http://www.erikthered.com/tutor/act-facts-and-formulas.pdf
The ACT test writers want you to take a long time on their questions. They will throw
awkward wording, unfamiliar vocabulary, and scary-looking equations at you. But never
fear! Use the strategies we discussed during ACT test prep to OUTSMART them! Here
are some strategies that will prove very useful:
Plugging in numbers - for questions with always and never in the question
stem, remember that you only need to find ONE counterexample to cross out the
entire Roman numeral. Pick a number that satisfies the condition(s) that are given
in the problem and test that number against each of their Roman numerals.
Backsolving - for questions with largest or smallest in the question stem, you
often wont need to do real math. Use the fact that the ACT is multiple choice to
your advantage and test each of the answer choices against the original problem.
The ACT math section typically lists answers from smallest largest, so start at E
(or K) if you are asked for the largest and start at A (or F) if you are asked for the
smallest
Underline/circle/highlight - the ACT math section will include complex wording
and curveballs even on their easy problems. Make sure to read each question
carefully! Underline/circle/highlight important information given in the problem as
well as take note of exactly what they are asking you to look for in their question
stem. For example, they might want you to find the value of 2x because they know
most students will solve for x, think theyre done, and then circle the wrong
answer! Dont fall for any of their tricks!
Time-saving tip! Before your ACT, read the directions at the beginning of the test
on one of the practice exams. The directions are the same on each exam, so if you
read them before your real test, you can save time by not reading it again!
You will have 60 minutes on your ACT math exam to do 60 problems. This means
that you will have an average of 1 minute per question. Ideally, the first 30
problems or so will not take you 1 minute per question - these are designed to be
relatively easy - but the last 15-20 problems or so will very likely take you longer
than 1 minute per question. (With that being said, it is better to ensure that you get
all the points possible on the questions that you know how to do - especially if we
know that the last 10-15 problems will definitely be more difficult.)
Dont be afraid to skip difficult and time consuming questions and come back to
them later! The solution may came to you later
Bubble your scantron sheet when you reach the end of each page do NOT
wait until the end of the test to bubble all 60 questions!!! PLEASE double check
regularly that the bubble you are filling in corresponds with the question from the
test that you intend to fill in. This is especially important if you decide to skip a
question and come back to it later
When 30 minutes are remaining, try to be at or around #40. When 10 minutes are
remaining, try to be at or around #50. When your test proctor calls 5 minutes
left STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND BUBBLE IN THE REST OF THE
SCANTRON. Go back to any of the earlier questions you said you would skip and
come back later and attempt to render a solution or at the very least rule out any
of the answer choices. Make an educated guess if needed. After doing this, with
any remaining time left, work on as many problems as you can before time runs
out - making sure to erase your guess on the scantron (if its different than the
answer you came up with mathematically) and bubble each of these questions as
soon as you are done with the question!
ON test day
Dont stress! Take some deep breaths, and know that youre well prepared!