Syllabus: Mathematics for ACT | Mathematics for ACT PDF Download

The ACT consists of 4 tests (English, Math, Reading, and Science) and an optional Writing test (Essay). The duration of the ACT is 3 hours 35 minutes with the essay and 2 hours 55 minutes without the essay. There are two breaks in the test.

Overview

• The Math test is the second section of the ACT test. It evaluates the mathematical abilities that students have developed throughout their high school math coursework. 
• Knowledge of basic formulas and computational skills can prove to be a great advantage on this test. 
• This section of the ACT test checks your overall math aptitude and preparedness for an entry-level college course.

Detailed Syllabus

1. Essential Skills

• This section contains complex problems like proportional relationships, rates, percentages, median, average, and expressing numbers in different ways.

2. Higher Mathematics

• The higher mathematics section contains direct questions to test the candidate’s knowledge of formulas, concepts, and fundamental mathematical basics. The various topics in the higher mathematics section are:

Tips for Mathematics Section

Using Calculators Wisely

• All math problems can be solved without a calculator, and many are best tackled without one.
• Use good judgment in deciding when to use a calculator. For some problems, it's helpful to do scratch work before resorting to calculations.

Problem-Solving Approach

• Solve problems by working through them, usually starting with scratch work.
• Glance over answer choices after reading the questions, but avoid working backwards from all five choices as it can be time-consuming.

Finding the Solution

• Once solved, match your answer with the choices provided.
• If your answer isn't among the choices, carefully review the problem for missed information or check if your chosen equation can be transformed into one of the provided choices.

Ensuring Completeness

• Ensure your answer covers all necessary steps, as many questions involve multiple steps and intermediate results.

Reasonableness of Answers

• Consider whether your answer is reasonable for the given situation, as computation errors may lead to impractical solutions.

Checking Answers

• Before finishing the section, review questions and answers for common errors to ensure correctness.