Preparing for the Math Section of the ACT

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Preparing for theMath Section of the ACT

• March 20, 2006

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What is the ACT?

• The ACT is a series of multiple-choice tests used
  by colleges and universities to evaluate
  applicants.
• The ACT is given five times throughout the year
  at different locations across the United States,
  Canada and overseas. (February, April, June,
  October, December)
• The 3-hour exam involves testing over four
  subject areas, each of which is separately timed.
  The actual time spent is 4 or more hours because
  of breaks, instruction time, and passing out and
  returning forms.

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ACT Assessment The ACT assessment covers four
areas.

• English Section
• 75 questions 45 minutes
• 40 questions on usage and mechanics
• 35 questions on rhetorical skills
• Optional Writing Test 30 minutes
• Reading Section
• 40 questions 35 minutes
• 10 questions on prose fiction
• 10 questions on humanities passages
• 10 questions on social studies passages
• 10 questions on natural sciences

• Science Reasoning Section
• 40 questions 35 minutes
• 15 questions on data representation
• 18 questions on research summaries
• 7 questions on conflicting opinions
• Math Section
• 60 questions 60 minutes

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Math Section At a Glance

• 60 questions 60 minutes
• 14 questions on arithmetic
• 10 questions on elementary algebra
• 9 questions on intermediate algebra
• 9 questions on coordinate geometry
• 14 questions on plane geometry
• 4 questions on trigonometry

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Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra

• Pre-algebra
• Arithmetic Operations
• Fractions
• Decimals
• Integers
• Square Roots
• Ratios
• Percents
• Proportions
• Scientific notation
• Factors

• Elementary Algebra
• Simple linear equations
• Interpretation of graphs
• Bar graphs, Circle Graphs, Line graphs
• Quadratic equations
• Exponent Properties
• Square Root Properties

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Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry

• Intermediate Algebra
• Higher level quadratic equations
• Radical expressions
• Absolute Value
• Functions
• Complex Numbers
• Roots of Polynomials

• Coordinate Geometry
• Plotting equalities
• Plotting inequalities
• Slopes
• Distance
• Midpoints

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Plane Geometry/Trigonometry

• Plane Geometry
• Circles
• Squares
• Triangles
• Trapezoids
• Rhombi
• Angles
• Arcs
• Parallel Lines
• Proofs
• Pythagorean Theorem

• Trigonometry
• Trig Functions
• Identities
• Relations
• Sine
• Cosine
• Tangents
• Cotangents
• Secants
• Cosecants

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Note on the Trigonometry

• You dont need to master trigonometry to do well
  on the ACT.
• Many colleges only require two years of math,
  which usually include Algebra I and Geometry.
  Most of the questions on the ACT are focused on
  these two area and pre-algebra.
• The trig section is only a small percent of the
  math section. If you have not yet had
  trigonometry, skip those questions and
  concentrate on doing well on the other sections.
  No one is expected to know every answer in every
  section.

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Scoring

• The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. The
  average score in the past few years has been
  around 21 22. Once the raw score has been
  determined, then the exam is scaled to equal out
  the exam given on that particular day to the
  exams given on other days.
• Remember that no single test is completely
  accurate of a persons ability.
• The ACT Assessment also includes a percentile
  score based on the 1- 100 scale. The number
  indicates the percent of students that scored
  below you. Remember that on a percentile score 50
  is the average. Anything above 50 is considered
  above average.

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Hints on taking the Math Section of the ACT

• Save time by not reading the directions the day
  of the exam. Read the directions on the practice
  exam. They are similar to the ones that will be
  on the actual test. That way the day of the exam
  you can quickly skim over the directions.
• Know what is being asked. A simple word in the
  question can make a huge difference in the
  answer. So read questions carefully.
• Keep moving within a problem. If you get stuck,
  try something. Do something. Even if that
  something is to move on to the next question.
• Estimate.
• Try one of the choices.
• Turn word problems into equations.
• Draw diagrams

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Hints on taking the Math Section of the ACT

• Make sure to turn quantities into the units of
  the answer. ie. feet to yards, centimeters to
  meters, etc.
• Read graphs before you read the question.
  Familiarize yourself with the graph first. You
  can always go back for the details later.
• Avoid long calculations. Most questions are
  designed for simple and more method oriented
  answers. If you find yourself involved in long,
  complicated calculations, stop, clear your mind
  and begin again. If you have spent too much time
  on the problem, skip the problem and mark it for
  later.
• Dont over rely on your calculator.

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Hints on taking the Math Section of the ACT

• Questions on the Math Section of the ACT are
  arranged from the easiest to the hardest, so
  dont waste time on early questions.
• Substitute numbers for symbols to make
  calculations easier.
• Pace yourself.

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A Note on Calculators

• The ACT are designed not to require the use of a
  calculator. Use the calculator if you must, but
  dont relay on it. Use the knowledge you have.
  The ACT is not designed to evaluate your
  calculator. It is designed to evaluate your
  knowledge and the application of your knowledge.
• If you need to use a calculator, use one that you
  are familiar with. Do not try to learn how to
  use your calculator while taking the ACT. Time
  is too valuable.
• Bring a battery-operated four-function,
  scientific, or graphing calculator to the test.
  Do not bring a calculator with paper tape, power
  cords, pen input devices, laptops, writing pads
  or any calculator that has a QWERTY board on it.
  They are forbidden.

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What do I need the day of the test?

• Your admission ticket
• Photo identification
• Two or three sharpened 2 pencils with erasers.
• Recommended
• Calculator
• Snack for break
• Sweater or coat in case there is too little heat
  or too much air conditioning
• Be well rested and well fed. Have a light
  breakfast the day of the test.
• Know how to get to the test site. Give yourself
  plenty of time to get there and familiarize
  yourself with the area.

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When should I take the ACT?

• Take the ACT early enough so that if you do
  poorly on it you will have time to retake if you
  would like.
• Early ACT testing also allow for the option of
  early admission into college.
• Take the ACT at least eight weeks before your
  earliest college application due date. Earlier
  is better because of possible delays.
• Allow at least four weeks to receive your
  results.
• It is recommended that you take the ACT the
  second semester of your junior year.

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ACT Web Site

• To receive more information about the ACT
  Assessment visit the ACT web site at www.act.org.
• To work on practice problems go to the student
  ACT web page at www.actstudent.org/sampletest/inde
  x.html

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Practice Time!

• We will divide into three groups.
• Group A Those students who wish to take a
  individual practice exam, report to Miss
  Donaldsons room. Please no talking among this
  group. We will discuss any questions you have
  after the 60 minute testing time.
• Group B Those students who wish to work with
  one other person so that they may discuss the
  questions with another person, report to the
  Schuhart Circle. We will discuss any questions
  you have after the 60 minute testing time.
• Group C Those students who would like to review
  material for the exam by discussing questions as
  a group, stay in this room.