In this comprehensive analysis of the 2024 AMC 8 competition, we’ll explore the various modules covered, from Geometry to Probability and Statistics, while also highlighting any changes compared to previous years. Additionally, we’ll delve into some intriguing problems from the exam, offering detailed solutions and insights into the key knowledge concepts tested.

Problem Breakdown by Module

Overall, the difficulty level of this year’s AMC 8 has seen a slight decrease compared to previous years. However, there have been no significant changes in the knowledge areas tested in the competition.

Geometry: Surpassing Historical Level

7 Problems (28%)

• While the examined knowledge remains largely consistent with previous years, the number of geometry questions has increased in 2024.
• 5 out of the 7 problems focus on area calculations, primarily involving triangles and circles.
• 3 problems integrate middle school concepts such as circles, rectangular coordinate systems, and similarity.
• Geometry comprises 60% of the last five challenging problems.

Probability and Statistics: Growing Emphasis

6 Problems (24%)

• There is an increase in the number of problems compared to previous years, with a more flexible problem-solving approach.
• 5 problems require varying degrees of enumeration. This year, there is a deliberate emphasis on assessing the ability in ordered enumeration, offering contestants ample opportunities to showcase their skills.

Number and Operation: Unprecedented Surge

4 Problems (16%)

• Number and operation has emerged as the third most prominent exam point for the first time.
• Calculations involving non-integer number fields remain crucial.

Word Problem: Decreased Percentage

3 Problems (12%)

• The number of word problems has significantly decreased, comprising only 12% of the exam, in contrast to 2023’s 24%.
• Despite a decrease in word problems, modules like counting and geometry incorporate real-world scenarios, demanding comprehensive problem-solving skills across all knowledge areas.

Answers, Key Concepts, and Difficulty Levels for Each Problem

#	Module	Key Knowledge Concept	Answer	Difficulty Level	Think Academy Long-Term Program Coverage (Advancement / Mastery / ACE)	Think Academy Short-Term Program Coverage (Competition Track)
1	Number and Operation	Find One’s Digit	B	⭐️	G3 Summer	Check-in Practice
2	Number and Operation	Conversion	C	⭐️	G4 Summer	Check-in Practice
3	Geometry	Area	E	⭐️	G2 Spring	Geometry Module Class
4	Algebra	Sequence	E	⭐️	G2 Spring G4 Spring	AR Camp
5	Number Theory	Divisibility	B	⭐️	G3 Fall	Number Theory Module Class
6	Geometry	Distance between Points	D	⭐️	G3 Spring	/
7	Combination	Max Limit in Geometry	E	⭐️	G5 Summer	Mock Exam
8	Probability and Statistics	Tree Diagram	D	⭐️	G2 Fall	HR Camp
9	Word Problem	Continued Ratio	E	⭐️	G4 Fall	Word Problem Module Class
10	Number and Operation	Decimal Operation	B	⭐️	G3 Fall	Word Problem Module Class
11	Geometry	Area in Coordinate Plane	D	⭐️	G5 Summer	Geometry Module Class
12	Word Problem	Difference and Sum	E	⭐️	G2 Summer	Word Problem Module Class
13	Probability and Statistics	Enumeration	B	⭐️⭐️	G2 Fall	AR Camp
14	Probability and Statistics	Enumeration	A	⭐️	G2 Fall	/
15	Number and Operation	Place Value	C	⭐️⭐️	G3 Fall	HR Camp
16	Combination	Combination	D	⭐️⭐️	G4 Spring	AR Camp
17	Probability and Statistics	Counting	E	⭐️⭐️	G5 Summer	AR Camp
18	Geometry	Annulus	A	⭐️⭐️	G4 Spring	Geometry Module Class
19	Combination	Inclusion-Exclusion	C	⭐️⭐️	G4 Spring	HR Camp
20	Probability and Statistics	Counting in Geometry	D	⭐️⭐️	G5 Fall	HR Camp
21	Word Problem	Proportion	E	⭐️⭐️	G4 Fall	HR Camp
22	Geometry	Annulus & Ratio	B	⭐️⭐️	G4 Spring	HR Camp
23	Geometry	Linear Equation	C	⭐️⭐️⭐️	G5 Fall	HR Camp
24	Geometry	Inclusion-Exclusion	B	⭐️⭐️	G3 Fall	AR Camp
25	Probability and Statistics	Addition & Multiplication Principle	C	⭐️⭐️⭐️	G5 Fall	DHR Camp

Think Academy’s long-term programs (Advancement/Mastery/ACE) encompass all the content assessed in the 2024 AMC 8, with similar questions elucidated during the classes. Our short-term AMC competition track classes cover 92% of them, with two problems deemed overly easy and thus not included.

Interested in preparing for the 2025 AMC 8 with Think Academy’s programs? Click here to explore our courses!

Detailed Solutions for 2024 AMC 8 Problems

Q13-Module: Probability and Statistics

Simplified Rules:

• A total of six movements.
• There must be three upward movements and three downward movements.
• The rabbit cannot burrow underground! (The total number of upward movements must be greater than or equal to the number of downward movements)

It may appear that the answer can only be deduced by exhaustively enumerating all possible scenarios.

Shortcut: Using diagrams allows for more efficient and precise problem-solving.

Answer: B

Q25-Module: Probability and Statistics (with Combination)

The initial step is to understand the rules, followed by categorizing the numbers and enumerating different scenarios. Subsequently, calculate permutations and combinations for each scenario.

Shortcut: It is more efficient to first calculate the opposite scenario of this problem and then subtract it from 1.

Answer: C

Q22-Module: Geometry (with Word Problem)

After reading the question, it’s easy to get confused by its look as a word problem. How do we actually calculate the length of the tape?

Shortcut: By combining the meaning of division and spatial visualization abilities, breaking down the problem reveals that it’s actually testing knowledge of the annulus area.

Imagine pulling out all the tape (as shown in the figure below). Then, the total area of the thin portion of the tape that can be ignored (the red area in the figure) is the area of the annulus!

The mathematics curriculum taught in schools does not encompass the knowledge and methods discussed here. However, At Think Academy, our experienced teachers excel in teaching AMC-related concepts and techniques, as evidenced by our students’ exceptional achievements in the 2024 AMC 8 Competition:

• Perfect Score: 19
• Distinguished Honor Roll: 78
• Honor Roll: 201
• Achievement Roll: 237

Looking ahead to the 2025 AMC 8 competition, our online short-term courses have been meticulously crafted to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success. Enroll now to gain an early advantage and kickstart your preparation journey!