Last Updated: Aug 17, 2011
Yes, it’s time to talk about math. But don’t worry, the ACT math test isn’t as hard as you think, you don’t get penalized for guessing, and they allow you to view all the needed formulas while taking the test. Let’s review the test and go over some strategies specific to this test.
What’s to know about the test?
There are 60 questions. You’ll have 60 minutes to complete the test. Questions are multiple-choice. Questions will test your reasoning skills and math skills.
There are only six basic operations that you’ll be required to know:
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Raising to a power, Finding the Square root or cube root
By 11th grade you should have developed all the skills necessary for completing the test.
Suggestion: Calculators are permitted, but be sure to check to see if your calculator is permitted.
Remainders:
In particular problems involving the division algorithm, it will be necessary to remember facts about remainders.
Let’s look at this example:
When “n” is divided by 9 the remainder is 3.
What is the answer when 4n is divided by 9?
(A) 0
(B) 1
(C) 2
(D) 3
(E) 4
Don’t stress out! Just remember that the smallest number you can divide by 9 and get a remainder of 3 is 12 (9 + 3 = 12). Other numbers will work too, but 12 is the smallest number that will work. If “n” = 12 then 4n = 48. 48 divided by 9 gives you a remainder of 3. Your answer is “D”.
