<p>So, a few weeks ago, back in April and early May, I was studying with Kaplans ACT review...Finals got in the way, and I lost track of studying, and only recently have I begun to study my ass off with the Real ACT prep guide...I'm aiming for a 30 next Saturday...</p>
<p>So far, I've studied the English and mathematics section. I know I can do fairly well in English, and back when I took a practice ACT, my English score was a 33...But math is killing me. Writing, Reading, and English are excellent, Science is decent enough, but Math is horrible. I was trying the practice problems in the Real ACT prep guide today and was dumbfounded by some of the questions and, more specifically, the process involved in solving those questions...And, unlike the SAT, where you are given fundamental math formulas, the ACT expects you to know them...</p>
<p>What, IYO, are some fundamental mathematical equations, principles, and formulas I should know? How would you go about studying intensley for the math section? Where can I find some practice math tests and problems?</p>
<p>I would deeply appreciate the help...I essentially NEED to get a 30 composite score on my ACT to go to the colleges I would like to go to, and at the moment, all that is holding me back is this math section..</p>
<p>Definitely remember how to use the distance formula. I think there's been at least one problem with that on every ACT I've taken. Also know the basic area equations for circles (and circumference!) and triangles. And remember everything from geometry about how to find the measures of angles in a plane when they give you one and you have the find another (you know...with the complementary and supplementary angles and such?) If you haven't done matrices in a really long time, I'd brush up on how to use those too; one popped up on the first test I took.</p>
<p>I've never read the Kaplan book, but I used the Princeton Review and found that really helped with reviewing the math material. I, too, didn't allow enough time to prep for the test and this book was an easy read. I definitely reccommend it. </p>
<p>Hope this helps a bit! Good luck next week.</p>
<p>If you really care enough just buy a TI-83+ or up and program every formula you can into it- correctly mind you. I can give you a bunch of important ones and tell you how to program them. Just makes life a tad easier for those who have trouble doing algebra consistently correctly- which is, of course, half of what they test.</p>
<p>OniLawliet- We're in similar situations...I know I'll do just fine on every section except the math. So far I've been doing the Cracking the ACT book, which is the PR one, and it's been helping a lot with the review of everything.</p>
<p>Jagged - I've got the TI-83+, and those formulas would be awesome if you could share them. I hadn't looked into using them too much, because I wasn't sure if we could.</p>