ACT Math Test-Taking Strategies



ACT Math Test-Taking Strategies

1. Remember that pictures are NOT always drawn to scale. Use the given information -- numbers, markings, terms -- to make conclusions about what is true.

2. Read ALL answer choices CAREFULLY! The test-writers are sometimes trying to trick you with similar answer choices. There is only ONE correct answer. Remember that if the answer you came up with is listed among the choices, that does NOT automatically mean you did the problem correctly! It may be a distractor.

3. Many problems ask for answers in simplified form. That means completely reduced, radical expressions simplified and rationalized, common factors cancelled, etc. However, some problems give the correct answer in a non-simplified form (such as [pic] or [pic]).

4. Look at the answer choices BEFORE doing the problem, and make sure you understand the question. Maybe you are only asked to give the equation you would use, or you are asked which of the following is NOT correct. Read very carefully!

5. In an abstract problem -- one that is made up of equations or expressions with many variables -- it may help you to plug in actual numbers for the variables so that you have something concrete to evaluate. As an example, if a > b > c, is it always true that a - c > b? Plug in numbers to check something like that. Try to find a counter-example -- one that fails to be true.

6. Look for short-cuts, such as special right triangles (30-60-90 and 45-45-90). Those short-cuts are time-saving devices!

7. If you aren’t given a picture, it often helps to MAKE ONE! Label everything. Don’t try to do everything in your head. It’s too confusing. Write out your work! (In the test booklet, the math questions will be listed on the left half of each page, so that you have plenty of room on the right half to write out work, make pictures, etc.)

8. On a coordinate geometry problem -- one that involves the graphing of points such as (3,-5) -- it may be necessary to actually GRAPH the points in order to get a clear picture of the problem. But don’t waste time on an elaborate graph; keep it simple.

9. You may have found the correct answer, but it may be listed among the choices in a different form. (Example: The answer you came up with is 6.4, but it is listed in the choices as [pic].) Be attentive to that.

10. Guess-and-check is a time-consuming strategy. Use it ONLY when necessary. If you try to use guess-and-check on EVERY problem, you will not finish the test.

11. Always identify and eliminate the foolish answer choices. There is often one or two ridiculous choices -- get rid of them. Even if you still have to guess, you will have greatly increased your odds of choosing the right answer.

12. If you don’t know how to do a problem, skip it and come back to it later. You may find a “hint” in a later problem on the test, or you may finish the other questions with time to go back to the harder ones. Work quickly on your first run through the test, but not so quickly that you lose accuracy. Don’t linger on complicated problems unless you’ve answered all the other ones!

13. Watch your numbering on the answer sheet. Make sure you are placing the answers in the correct spot on the answer sheet.

14. As the end of the test nears, make sure you have filled in an answer choice for EVERY question -- even if it means guessing! Don’t leave ANY questions blank! You might get lucky and get a few extra questions right.

15. If you plan to use a calculator, you must bring your own. Don’t borrow a calculator from anyone unless you are familiar with it. Don’t use a graphing calculator unless you are VERY comfortable using it.

16. Don’t over-use the calculator. Use it to your advantage, but remember that the test is designed to be taken completely WITHOUT a calculator. Many problems are such that you can do them faster by hand.

17. Go to bed early the night before the test. Get a FULL night’s rest, and eat a light breakfast on the test day. You don’t want to be tired, hungry, or stuffed.

18. Dress comfortably for the test. Remember that the room may be colder or warmer than you’d like. Be able to adapt to it! You are going to be sitting for a long time. Be comfortable! Don’t wear anything that would distract others, such as noisy jewelry.

19. RELAX! You should be a little stressed on the day of the test. Some stress is good -- and NORMAL! However, if you are too stressed, you will not perform well. Just focus on doing the best you can! Clear your mind of other things. The testing time will go by very quickly. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted.

20. Bring extra, sharpened #2 pencils WITH erasers. You will need them.

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