Mastering ACT Math
Mastering ACT Math
Introduction
Section Overview
The ACT Mathematics section is divided into three sections: Pre-algebra/Elementary Algebra,
Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry and Plane Geometry/Trigonometry. This section is to
enhance your math skills and is not intended to teach you the subjects at hand. It is intended to
teach you tricks and shortcuts in order for you to complete each problem with speed and
accuracy. We will not explain the fundamentals of the formulas provided. You should be
comfortable with basic algebra such as addition, subtraction, multiplication etc., up to periodic
functions, for instance, you should know how to solve for n in the equation n + 3 = 5, n = 2 .
However, please feel free to ask your tutor to review any concepts you are uncomfortable with.
You should approach these problems in a test-like manner;; that is, time yourself and remove all
distractions. At the end of each sub-category there will be a set of exercises and checkpoint
quizzes. The questions will range from low to medium in difficulty and are designed to pinpoint
your weaknesses. This will help your tutor to more accurately know your weak areas and he/she
will be able to design more difficult problems to suit your needs. This section should provide you
with the groundwork for preparing for the ACT.
Test Logistics
The mathematics portion of the ACT is about speed and accuracy. Our goal is to familiarize you
with the concepts and teach you problem solving skills. You will have 60 minutes to do 60
multiple-choice questions, which means one minute per question! However, questions will vary
in difficulty so some questions will take you less than a minute and others more. All questions
are worth the same amount of points and there is no penalty for an incorrect answer. If you are
having a hard time with a question, don’t spend too much time on it, skip it and return to it later if
you have time. If you do not know an answer to a question, it doesn’t hurt to guess. First try to
use the process of elimination and if that fails just pick an answer, this way you have a 20%
chance of getting the right answer.
Important Things to Remember
- Never leave a question unanswered. If you know you will run out of time before attempting
all problems, just fill in an answer - guessing only increases your chances to 20% but
leaving it blank gives you no opportunity to get the answer correct.
- It is important to be comfortable using your calculator. You should know all the functions
and shortcuts necessary for the ACT. If you have any questions about your calculator
functions, please ask your tutor. Please visit
http://www.actstudent.org/faq/calculator.html, to ensure that your calculator is permitted
before continuing.
- Read all questions carefully, check your work and make sure your answer makes sense.
Here is a breakdown of how
Here is a breakdown of how the questions on ACT math section are divided up:
Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra
Pre-Algebra (23%)
- Basic mathematics functions
- Linear equations with one variable
- Simple probability data collection, representation, and interpretation
- Simple descriptive statistics
Elementary Algebra (17%)
- Systems of linear equations
- Using variables to express functional relationships
- Algebraic operations
- Binomials
Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry
Intermediate Algebra (15%)
- The quadratic equation
- Roots and exponents
- Absolute value equations and inequalities
- Sequences and patterns
- Systems of equations
- Quadratic Functions
- Polynomials
- Complex numbers
Coordinate Geometry (15%)
- Graphing Functions
- Slope
- Parallel and perpendicular lines
- Distance
- Midpoints
- Conics
Plane Geometry/Trigonometry
Plane Geometry (23%)
- Properties of circles, triangles, rectangles, parallelograms, and trapezoids
- Transformations
- Proof and proof techniques
- Volume
Trigonometry (7%)
- Pythagorean Theorem
- Properties of trigonometric functions
- Graphing trigonometric functions
- Trigonometric identities
- Solving trigonometric equations.
