ACT Prep: Mathematics
The ACT Mathematics Test is a 60-question, 60-minute test designed to measure the
mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken by the end of 11th grade.
Content Covered by the ACT Mathematics Test
In the Mathematics Test, three subscores are based on six content areas: pre-algebra, elementary
algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry.
Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra
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Pre-Algebra (23%). Questions in this content area are based on basic operations using
whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and integers; place value; square roots and
approximations; the concept of exponents; scientific notation; factors; ratio, proportion,
and percent; linear equations in one variable; absolute value and ordering numbers by
value; elementary counting techniques and simple probability; data collection,
representation, and interpretation; and understanding simple descriptive statistics.
Elementary Algebra (17%). Questions in this content area are based on properties of
exponents and square roots, evaluation of algebraic expressions through substitution,
using variables to express functional relationships, understanding algebraic operations,
and the solution of quadratic equations by factoring.
Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry
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Intermediate Algebra (15%). Questions in this content area are based on an
understanding of the quadratic formula, rational and radical expressions, absolute value
equations and inequalities, sequences and patterns, systems of equations, quadratic
inequalities, functions, modeling, matrices, roots of polynomials, and complex numbers.
Coordinate Geometry (15%). Questions in this content area are based on graphing and
the relations between equations and graphs, including points, lines, polynomials, circles,
and other curves; graphing inequalities; slope; parallel and perpendicular lines; distance;
midpoints; and conics.
Plane Geometry/Trigonometry
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Plane Geometry (23%). Questions in this content area are based on the properties and
relations of plane figures, including angles and relations among perpendicular and
parallel lines; properties of circles, triangles, rectangles, parallelograms, and trapezoids;
transformations; the concept of proof and proof techniques; volume; and applications of
geometry to three dimensions.
Trigonometry (7%). Questions in this content area are based on understanding
trigonometric relations in right triangles; values and properties of trigonometric
functions; graphing trigonometric functions; modeling using trigonometric functions; use
of trigonometric identities; and solving trigonometric equations.
Permitted Calculators
You may use any four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator, unless it has features described
in the Prohibited Calculators list. For models on the Calculators Permitted with
Modification list, you will be required to modify some of the calculator's features.
Prohibited Calculators
The following types of calculators are prohibited:
 calculators with built-in computer algebra systems
Prohibited calculators in this category include:
o Texas Instruments: All model numbers that begin with TI-89 or TI-92 and the
TI-Nspire CAS—Note: The TI-Nspire (non-CAS) is permitted.
o Hewlett-Packard: HP 48GII and all model numbers that begin with HP 40G, HP
49G, or HP 50G
o Casio: Algebra fx 2.0, ClassPad 300 and ClassPad 330, and all model numbers
that begin with CFX-9970G
 handheld, tablet, or laptop computers, including PDAs
 electronic writing pads or pen-input devices—Note: The Sharp EL 9600 is permitted.
 calculators built into cell phones or any other electronic communication devices
 calculators with a typewriter keypad (letter keys in QWERTY format)—Note: Letter
keys not in QWERTY format are permitted.
Calculators Permitted with Modification
The following types of calculators are permitted, but only after they are modified as noted:
 calculators with paper tape—Remove the tape.
 calculators that make noise—Turn off the sound.
 calculators with an infrared data port—Completely cover the infrared data port with
heavy opaque material such as duct tape or electrician's tape (includes Hewlett-Packard
HP 38G series, HP 39G series, and HP 48G).
 calculators that have power cords—Remove all power/electrical cords.
MathematicsTips
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Read each question carefully to make sure you understand the type of answer required.
If you choose to use a calculator, be sure it is permitted, is working on test day, and has
reliable batteries. Use your calculator wisely.
Solve the problem.
Locate your solution among the answer choices.
Make sure you answer the question asked.
Make sure your answer is reasonable.
Check your work.
Know the Directions:
o DIRECTIONS:
Solve each problem, choose the correct answer, and then fill in the corresponding oval on
your answer document. Do not linger over problems that take too much time. Solve as
many as you can; then return to the others in the time you have left for this test.
You are permitted to use a calculator on this test. You may use your calculator for
any problems you choose, but some of the problems may best be
Note: Unless otherwise stated, all of the following should be assumed.
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Illustrative figures are NOT necessarily drawn to scale.
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Geometric figures lie in a plane.
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The word line indicates a straight line.
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The word average indicates arithmetic mean.
ACT Prep: Free Test Prep Apps for the iPad
Below is a collection of free Apps to download to your iPad. I would like to continue to build
this list; if you are aware of or discover additional Apps, please bring it to my attention. For
some of the Apps listed below, you will need to look under both the iPad and iPhone sections of
the App Store.
General Information and/or Practice Tests
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ACT Student (located under iPads in the App Store)
BrightStorm ACT Prep (located under iPhones in the App Store-restricted access)
College Prep
SATACT
Easel SAT Pro
The SAT…Lite
SparkNotes
Success Tips
wiseHopper
Dyslexia Detector
Mathematics
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YourTeacher – ACT
ACT Math Connect
iMathematics
Kahn Academy
Allen Math
Math Ref Free
Exam Bust ACT Math
Mathematics: Academic Vocabulary
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Integers
Rational/irrational numbers
Imaginary numbers
Complex numbers
Ratios, proportions
Greatest Common Factor
Factoring
Acute Angle
Circumference, radius
Perimeter
Intercept
Hyperbola, parabola
Congruent
Symmetry
Derivatives