How to plan your ACT Math Test

You will have 60 minutes to answer 60 multiple-choice questions based on “topics covered in typical high school classes.” For those of you who aren’t sure if you went to a typical high school, these questions break down into rather precise areas of knowledge.

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.

Algebra

• 14 pre-algebra questions based on math terminology (integers, prime numbers, and so on), basic number theory (rules of zero, an order of operations and so on), and manipulation of fractions and decimals
• 10 elementary algebra questions based on inequalities, linear equations, ratios, percents, and averages
• 9 intermediate algebra questions based on exponents, roots, simultaneous equations, and quadratic equations

Total: 33 questions

Geometry

• 14 plane geometry questions based on angles, lengths, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, perimeter, area, and volume
• 9 coordinate geometry questions based on slope, distance, midpoint, parallel and perpendicular lines, points of intersection, and graphing

Total: 23 questions

Trigonometry

• 4 questions based on basic sine, cosine, and tangent functions, trig identities, and graphing

Total: 4 questions

ACT Math Formulas

The ACT does not provide any formulas at the beginning of the Math Test. This means you need to memorize relevant formulas, so you can recall them quickly as needed. Don’t panic! Because ACT is so specific about the types of questions it expects you to answer, you can easily prepare to tackle them.

ACT Calculator Policy
Not all standardized tests allow calculators. Fortunately, ACT does. Your calculator can help to save a ton of time on operations that are easy to mess up like multiplying decimals or working with big numbers. The place where you have to be really careful with your calculator, though, is on the easy ones. Be careful with negative numbers!

What kind of calculator should I bring?
TI-89, TI-92, and TI-Nspire CAS model calculators are not allowed on the ACT (among others). In our book Cracking the ACT, we show you to how solve problems on the TI-83.

If you don’t plan to use a TI-83 on the test, we recommend you make sure your calculator is acceptable for use on the test and that it can do the following:

• handle positive, negative, and fractional exponents
• use parentheses
• graph simple functions
• convert fractions to decimals and vice versa
• change a linear equation into y = mx + b form

Build the right ACT prep plan for you

Our trainers will help you build a prep plan that’s customized to your score goals, study habits, and schedule. Start Now!