ACT Math

Articles in this topic. Browse the full ACT prep blog for every guide.

The most common ACT Math mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Most lost Math points come from careless errors, not missing knowledge. Here are the mistakes that cost students the most and how to stop making them.
6 min read
- What to Do When You're Stuck on ACT Math
How to plug in numbers and backsolve on ACT Math
When the algebra feels heavy, plug in your own numbers or test the answer choices. Here's how these two strategies work and when to use each.
6 min read
- Plugging in answers on ACT Math (PIA strategy)
How to improve your ACT Math score
Focus on high-frequency topics, memorize the formulas the ACT doesn't give you, and drill timed sets with good review.
6 min read
What math topics are on the ACT?
ACT Math covers pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, and some trig, with algebra and geometry making up most of the section.
6 min read
What formulas should you memorize for ACT Math?
The ACT gives no formula sheet, so you'll want area, volume, slope, distance, the quadratic formula, and basic trig ratios memorized.
6 min read
How to get a 36 on ACT Math
Close every content gap, tackle the hardest end-of-section problems, and cut careless errors to reach a perfect Math score.
6 min read
- The hardest ACT Math question types
What are the hardest ACT Math topics?
Advanced functions, trig, multi-step word problems, and rare topics like matrices and logs trip up a lot of students. Here's how to tackle them.
6 min read
- Matrices on ACT Math
- Complex numbers on ACT Math
How much geometry is on the ACT?
Geometry is about a third of ACT Math, covering plane and coordinate geometry. Here's what's tested and which formulas to memorize.
6 min read
How much algebra is on the ACT?
Algebra is the biggest part of ACT Math, over half the section. Here's the pre-algebra through intermediate algebra breakdown.
6 min read
What calculator should you use on the ACT?
The best ACT calculator is one you know well and that's on the approved list, often the TI-84. Check the policy and avoid banned CAS models.
5 min read
ACT Math functions explained
Functions are about 17 to 20 percent of ACT Math. Here is what the category covers, why students lose points, and the four skills to learn first.
5 min read
Statistics and probability on ACT Math
This area is about 12 to 15 percent of ACT Math and the math is light. Here is what it covers and the three skills worth locking down first.
5 min read
ACT Math practice tests: what to use and what to avoid
Official 45-question sections, topic-based review loops, and quality checks—Math-specific practice guidance.
6 min read