Standardized
tests are an inescapable part of the college application process. The ACT is a test taken by many applicants. This article is a 'laundry list' of the Math
you should prepare specifically for the ACT.
You
need to be prepared for each of these topics.
·
Basic
math word problems – you must be able to see how word problems translate to
math expressesions
·
Math
Operations – Common operations
o Fractions
o Decimals
o Percents
o Converting fractions to decimals
to percents and back
o Exponents
o Simplifying radicals
o Ratios
·
Math
Concepts –more advanced concepts:
o Order of operations
o Path – Very often the hard
problems involve a series of operations– finding that path is a skill worth
refining in your preparation
o Inclusive and exclusive counting
o Absolute value
o Simple probability
o Combinatorics – This is the
formal name for a fairly common kind of problem: For example:
Max must choose three workers for his team. There are 8 workers. How many different teams can he create? These can be time consuming or quick and easy
depending on your preparation for them.
·
Algebra
accounts for 70% of the test. Here are
specific skills:
o Linear equations are very often
presented in word problems.
o Systems of equations – These
turn up frequently on the SAT, sometimes with three equations in the system.
o Averages – Problems involving
these are sometimes quite simple, but be ready for problems that give the
average of some numbers and expect you to solve 'backwards' for an individual number
in the list.
o Factoring – This skill is
essential to the harder SAT math questions.
Prime factorization is also needed, both alone and as part of factoring
polynomials.
o Functions
o Rate and Distance Problems
o Basic Matrices – simple examples
that require matrix manipulatkions
·
Geometry
topics: Questions involving geometry are
both some of the simplest and some of the hardest ones. Unlike the SAT NO formulae are provided.
o Triangles are the most important
figures to know.
o Pythagorean Theorem
o Similar triangles
o Plane figures – You will need to
be able to find the perimeters and areas of plane figures.
o Solid figures – Surface area,
lengths of edges and volume are called for. Again, they GIVE many formulae.
o Angle relationships
o Coordinate Algebra and Graphs
·
Trigonometry
is not more than 5-7% of the ACT Math and each of these topics is at the level
one would expect in a combines Algebra II/Trigonometry course.
o trigonometric relations in right
triangles
o values and properties of
trigonometric functions
o graphing trigonometric functions
o trigonometric identities
o logarithms
If you
have good understanding of these topics and practice them in your preparation
you will be able to give a good showing on the mathematics portion of the ACT. If you struggle, by all means work with a tutor
or take a preparation course. Remember
that the ACT is a very important part of your college application packet.
Jo Karabasz
Managing Director
Overlook Tutorial Academy
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