ACT Math Basics
So maybe Math isn't your best subject. And the ACT Math section makes you want to leap into the nearest volcano. That's okay! (The scared part, not the leaping part.) The ACT Math section can seem frightening, but it really isn't. Here's what you need to know to master the Math section on the ACT exam.
ACT Math Details
If you've read ACT 101, you know that the ACT Math section is set up like this:
- 60 multiple-choice questions (no grid-ins here)
- 60 minutes
- Grades 9-11 Math
Plus, good news, you can use an approved calculator!
ACT Math Scores
Just like the other sections, the ACT Math section can earn you between 1 and 36 points. The average is about a 21, but you’ll have to do much better than that if you’d like to hit up a top university for admissions acceptance – more like between a 30 and 34. This score will be averaged with the scores from the other multiple-choice sections (English, Science Reasoning and Reading) to get you your Composite ACT score.
ACT Math Question Content
What content do you need to know? Brush up your skills on this info you learned from middle school through about 11th grade:
Pre-Algebra
13-14 Questions involving things like
- Factors
- Square roots and approximations
- Absolute value and ordering numbers by value
- Exponents
- Scientific notation
Elementary Algebra
10-11 Questions involving things like
- Exponents and square roots
- Evaluation of algebraic expressions through substitution
- Using variables to express functional relationships
- Algebraic operations
- Factoring and quadratic equations
Intermediate Algebra
9 Questions involving things like
- Quadratic formula
- Rational and radical expressions
- Absolute value equations and inequalities
- Sequences and patterns
- Polynomials
- Complex numbers
Coordinate Geometry:
9 Questions involving things like
- 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
Plane Geometry:
13-14 Questions involving things like
- Angles and relations among perpendicular and parallel lines
- Properties of circles, triangles, rectangles, parallelograms, and trapezoids
- Transformations
- Proof and proof techniques
- Volume
- Three-dimensional Geometry
Trigonometry:
4-5 Questions involving things like
- Trigonometric relations in right triangles
- Values and properties of trigonometric functions
- Graphing trigonometric functions
- Modeling using trigonometric functions
- Solving trigonometric equations
ACT Mathematics Practice
There it is – the ACT Math section in brief. Think you can pass it? Sure you can! Take an ACT Math Practice Quiz to gauge your readiness, then launch into 5 Math Strategies to improve your score. Good luck!
