Hi everyone, I've been practicing for the ACT math section and I feel like I'm making progress, but I'd love to know if there are any useful tricks or shortcuts to solve some problems more efficiently. Any help would be appreciated!
Hi there! I'm glad to hear you're making progress with your ACT math preparation. Here are some helpful tricks and shortcuts to solve problems more efficiently.
1. Plugging in answer choices: If you're given a question with variables and answer choices, you can save time by plugging in the answer choices to the equation. Start with the middle choice (numerically, not in terms of order), and then work your way up or down based on whether the result is too large or small.
2. Plugging in numbers: When you see variables in the problem and no clear path to solve the equation, try assigning your own numbers to the variables. This technique can help you visualize the problem, which often makes it feel more approachable.
3. Process of elimination: Sometimes, you might be unsure about the correct answer, but you can eliminate some choices due to their implausibility or because they don't meet the criteria specified in the problem. This method can help narrow down your options and make it easier to identify the right answer, or increase your odds of guessing correctly if you simply don't know.
4. Average and Sum relationship: If a problem mentions an average, remember that the average is just the sum of the numbers divided by the quantity. You can use this relationship to find either the sum or the average, depending on what the problem is asking for.
5. Know your triangles: Familiarize yourself with the properties of special right triangles, such as 30-60-90 or 45-45-90 triangles, as they commonly appear in the ACT math section. Also, keep the Pythagorean theorem in mind for problems involving right triangles.
6. Know basic formulas: Make sure you have memorized essential ACT math formulas, such as the midpoint formula, distance formula, area and circumference of circles, and the quadratic formula. You also want to be sure that you know which contexts they're used in, so that you can quickly apply them when needed.
7. Learn to recognize patterns: ACT math questions can often be solved by recognizing patterns. The patterns might involve sequences, geometric figures, or recurring themes in the numbers presented.
8. Use the answer grid: You can sometimes find shortcuts by looking at the answer grid. For example, if all the answer choices end in an odd number, you can deduce that the answer must involve multiplying odd numbers or adding an even number to an odd number.
9. Master your calculator: You shouldn't be reliant on your calculator, as the ACT questions are designed in such a way that you can't simply solve them with your calculator. However, being able to use your calculator confidently will help you be efficient with your solutions, and easily check your work.
10. CollegeVine: CollegeVine's blog has a series of blog posts focused on ACT prep, including some focused on the math section in particular, which you may find helpful as you continue honing your test-taking abilities: https://blog.collegevine.com/category/standardized-tests/act/
Remember, practice is key when it comes to the ACT math section. As you work through problems, you'll notice patterns and develop strategies to tackle questions more efficiently, and start to see more concrete progress. Improvement takes time, so be patient!
Good luck!
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