Art of Problem Solving (AoPS)

ljp7266
Tue, 08 May 2012 20:52:23 +0000

Before we can help you decide how much value the books will be to you, we need to understand your prior knowledge, your future goals, and the dedication/meaning that this work will have for you. This will decide how much of an impact AOPS will have on you. From what you have said, I would say that you are at the level of the intro series or volume 1, both of which will help you greatly. Anything beyond this (e.g. volume 2) may be beyond your current level.
My personal belief is that AOPS volume 1 and 2 are simply excuses for the Intro and Intermediate Series respectively. The intro to geometry, number theory, counting and probability, and algebra are more than sufficient to pass the AMC10, and may even allow you to scrape a score on the AIME that isn’t completely meaningless (i.e. 2-5). Moreover, the intro series gives you a true understanding of the foundation of competition math, which is essential to possibly many of your future mathematical endeavors.
With that in mind, Volume 1 is less work and will give you the same “overall” impression (aside from the possible gaping flaws in your new understanding due to a limited amount of material studied), thereby allowing you to achieve a respectable AMC10 score. Nonetheless, the true experience will result from studying the entire intro series (or only the subjects you’re weak in). Either way, AOPS will dramatically impact your AMC10 score and I highly recommend studying them.