ACT Math tips

10 Must-Know ACT Math Tips

/in /by

The ACT math section is similar to the math portions of many standardized tests, and all the ACT math questions are multiple-choice questions with four answer choices. Still, the ACT math section can hold a few surprises if you’re not prepared. Be sure to use our ACT math tips to improve your score and increase your confidence on test day. 

[ RELATED:  Top 10 Tips for ACT English • Top 10 Tips for ACT Science • Top 10 Tips for ACT Reading ]

ACT Math Timing

You are given 50 minutes to answer 45 questions on the ACT math section. Although that’s about a minute per question, expect that the time you’ll need for each question will vary.  Like most math standardized tests, the difficulty range on the ACT math is relatively wide: practice answering the easier questions quickly so you’ll have adequate time to answer the tougher ones.

ACT Math Directions

The instructions on the math portion are relatively long and detailed. Don’t waste time reading them on test day. Get to know them now.

  • Select the correct answer on your answer document (paper test) or by clicking the correct answer (digital test).
  • Do not continue to spend time on questions if you get stuck. Solve as many questions as you can before returning to any if time permits.
  • You may use a calculator on this test for any question you choose. However, some questions may be better solved without a calculator.

Note: Unless otherwise stated on the ACT, you can assume:

  • Figures are NOT necessarily drawn to scale.
  • Geometric figures are two dimensional.
  • The term line indicates a straight line.
  • The term average indicates arithmetic mean.

Expert ACT Tip

Test takers who start at the beginning of the section, attempt the questions in order, and only move on to the next question when the previous one is complete often find that they get bogged down and don’t make it to the end of the section, potentially missing questions that they could have answered correctly. Flexibility can earn you more points on the ACT math section!

ACT Math Tips

  • ACT Math Tip #10: Use the Math Method

    This method is designed to give you the confidence you need to get the correct answers on the ACT by helping you think through each question logically, one piece at a time. Practice using it on every ACT Math question.

    Step 1: State what the question is asking

    Step 2: Examine the given information

    Step 3: Choose your approach

    Step 4: Confirm that you answered the right question

  • ACT Math Tip #9: Pick Numbers for Variables

    Some questions are easier to solve if you pick numbers for unknown values or variables. Picking numbers is especially helpful for questions that deal with percentages or number properties (such as even/odd numbers). Pick numbers that follow the rules of the question and are small and easy to work with. Avoid picking 0 or 1 because they have special properties.

  • ACT Math Tip #8: Backsolve to Save Time

    You can backsolve, which means solving a question by testing the answer choices, when the answer choices are all numbers. The answer choices are arranged in numeric order, so start with answer choice (B) or (C) unless the question asks for the smallest or largest value. Let the answer choices work for you.

  • ACT Math Tip #7: Translate Words Into Math

    Translate the words in the question into math so that you can solve the question more easily. Take it one word or phrase at a time. Remember that “of” means to multiply.

  • ACT Math Tip #6: Recognize Number Properties

    Recognizing number properties will save you time on test day. Number properties rules include odds and evens, positives and negatives, prime numbers, and the order of operations. You can pick numbers to help you remember the rules.

  • ACT Math Tip #5: Understand Math Relationships

    Know the difference between values, ratios, and percentages. A ratio is a relationship between numbers. Make sure you’re able to move easily between percents, fractions, and decimals.

  • ACT Math Tip #4: Know Your Triangles

    You must know the 30-60-90 and 45-45-90 special right triangle rules. The ACT does not provide this information at the beginning of the math section like the SAT does, so be sure to memorize this information ahead of time. Also look out for Pythagorean triplets (3:4:5 and 5:12:13 and their multiples); these will save you time on Test Day!

  • ACT Math Tip #3: Find Common Shapes

    Find common shapes on the ACT to help you break complex figures into simple polygons. Look in particular for triangles; they’re full of valuable information.

  • ACT Math Tip #2: Recognize Red Flags

    Be on the lookout for common trap answers on the ACT. Watch out for answer choices that are steps in your calculations to the final answer, but aren’t what the question actually asked for.. And be careful with negative signs!

  • ACT Math Tip #1: Check Your Calculator

    Check the official ACT website to make sure the calculator you plan to use on the ACT math section is allowed. If you’re taking the exam digitally, practice using the built-in calculator if you plan to use it on test day.

ACT Math Practice Questions

Are you ready to tackle ACT math? Test your knowledge with our quick quiz!

ACT Math Strategies

Get more ACT math strategies from Kaplan experts.

Written by Kaplan experts, reviewed by Melissa McLaughlin, Pre-College Content Developer and Heather Waite, Director of Content and Curriculum, Pre-College at Kaplan North America.

You might also like
ACT Calculator Rules Making the Most of Your Calculator on the ACT
How to study for the act in three months Tackling Word Problems on the ACT
How to study for the act in three months ACT English: Subject – Verb Agreement
How to study for the act in three months How to Study for the ACT in 3 Months
How to study for the act in three months ACT Math: Exponents and Roots
How to study for the act in three months What to Expect on the ACT Essay