10 Game-Changing ACT Math Tips to Boost Your Score Fast

1. Start with what you know

Don’t waste time stuck on a hard problem at the top. If you see something you can solve quickly, do it first. Knock out the easy ones and build momentum. You’ll feel more confident and it buys you time for the tough stuff later.

2. Know your calculator cold

Seriously. ACT allows calculators but that won’t help if you're fumbling around or don't know shortcuts. Get used to your exact model. Practice with it. Learn how to square numbers, use parentheses, and store variables. Time saved means points earned.

3. Memorize the must know formulas

ACT gives you nothing. No formula sheet. So you’ve got to have these locked in:

• Area of a triangle: ½ times base times height

• Pythagorean Theorem: a² plus b² equals c²

• Slope formula: y₂ minus y₁ over x₂ minus x₁

• Midpoint formula: average the x’s and the y’s

• Circle equation: (x minus h)² plus (y minus k)² equals r²

• SOHCAHTOA for trig

Tape those on your wall if you have to. Just know them cold.

4. Be picky with time, not every question is worth the same

Every question is 1 point. Doesn’t matter if it’s easy or a monster. If a problem looks like it’ll take 3 minutes, circle it and move on. Save it for later if you have time. Don’t let one question rob you of five easy wins.

5. Plug in your own numbers

Hate variables? Me too. ACT loves abstract algebra but you can fight back by plugging in numbers. Say the question gives “x is an even number.” Just pick x equals 4 and test the answer choices. It feels like cheating but it’s not. It’s smart.

6. Use answer choices to your advantage

Sometimes you don’t even need to solve a problem. You can just test the answers. Especially with word problems or weird equations. Try plugging choices back into the original equation. It’s like reverse engineering. Way faster.

7. Watch out for trap answers

The ACT is slick. They put answers that look right but are actually what you'd get if you rushed or forgot one step. Always double check signs, units, and whether the question asked for x or 2x. That one detail can trip you up.

8. Know the question types inside out

Here’s a quick breakdown of what usually shows up. Algebra like equations and inequalities. Geometry like angles, circles, triangles, area, volume. Functions including graphs and weird notation. Stats and probability like mean, range, and chance. Trig like sine, cosine, tangent

Know how often these appear and drill them based on priority.

9. Practice under real conditions

This part’s key. Don’t just do practice questions one at a time. Time yourself. Mimic the test environment. Build stamina. Get used to that pressure so it doesn’t rattle you on test day.

10. Don’t leave anything blank ever

There’s no penalty for wrong answers. So guess. Use process of elimination if you can. Eliminate even one answer and your odds jump. Bubble something in every time.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be a math genius. You just need to play the game right. ACT Math is more about strategy than anything else. Stay calm, manage your time, and trust your prep.

You've got this. Now go score that 30 plus 😤📈