ACT Math Test

On the ACT® mathematics exam, you are allowed to use a calculator. For further information on restricted models and features, visit http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/taking-the-test/calculator-policy.html.

• The mathematics exam consists of 60 questions and lasts for 60 minutes. Its goal is to evaluate the mathematical abilities that pupils have normally developed in courses they have completed up until the start of grade 12.
• Multiple-choice questions on the exam ask you to apply your critical thinking abilities to address real-world mathematical issues.
• The majority of queries are self-contained and may be resolved without the need for additional charts, figures, or queries. However, certain inquiries may be a part of a collection of inquiries (e.g., several questions about the same graph or chart).
• The tasks presuppose knowledge of fundamental formulas and computing abilities, but complicated formula memory and substantial computation are not necessary.
• The emphasis of the test material is on the key subject areas that must be mastered in order to succeed in introductory college mathematics courses.

Tips for Taking the Mathematics Test

• Pace yourself.

  The mathematics test contains 60 questions to be completed in 60 minutes. You have an average of 1 minute per question. If possible, spend less time on each question and use the remaining time allowed for this test to review your work and return to the questions on this test that were most difficult for you.

• If you use a calculator, use it wisely.

  All of the mathematics problems can be solved without using a calculator. Many of the problems are best done without a calculator. Use good judgment in deciding when, and when not, to use a calculator. For example, for some problems you may wish to do scratch work to clarify your thoughts on the question before you begin using a calculator to do computations.

• Solve the problem.

  For working out the solutions to the problems, you will usually do scratch work in the space provided in the test booklet. You may wish to glance over the answer choices after reading the questions. However, working backwards from the answer choices provided can take a lot of time and may not be effective.

• Locate your solution among the answer choices.

  Once you have solved the problem, look for your answer among the choices. If your answer is not included among the choices, carefully reread the problem to see whether you missed important information. Pay careful attention to the question being asked. If an equation is to be selected, check to see whether the equation you think is best can be transformed into one of the answer choices provided.

• Make sure you answer the question.

  The solutions to many questions on the test will involve several steps. Make sure your answer accounts for all the necessary steps. Frequently, questions include answer choices that are based on incomplete solutions.

• Make sure your answer is reasonable.

  Sometimes an error in computation will result in an answer that is not practically possible for the situation described. Always think about your answer to determine whether it is reasonable.

• Check your work.

  You may arrive at an incorrect solution by making common errors in the problem-solving process. Thus, if there is time remaining before the end of the mathematics test, it is important that you reread the questions and check your answers to make sure they are correct.

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Content Covered by the Mathematics Test

• Basic operations using whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and integers; place value; square roots and approximations; the concept of exponents; scientific notation; factors; ratio, proportion, and percent; linear equations in one variable; absolute value and ordering numbers by value; elementary counting techniques and simple probability; data collection, representation, and interpretation; and understanding simple descriptive statistics.
• Properties of exponents and square roots, evaluation of algebraic expressions through substitution, using variables to express functional relationships, understanding algebraic operations, and the solution of quadratic equations by factoring.
• Understanding of the quadratic formula, rational and radical expressions, absolute value equations and inequalities, sequences and patterns, systems of equations, quadratic inequalities, functions, modeling, matrices, roots of polynomials, and complex numbers.
• Graphing and the relations between equations and graphs, including points, lines, polynomials, circles, and other curves; graphing inequalities; slope; parallel and perpendicular lines; distance; midpoints; and conics.
• Properties and relations of plane figures, including angles and relations among perpendicular and parallel lines; properties of circles, triangles, rectangles, parallelograms, and trapezoids; transformations; the concept of proof and proof techniques; volume; and applications of geometry to three dimensions.
• Understanding trigonometric relations in right triangles; values and properties of trigonometric functions; graphing trigonometric functions; modeling using trigonometric functions; use of trigonometric identities; and solving trigonometric equations.

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