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what math do you need to know for the act

by Dr. Maybell Hills Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The content breakdown for ACT math is:

  • Pre-Algebra (20-25%)
  • Elementary Algebra (15-20%)
  • Intermediate Algebra (15-20%)
  • Coordinate Geometry (15-20%)
  • Plane Geometry (20-25%)
  • Trigonometry (5-10%)

The ACT Math Test usually breaks down into 6 questions types: pre-algebra, elementary algebra, and intermediate algebra questions; plane geometry and coordinate geometry questions; and some trigonometry questions.

Full Answer

What's tested on ACT math?

Like all other sections of the ACT, the Mathematics exam splits up into several knowledge categories, with each test question falling under one specific category. These categories include Modeling, Preparing for Higher Math, Integrating Essential Skills, Number and Quantity, Statistics and Probability, Algebra, Geometry, and Functions.

What to know about the math section of the Act?

ACT Math section comprises 60 five-multi-choice questions that students should respond to within 60 minutes. The questions are drawn from six topic areas covered up to 11 th grade. They include Pre-algebra, intermediate algebra, elementary algebra, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, and plane geometry.

Should you take the SAT or act?

Yes! Anyone can take the SAT or ACT. However, since the tests play an important role in college admissions and placement, we recommend waiting until you have sufficient practice before taking them. Keep in mind, though, that if you are 12 years old or younger, the test registration processes are a little different.

Is SAT math easier than ACT math?

The ACT isn't harder than the SAT or vice versa, despite what the myths say. Students who favor math or science might find the ACT easier, since it's a straightforward test that highlights formulas, charts, and graphs. It depends on the student.

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What is the most common math on the ACT?

5 Most Frequently Tested ACT Math TopicsPre-Algebra.Elementary Algebra.Intermediate Algebra.Plane Geometry.Coordinate Geometry.

Is the ACT math test hard?

Like most math standardized tests, the difficulty range on the ACT math is relatively wide: practice answering the easier questions quickly so you'll have adequate time to answer the tougher ones.

What level of math does the ACT go up to?

The mathematics section is designed to assess the mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken up to the beginning of grade 12. Most questions are self-contained.

Do you need to know calculus for the ACT?

The ACT math problems are very reflective of the classic high school math track of Prealgebra, Algebra I & II, Geometry, and Trigonometry. There is no Precalculus or Calculus on the test – fantastic, right? Let's look at some specifics of the test. The math test is 60 minutes with 60 multiple-choice questions.

What's harder ACT or SAT?

The SAT and ACT generally cover the same topics. Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Neither the SAT or ACT is harder than the other.

Is SAT or ACT harder math?

Difficulty Depends on the Student While there are similar mathematical concepts on both tests, students might find one or the other more difficult based on their own math skills. This is true of the tests themselves as well. The ACT isn't harder than the SAT or vice versa, despite what the myths say.

Is the ACT math heavy?

The ACT Math section is more straightforward and will generally only ask you to demonstrate your existing knowledge in exactly the same way the math tests you take in school do. The drawback is that you must have a wider range of math knowledge going into the test.

Is the ACT more geometry or algebra?

In addition, geometry makes up about 35-40% of ACT Math but a far smaller percentage of SAT Math, so if you're really good at geometry, the ACT might work better for you.

What is a passing ACT math score?

It is made up of 60 multiple choice math problems, and test-takers will be given 60 minutes in which to solve them. In this section, the score ranges are similar to those of English: 1-19 is below average, 20-23 is average, 24-27 is above average, and 28-36 is the highest score you can reach for.

What is the hardest subject on the ACT?

Do You Feel Confident in the Content? Obviously, it's not a good idea to take the ACT® unless you have a good grasp on the content that will be tested. The ACT® Reading and ACT® Science sections are both the hardest and easiest to prepare for.

Is ACT getting harder or easier?

Relatively speaking, the ACT has gotten “harder” over the years. As students start to do better on ACT, the test-makers gradually adjust the difficulty level of the test. And students have gotten better. In 1970, the average composite score nationwide was 18.6.

What if you get a 36 on the ACT?

A 36 ACT score is most certainly good — in fact, it's great. It's the best possible score! A 36 ACT score makes you eligible to apply as a competitive candidate at all institutions — this includes elite and selective colleges and universities, as well. On top of that, you can expect a sizable amount of merit aid.

What is the hardest test on the ACT?

Do You Feel Confident in the Content? Obviously, it's not a good idea to take the ACT® unless you have a good grasp on the content that will be tested. The ACT® Reading and ACT® Science sections are both the hardest and easiest to prepare for.

Is ACT more reading or math?

ACT vs SAT: How Different Are They?ACTTime Per SectionEnglish: 45 mins Math: 60 mins Reading: 35 mins Science: 35 mins Writing (optional): 40 mins# of QuestionsEnglish: 75 questions Math: 60 questions Reading: 40 questions Science: 40 questions Writing (optional): 1 essay5 more rows•Jun 6, 2022

Is a 31 on the ACT hard?

Average ACT Scores by Section Based on these averages, it can be said that anything above a 21 is an above average score, but scoring at a 30 or above is extremely above average and highly difficult to attain.

What is the easiest part of the ACT?

If you're trying to boost your ACT score, the English section is the easiest to tackle. Here's why: there is only a handful of technical grammar content covered and there are really only a handful of rhetorical skills covered.

How does the ACT Math test work?

The ACT Math Test contains 60 questions that you have 60 minutes to finish. It tests math topics and skills that students should have learned up un...

What Math subjects do I need to review?

Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry, and Trigonometry

What does Pre-Algebra cover?

Pre-Algebra is normally taught in middle school as a warm-up class for regular algebra. It's designed to introduce concepts like integers, factorin...

What's the difference between Elementary and Intermediate Algebra?

Elementary algebra expands on topics taught in pre-algebra. Intermediate Algebra involves getting deeper into functions, relations, and quadratic e...

How to solve a math question?

1) Read the question#N#2) Look at the information provided in the question and the answer choices#N#3) Solve: 1 Backsolve 2 Pick Numbers 3 Use Traditional Math 4 Strategically Guess

Why is it important to pick numbers?

Picking numbers is especially helpful for number properties questions. Pick numbers that follow the rules of the question and are small and easy to work with. Avoid picking 0 or 1 because they have special properties.

When can you backsolve?

You can backsolve when you see integers in the answer choices. The answer choices are arranged in numeric order, so start with answer choice C/H unless the question asks for the smallest or largest value. Let the answer choices work for you.

Can you use a calculator on a test?

You may use a calculator on this test for any question you choose. However, some questions may be better solved without a calculator.

Can you add videos to your watch history?

Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer.

What is coordinate geometry?

Coordinate geometry covers basic level concepts involving points and lines using 2 digit coordinates. Graphing is a huge component since it shows how to turn algebraic equations into pictures.

What is elementary algebra?

Elementary algebra expands on topics taught in pre-algebra. It begins to include the usage of variables, how algebraic equations work, etc.

How many questions are asked in the ACT math test?

The ACT Math Test contains 60 questions that you have 60 minutes to finish. It tests math topics and skills that students should have learned up until grade 12.

What is pre algebra?

Pre-Algebra is normally taught in middle school as a warm-up class for regular algebra. It’s designed to introduce concepts like integers, factoring, and orders of operation.

What is trigonometry in math?

Trigonometry is all about studying the functions of angles and how they apply to mathematical calculations. Triangles are heavily studied to help explain the angle relationships.

Does the Act have math?

The ACT Math section stresses many students out but it doesn’t have to do so. To make life easier on your studying, listed below are the main ACT math topics you’ll be tested on.

What are some examples of formulas that are only needed for one or two questions on the test?

Formulas that are only needed for one or two questions on the test will be least familiar to you. For example, the equation of a circle and logarithm formulas only ever show up as one question on most ACT math tests. If you’re going for every point, go ahead and memorize them.

How many sides does an isosceles triangle have?

An isosceles triangle has two sides that are equal in length and two equal angles opposite those sides.

What is the opposite of the triangle?

opposite. hypotenuse . Opposite = the side of the triangle directly opposite the angle Θ. Hypotenuse = the longest side of the triangle. Sometimes the ACT will make you manipulate this equation by giving you the sine and the hypotenuse, but not the measure of the opposite side.

How many questions are asked in the Act math test?

The two biggest challenges of ACT Math are the time crunch—the math test has 60 questions in 60 minutes!—and the fact that the test doesn’t provide you with any formulas. All the formulas and math knowledge for the ACT comes from what you’ve learned and memorized.

What is the sum of the two sides of a right triangle?

In a right triangle, the two smaller sides (a and b) are each squared. Their sum is the equal to the square of the hypotenuse (c, longest side of the triangle)

What is the good news about the Act?

The good news about the ACT is that it is designed to give all test-takers a chance to succeed. Many of you will already be familiar with most of these formulas from your math classes. The formulas that show up on the test the most will also be most familiar to you.

What is probability in math?

Probability is a representation of the odds of something happening. A probability of 1 is guaranteed to happen. A probability of 0 will never happen.

What Math do you need to know?

The ACT math test is split into 3 primary sections, with each section testing various areas of math.

Have any questions about the ACT Test?

Write your questions about the ACT or any other topics below and we’ll reply!

What math subjects are required for Act?

ACT Math tests the knowledge that you should have learned during your junior year of high school, specifically, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Advanced Math. If you haven’t completed any of these subjects yet, it may be challenging to succeed in the ACT exam.

How many questions are asked in the Act math test?

In ACT Math, you have 60 minutes to answer 60 questions, which is not much time to think about each question or figure it out. Therefore, you must have a thorough understanding of each area of the ACT math exam and a quick recall of how to answer each question type before you step into the exam room.

What is the test for ACT math?

The ACT math tests your understanding of these subjects and not just your ability to solve standard questions. Therefore, you must first unravel the questions in the test to figure out the underlying problem that needs to be solved so they can fully ensure you are not just memorizing formulas and answers.

What to do leading up to a test?

Leading up to the test, ensure you review all sections covered and ensure they’re all fresh in your mind, especially those areas you learned in previous years and haven’t used recently.

Do you need a calculator to take the ACT?

You may bring almost any 4-function, scientific, or graphing calculator. However, the ACT provides a specific list of prohibited calculators. You don’t need a calculator to complete the test, but it’s not going to hurt your chances.

How many questions are asked on the ACT math test?

The ACT® (American College Testing) Math Test has 60 questions that cover a wide range of topics covered in high school. If you don’t remember your high school math classes, don’t worry! We’ve compiled the essential formulas you’ll need to know for the ACT Math Test. Even if you are not allowed to use this formula chart during the text, it’s a great tool for studying. Also, remember that in some cases, you’ll be allowed to use a calculator during your test, so you can remember the formulas and just plug in the values in your calculator.

Can you use a calculator on a test?

Even if you are not allowed to use this formula chart during the text, it’s a great tool for studying. Also, remember that in some cases , you’ll be allowed to use a calculator during your test, so you can remember the formulas and just plug in the values in your calculator.

How to find the sum of the interior angles of a polygon?

In a regular polygon, where all sides and angles are equal , this formula provides the sum ( S) of the interior angles given a polygon with n sides and angles. We can also find each interior angle by calculating S n.

What does chancing engine take into account?

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

What is the formula for a quadratic function?

The quadratic formula provides values of x, also known as solutions/roots/zeros, for a given quadratic function a x 2 + b x + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants . The expression underneath the square root, b 2 − 4 a c, is called the discriminant and determines the number of solutions. Specifically:

What is the inverse function of an exponent?

Logarithms are the inverse functions of exponents. In other words, the logarithm of a number, x, is the exponent to which another number, the logarithmic base b, must be raised to produce x. You’ll likely need to rewrite logarithms on the ACT using the following formulas:

How many questions are asked in the ACT math test?

In theory, the ACT Math Test seems fairly straightforward: 60 questions in 60 minutes, calculator permitted. Every question is multiple-choice, and there’s also no guessing penalty, which means that wrong answers won’t deduct any points from your total score.

How to find the probability of events A and B?

To calculate the probability that both independent events will occur, we multiply their individual probabilities together. For instance, the probability of flipping heads twice is 1 2 × 1 2 = 1 4.

What is slope rate?

Slope is a rate, specifically r i s e r u n. The slope of any line, m, can be determined given any two points on the line, ( x 1, y 1) and ( x 2, y 2).

What ACT Math Formulas Should Students Know and Tips To Memorize Them?

They include Pre-algebra, intermediate algebra, elementary algebra, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, and plane geometry.

How to remember formulas?

Using different channels like saying the formulas louder or writing them on charts and sticking them in your room can help you remember the formulas.

What is the Pythagorean theorem?

Pythagorean Theorem. Pythagoras theorem is crucial when calculating a right-angled triangle’s unknown side when two sides are known. The formula is expressed as a 2 +b 2 =c 2. The sum of two shorter sides is equal to the sum of the longer side.

What is probability used for?

Probability is used in calculating the possibility of the number of times something will occur in a set of possible results. It is a representation of the chances of something happening. A probability of 1 means there is a particular something that will happen, but a possibility of 0 means something won’t happen.

What is the mean of an arithmetic?

Arithmetic Mean. This is the same as average, and it is the sum of all items divided by the number of items. For instance, calculating the average of values, you divided the sum by the number of values.

How many questions are there in area testing?

There will around nine questions from the area testing on the graph of points, number line graphs, circles, polynomials, lines, curves, midpoint formula, conics, transformations, distance formula, equations, and graph relationships, slope, and properties of perpendicular and parallel lines.

What is the slope intercept formula?

The slope-intercept formula is a line equation expressed as Y=MX+b in which:

How long is the math section of the Act?

How long is the ACT Math section? You will have 60 minutes to complete 60 questions. All the questions are multiple choice with five potential answers to select from. As with all paper-and-pencil standardized exams, you will have a test booklet and an answer sheet. Each of your answers must be shaded on the bubble sheet, which is then scanned and scored electronically. While you won’t be given any scratch paper, there will be plenty of room in the test booklet to do your figuring.

What test do you need the most help with?

No matter what test – the ACT, SAT, GED, GRE, or any other standardized exam – the subject people need the most help with is math. The majority of those who struggle with math have done so since elementary school, with the confusion just compounding every time a new topic is introduced. When faced with an exam like the ACT Math test, they find themselves frustrated with questions that often don’t look like what they’re familiar with.

How long does it take to get your ACT score?

Within two weeks after you take the ACT, you should receive your scores. Your ACT Math score will lie on a scale from 1-36. Depending on the goals you and your tutor have set, you may want to retake the test.

What is the goal of test prep?

Well, the goal of test prep isn’t to gain a deep understanding of the material that’s covered. Rather, it’s to get a good score! Ultimately, the ACT is a test of how well you take the ACT. That means becoming familiar with the test’s structure, design, content, and nuances.

How many questions are there on the Act?

Roughly speaking, the questions on the ACT come from three areas of mathematics: Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra (24 questions), Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry (18 questions) and Plane Geometry/Trigonometry (18 questions). If you’ve already been using an ACT prep book, then you may have encountered another system of categorization: Number & Quantity, Algebra, Functions, Geometry, and Statistics & Probability.

How to solve a question quickly?

Many questions can be solved fairly quickly using the direct approach, where you take the given information and put it into some mathematical model to find an answer. If you’re comfortable with that strategy, then use it. If the direct approach isn’t working, though, you have several back-up options. The two most powerful alternative strategies are Plugging in the Answers (PITA) and Plugging in Numbers (PIN).

How to get a copy of the ACT test?

Fortunately, there is a way to get access to the actual ACT you have taken (or are planning to take). Just sign up for the Test Information Release (TIR), and you’ll receive a copy of the test questions, a list of your answers, and the answer key. If you want more prep material to get ready for the retake, then you’re in luck: ACT has not only provided official practice tests, but previous tests and their answer keys are also available online.

What is the format of the Math ACT?

The Math section of the ACT is the second section on the test . It follows the English section and precedes a 10-minute break. For some students, the first challenge of the Math section is shifting gears from humanities-based thinking to computational thinking.

How Is the Math ACT Scored?

The number that does represent the number of questions you answered correctly is called your raw score, and it is used to equate your scaled score.

What are some good strategies on the Math ACT?

Because of the test’s design, which organizes generally easier questions at the beginning and more difficult questions towards the end, you should endeavor to reach the midway point of the test much earlier than an even pace would predict. Instead of answering the first 30-40 questions in 30-40 minutes, try to answer them in 20-30 minutes. This will leave you about 30 minutes for the last 20 questions, which are generally more difficult or complex.

Where can I find free study resources for the Math ACT?

The ACT website provides a number of sample test questions that can be used to guide your studying and to practice skills. The website also provides a free ACT study guide that includes a test overview and some test strategy tips.

How to practice math act?

As you practice for the Math ACT, try to gauge your use of the calculator. If you think you are using it for more problems than you are not, try to identify why. Take a practice test and note each question on which you use a calculator. Then, when you’re finished with the section, look at which types of questions they are. This could reveal some gaps in your content knowledge that are easily remedied. It is always better in the long-term to fill in these gaps before the test rather than use your calculator unnecessarily on the actual test.

What are the math formulas for the ACT?

This means that you will need to know all necessary common math formulas on your own. These generally include y = mx + b, the area formula, the quadratic formula, and others, but nothing too complex. Read more about this in our strategy section below.

How many questions are asked in the Act?

Once you’ve cleared your mind of all the thinking you just did on the English section, you’re ready to get started on Math. The Math section of the ACT consists of 60 questions delivered in 60 minutes. The questions are not arranged by subject area or topic, but they are generally ordered by level of difficulty.

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