ACT Math Test Content

Before you take the ACT make sure you read the information they give you on each of the sections! Here is what the ACT tells us about the math, “translated” into normal English.

The ACT will always allot the Math questions the same way, with each type of math content having the same percentage of questions from test to test.  If you have taken Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2, you should be in good shape.  They do have some topics that are occasionally covered in pre-calculus, so you may want to wait to take the ACT until you have covered all the material.  No need to worry about calculus – that won’t be on the ACT.

Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra

• Pre-Algebra (23%)

1. Number Basics:  Fractions, decimals, integers
2. Scientific Notation
3. Square Roots
4. Exponents
5. Factors of numbers and expressions
6. Ratios and proportions
7. Percentage calculations
8. One variable equations
9. Absolute Value
10. Simple statistics (mean, median, mode)
11. Simple probability (dependent and independent variable problems)
12. Simple interpretations of data graphs

 

• Elementary Algebra (17%)

1. Properties of Exponents and Square Roots (multiplying, dividing, adding, subtracting, etc.)
2. Solving equations using substitution
3. 2 variable equations
4. Order of operations (Parentheses/Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction)
5. Factoring of equations

 

Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry

• Intermediate Algebra (15%)

1. Quadratic Formula
2. Equations and expressions involving radicals and roots
3. Equations with Absolute Value
4. Inequalities
5. Sequences and Patterns (Geometric and Arithmetic)
6. More complex systems of equations (usually no more than 2 variables)
7. More complex functions
8. Turning word problems into algebraic models
9. Matrices (addition, subtraction, multiplication)
10. Complex numbers
11. Once in a long while – synthetic division, standard deviation

 

• Coordinate Geometry (15%)

1. Be able to graph equations in the x-y coordinate plane, including lines and parabolas.  (Don’t need to worry about Hyperbolas or Ellipses).
2. Be able to graph a circle in the x-y coordinate plane.
3. Be able to graph inequalities.
4. Slope formula
5. Slope-Intercept form
6. Parallel and perpendicular line rules
7. Distance Formula
8. Midpoint Formula

 

Plane Geometry/Trigonometry

• Plane Geometry (23%)

1. Vertical Angles
2. Supplementary Angles
3. Complementary Angles
4. Alternate Interior Angles
5. Area and Circumference of a Circle
6. Perimeter of Shapes
7. Area of Square and Rectangle
8. Area of Triangle
9. Area of Parallelogram
10. Area of Trapezoid
11. Basics of Proofs
12. Cylinder Volume
13. Box Volume

 

• Trigonometry (7%)

1. Sin
2. Cos
3. Tan
4. Secant
5. Cosecant
6. Cotangent
7. Basic Trigonometric Identities
8. Graph of Sin and Cos
9. Basics of Unit Circle (i.e. knowing quadrants)
10. Radian/Degree Conversion