Transcript ACT How to Ace the ACT Math Section Step 1 Understand the format of the math section.

ACT
How to Ace the ACT Math Section
Step 1
Understand the format of the math section. It consists of
60 questions in 60 minutes and each question has five
choices; the other sections only have four choices. A
graphing calculator is permitted. Unlike the SAT, there is
no "guessing penalty," that is, if you get a question
wrong, there are no points subtracted from your score,
so always guess even if you have no idea what the
answer is.
Step 2
Exactly 40% of the ACT math questions (that is, 24) will
cover pre-algebra and basic algebra. Make sure that you
can solve systems of linear equations, factor quadratics,
and understand functions. Brush up on exponents and
radicals as well. Practice doing these questions quickly
since they are the easiest.
Step 3
Exactly 30% of the questions (18) will cover
intermediate algebra and coordinate geometry. Study
the equations of conic sections, quadratic formula,
inequalities, and intersections of the graphs of
functions. Ask for help from a friend, teacher, or tutor if
you haven't done these problems in a while.
Step 4
The remaining 30% of the ACT math is geometry and a
small number of trigonometry questions. Review formulas
for finding area, circumference, and perimeter. Also know
how to set up equations involving trig functions and the
sides of a right triangle. Getting a good score requires
knowing how to do questions that combine all these
concepts above.
Step 5
Graphing calculators are programmable, so before test
day, write a program for math notes. If you don't know
how to program your calculator, consult the instruction
book or ask a friend or teacher. Always do ACT
practice tests with a calculator to get an accurate
score.
Step 6
If you don't know how to solve a problem, use your
calculator to guess and check the answer choices. If
the choices are numbers, plug them back into the
problem to see which one works. If the choices are
equations, plug numbers into the equations to see
which one gives you an answer that makes sense
according to the problem.
Step 7
If you get stuck on a question, circle it in the ACT test
book and put a light check mark on the answer grid so
that you know to come back to it later. Spend your time
wisely on the problems that are easiest for you to do. All
the problems are counted equally, so don't waste
valuable time on ones you can't solve. When time is
almost up, go back and fill in any bubbles you missed,
even if you have to guess.
Step 8
When you take practice tests at home, always set the
timer. Good ACT preparation includes mastering the
math content and building up speed.