ACT Math - Key Topics

Hey guys, for the ACT Math, what are some key specific topics that I really need to get down? Your input would be super helpful!

Sure, I'd be glad to help! The ACT Math section is designed to test your mathematical knowledge up to the end of your junior year in high school, so prepping for the section involves getting a good understanding of the mathematical concepts most frequently tested.

The math section contains a blend of topics including:

1. Guiding Principles: Basic math, exponents, and roots

2. Algebra 1: Variables, basic algebraic equations, inequalities, systems of equations, and interpretation of expressions

3. Geometry: Properties of circles, triangles and rectangles, 3-dimensional geometry, and coordinate geometry

4. Algebra 2: Manipulating polynomials, quadratic equations, logarithms, and complex numbers

5. Trigonometry: Trigonometric ratios, the unit circle, and the application of sine, cosine, and tangent

Statistics and probability will also make an appearance, and they have become more frequent in recent years, including topics like measures of central tendency (mean, median, and mode), probability, and measures of dispersion.

One last tip: don't underestimate the importance of your calculator! While not all questions require a calculator, being comfortable with its functions can speed up your problem-solving process, particularly on questions dealing with computation.

As for the more advanced topics (like trigonometry, logarithms, complex numbers), they are less frequent, so understanding the basic principles should be sufficient. It's also worth noting that the ACT tests more on geometry (almost 40% of the questions) compared to the algebra-focused SAT. Best of luck with your prep!