The ACT Math section is a critical part of the exam, testing a range of mathematical concepts from pre-algebra to trigonometry. It can be intimidating, but with the right strategies and preparation, you can significantly improve your score. At Beasley College Prep, we provide expert tips and guidance to help students master the  Math ACT tips. Whether you're aiming for a perfect score or just trying to improve your math performance, these tips will help you approach the test with confidence and success.

Understand the Format of the ACT Math Section

Before diving into specific strategies, it's important to understand the format of the ACT Math section. It consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that you need to answer in 60 minutes. The questions are divided into several categories:

• Pre-Algebra (20-25%): Covers basic operations, ratios, proportions, percentages, and simple equations.
• Algebra (15-20%): Includes solving linear equations, inequalities, and working with functions.
• Coordinate Geometry (15-20%): Tests your ability to work with graphs, lines, and slopes.
• Plane Geometry (20-25%): Involves questions about angles, areas, and properties of geometric shapes.
• Trigonometry (5-10%): Focuses on sine, cosine, and tangent functions, as well as other trigonometric concepts.

ACT Math Tip #1: Know Your Formulas

The ACT Math section does not provide a formula sheet, so you must memorize essential formulas for success. These formulas include:

• Area and perimeter formulas for various shapes (circle, triangle, rectangle, etc.)
• The Pythagorean theorem
• Slope-intercept form of a line (y = mx + b)
• Basic trigonometric identities (sin, cos, tan)
• Volume formulas for 3D shapes (cylinder, cone, sphere)

It’s helpful to create flashcards or a reference sheet to review these formulas regularly. When you're in the middle of the test, having these formulas in your memory will save you precious time.

ACT Math Tip #2: Use the Process of Elimination

The ACT Math section can be tricky, and sometimes you may not know the exact answer to a question right away. One useful strategy is to use the process of elimination. Eliminate any obviously incorrect answers, narrowing down your choices and increasing your chances of selecting the correct one. If you’re unsure about a question, try to eliminate the most extreme or unreasonable answers first, and then make an educated guess.

ACT Math Tip #3: Pace Yourself

Time management is crucial for the ACT Math section. You have only one minute per question, and some questions will require more time than others. To maximize your score:

• Start with the easier questions: The first few questions in the Math section tend to be easier. Begin with these to build confidence and ensure that you don’t run out of time.
• Don’t get stuck: If a question is taking too long, move on to the next one. You can always return to the difficult questions later if time allows.
• Use the process of elimination: If you're stuck on a problem, use elimination to make an educated guess, and move on to save time.

ACT Math Tip #4: Practice Mental Math

While the ACT allows you to use a calculator on most of the Math section, relying on your calculator for every calculation can be slow and inefficient. Practice mental math to quickly solve basic arithmetic problems like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This skill will save you time and allow you to focus on more complex problems without relying too much on your calculator.

ACT Math Tip #5: Master Word Problems

Word problems can often be the most challenging on the ACT Math section, but with the right strategy, they’re entirely manageable. Here’s how to approach them:

• Identify key information: Highlight important numbers, relationships, and keywords like “total,” “difference,” or “product” that indicate what the problem is asking.
• Set up an equation: Translate the words into an algebraic equation or expression that you can solve.
• Solve systematically: Break down the problem step by step, and check your work along the way.

By practicing word problems regularly, you can develop a more systematic approach to tackling these types of questions.

ACT Math Tip #6: Skip the Hardest Questions (for Now)

If you encounter a question that seems particularly difficult, don’t waste too much time trying to solve it. Skip it and come back later if time allows. The ACT Math section is designed to include a mix of easy, moderate, and hard questions. By focusing on the easier questions first, you maximize your chances of scoring higher, and you can always revisit the tough questions if time permits.

ACT Math Tip #7: Check Your Work

If you have time at the end of the Math section, go back and review your answers. Check your calculations and make sure you haven’t made any careless errors. However, don’t spend too much time on this—prioritize reviewing questions where you feel less confident.

ACT Math Tip #8: Practice, Practice, Practice

The best way to prepare for the ACT Math section is through consistent practice. Take full-length practice tests, work through sample problems, and focus on the areas where you need improvement. The more practice you get, the more familiar you’ll become with the test format and the types of questions you’ll encounter.

The ACT Math section may seem challenging at first, but with the right strategies, you can significantly improve your performance. By memorizing formulas, practicing mental math, pacing yourself, and using the process of elimination, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the questions confidently. At Beasley College Prep, we provide personalized ACT prep to help students master these tips and boost their Math scores. Start preparing today and unlock your full potential on the ACT!