Top 10 Tips to ACE the ACT Mathematics
3- Write out your all problem-solving steps
- Enter the wrong number into your calculator
- Answering x when you’ve been asked for 2x.
This pencil-and-paper approach also allows you to check if you have finished the test early and have a chance to review your answers.
4- Try plugging the answer choices back into the problem
If you get stuck, try entering the answer options again and see if one of them works. This trick does not always work, but if it does – your answer is there! When doing so, be sure to plug in all the answer options to make sure you did not make a mistake. Remember, this is something you have to do as a last resort – because it is very time-consuming, it is not a great first step to solving the problem.
5- Tackle word problems in pieces
Word problems come in many forms and test many math concepts, but if you remember these ACT math tips, you should be able to get started on most word problems.
Know the question. Read the problem in all the steps and underline the question. Divide the problem into pieces. Each problem has a lot of information: process each piece together and be careful of the opponent’s phrases.
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6- Skip over problems you can’t solve
If you do not make any progress on a problem after 10 seconds, circle it and move on. If you are confused by a tricky problem and only know one step you can take – for example, factoring, or combining like terms – take that step and see if it works for you. If not, circle the issue number and continue.
Fixing on a vexing problem wastes time and is extremely anxious, reducing your performance in the rest of the test.
7- Understand both the power and the danger of the calculator in the ACT Math
You can use the calculator in ACT Math, and in case of specific problems, this can be a lifeline. But the interesting thing about the calculator is that it is very easy to hit the wrong key and get a very easy answer. But, there is no wrong key in your mind. The more ACT math you can do in your mind, the fewer mistakes you will make on the test.
8- Know your properties
Knowing the properties of the number on the day of the test will save you time. The rules for the number properties include odds and evens, prime numbers, and the order of operations. You can select numbers to remind the rules.
9- Know your triangles
You need to know the rules 30-60-90 and 45-45-90. The ACT does not provide this information at the beginning of the math section, so be sure to memorize this information sooner. Also look out for the Pythagorean triplets (3: 4: 5 and 5:12:13 and their multiples), these will save you time on the day of the test!
10- Keep a calm mind during the test
Stress is normal for test-takers. However, remind yourself that there is nothing to worry about. If the test is difficult, the same is true for other testers. The important thing is that you have done your best, and now unnecessary worry ruins everything. If you are anxious during the test session, you can use the test break techniques and pause the exam for a few moments. Take a deep breath, stay in this position for a few seconds, then exhale completely and repeat up to 3 times.
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