path to getting the answer with bash.
Bash: Try to box your computations as well as sticking to your plan. And make sure to check your steps over!
Usually, most AIME problems can be solved elegantly. Make sure you don't fall into the common trap and wearing yourself out with computations and not having the energy to close out the test!
3. Game Plan
My game plan is to usually attempt all the problems that I think I can realistically solve, try to muster out an answer, then make a list of the questions I most likely messed up on, and use the remaining time to check my steps. Do whatever works for you! Also, VERY VERY important: DO THE PROBLEMS THAT YOU CAN SOLVE. Skim through some questions before deciding on which one to attempt. It's not worth it doing every problem in order!
Also, SKIP around the problems! Your mind will subconsciously get in a better condition if you do so, as opposed to getting stuck on a question for a long time.
I'll be taking the AIME II, but I will get my hands on the AIME I problems as soon as I can, so I'll post some thoughts/comments afterwards.
May 2018
April 2018