Students took the American Math Competition exam Feb. 2 during first and second period in the Chalmers lounge.

This year, 53 students in total took the AMC 10 and 12. Last year, 98 students took the test.

“This is a bit lower than in previous years but there is some natural variation, so I’m not sure it is significant,” math teacher and AMC proctor Kevin Weis said.

Juniors and seniors were required to take the AMC 12, while sophomores could choose between the AMC 10 or 12.

The test consists of 25 questions, to be completed in 75 minutes.

Each question correctly answered receives six points, unanswered questions receive 1.5 points and incorrect answers are given no points.

Scores will be sent out a few weeks later, and students who received 100 points on the AMC 12 or 120 points on the AMC 10 will move on to the American Invitational Mathematics Examination.

Students who do well on the AIME are invited to the United States of America Mathematical Competition.

“The AMCs are always an exciting opportunity to check out some cool math problems,” Sean Jung ’16 said. “While some people might be pressured to do well, it’s really just for fun. Since it’s an optional test, if you ask anyone taking it at H-W they would definitely agree it’s simply fun.”