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when you sit down for the official act exam<\/a>, act math is the second section you’ll see on the test. so just what does this section test? the act math test assesses the mathematical skills students are expected to obtain before grade 12 (meaning through advanced algebra and basic trigonometry, but not calculus). here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know:<\/p>\n still curious? read on for everything you need to know about the act mathematics test!<\/p>\n the act is a standardized test–and that’s great news for test-takers! it means that the test makers aren’t just pulling questions out of thin air: there’s a standardized list of topics that questions can cover. in the mathematics section on the act, an act math question could come from any category below:<\/p>\n pre-algebra<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n algebra<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n geometry<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n trigonometry<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n at the risk of sounding wishy-washy, it depends. it really does. the two exams test math differently (take a look at this act vs sat comparison <\/a>to see exactly how!). however, you’ll generally find act math easier than sat math if:<\/p>\n \u2705 you’re good at mental math, including finding shortcuts.<\/span> still not sure? magoosh’s test prep expert, kristin, breaks down the differences in the math sections even more here!<\/p>\n\n
what kind of math is on the act?<\/h2>\n
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is sat or act math harder?<\/h2>\n
\n\u2705 you have some<\/em> familiarity with algebra ii\/trig, or are willing to learn<\/span>
\n\u2705 you prefer using a calculator (there’s a no-calculator math section on the sat–but not on the act!)<\/span>
\n\u2705 you like multiple-choice questions, rather than grid-ins<\/span><\/p>\n