ACT: LAST MINUTE HINTS FOR SUCCESS - MATH

Last day to CRAM for the ACT!  Let's look at Math.

Math equations that you will need to use.

     SOH-CAH-TOA

     Pythagorean Theorem
          a^2 + b^2 = c^2

     distance = Pythagorean Theorem
                   = √ [(X1 - X2)^2 + (Y1 -Y2)^2]

     slope = rise over run
              = ∆ y/ ∆ x
              = (Y1 - Y2) / (X1 - X2)

     Mean = Average = Sum / Number

     Median is the middlemost

     Mode is the most frequent

     Midpoint = (the average x, the average y)
              = [(X1 + X2)/2, (Y1 + Y2)/2]

     All AREA formulas:
         Parallelogram
         Triangle
         Trapezoid (often forgotten, frequently needed)
         Rhombus and Square (special ones using diagonals)
         Circle

     General VOLUME formula:
         Flat-top prisms and cylinders……area of the base times height
         Pointed-top cones and pyramids..(area of the base times height) / 3

     Probability
         Successes / Total Possible

PROCESSES that will come in handy.

     1)  Set up ratios and proportions
          for SIMILAR TRIANGLES
          for RATES
          for CONGRUENT FRACTIONS

     2)  Write out equations and substitute values

     3)  Use all the data provided.

     4)  Draw diagrams.

     5)  Use the calculator to visualize by graphing and to check calculations.

     6)  Compare fractional values by finding a common denominator.

Don't get hung up on a single question.  Remember that the score is an accumulation of points, so missing 1 is not as bad as not finishing all 60.  Plan to spend the least amount of time on the first 30, an average of 1 minute or less on 31 through 45, and invest the remaining time efficiently on the final 15.  This last group will probably contain the most challenging problems, but be sure to recognize the 2 or 3 that are super simple; they are your reward for getting that far within the allotted time.

GOOD LUCK!!!