ACT Prep Session Mathematics 1

Always read the directions on practice tests. Do not waste time reading the directions on the test day. 2

Math is 60 questions, 60 minutes. That’s one minute per question. ;) 3

Questions are not necessarily in order of difficulty, But…... Questions from elementary or junior high do come earlier. 4

Calculators can waste time The test was written to be taken without a calculator. You can use one, however. The TI-84 is permitted. Most calculations are faster in your head than with a calculator. 5

π Usually, when π is needed, the answers are written in terms of π, so don’t use the π button on the calculator and waste time “undoing” it later. 6

The test make-up 24 Pre-Algebra and Elementary Algebra questions 10 Intermediate Algebra questions 8 coordinate plane geometry questions 14 plane geometry questions 4 trigonometry questions (normally, 3 of the 4 can be solved using SOHCAHTOA) 7

Most people score between 17 and 23 Which means you need to get 17 to 37 questions correct to be like “most people.” 8

Skip it! Skip questions that you absolutely do not know. Work the ones that you can get right first, to get more points quickly. Then go back and work the ones you left out. 9

Order matters If you have no clue on a particular question, and are forced to work backwards…..start with the 3 rd choice, and go up or down according to how the answer fits the question. 10

They’re always there….. Parallel lines cut by a transversal triangle triangle Area of a composite figure Sector of a circle Equation of a circle Sum of angles in a triangle is 180 degrees 11

They’re always there… cont’d Exterior angles of a polygon Area of a triangle [(n-2)180]/n Sin/cos/tan Percent or ratio 12

Stats 1/3 of the questions have or need a diagram 1/3 of the questions require reading something. (aka word probs) 13

The end 14