ACT Math Prep For Dummies

Improve your score on the math section of the ACT

A good math score on the ACT exam can set you on the path to a number of rewarding college programs and future careers, especially in the STEM fields. ACT Math Prep For Dummies walks you through this challenging exam section, with simple explanations of math concepts and proven test-taking strategies. Now including access to an all-new online test bank—so you can hammer out even more practice sessions—this book will help you hone your skills in pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, trigonometry and beyond. Handy problem-solving tips mean you’ll be prepared for the ever-more-advanced questions that the ACT throws at students each year.

• Learn exactly what you’ll need to know to score well on the ACT math section
• Get tips for solving problems quicker and making good guesses when you need to
• Drill down into more complex concepts like matrices and functions
• Practice, practice, practice, with three online tests

If you’re a high school student preparing to take the ACT and you need extra math practice, ACT Math Prep For Dummies has your back.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting into the Act: An Overview of ACT Math Basics 5

Chapter 1: Reviewing ACT Math Basics 7

Chapter 2: Boosting Your Test-Taking Skills 19

Chapter 3: Discovering Some Problem-Solving Strategies 27

Part 2: Building Your Pre-Algebra and Elementary Algebra Skills 39

Chapter 4: Starting with the Basics: Pre-Algebra 41

Chapter 5: It’s Elementary Algebra, My Dear Watson 57

Chapter 6: Real-World Math: Statistics and Probability 75

Chapter 7: Practice Problems for Pre-Algebra and Elementary Algebra 93

Part 3: Digging In to Intermediate Algebra and Coordinate Geometry 113

Chapter 8: Moving to Intermediate Algebra 115

Chapter 9: Coordinating a Path through Coordinate Geometry 141

Chapter 10: Practice Problems for Intermediate Algebra and Coordinate Geometry 165

Part 4: Visualizing Plane Geometry and Trigonometry 185

Chapter 11: Plain Talk about Plane Geometry 187

Chapter 12: Trig and Beyond: ACT Advanced Math Topics 211

Chapter 13: Practice Problems for Geometry, Trig, and Advanced Math 233

Part 5: Tracking Your Progress with Practice Tests 255

Chapter 14: Practice Test 1 257

Chapter 15: Practice Test 1: Answers and Explanations 271

Chapter 16: Practice Test 2 289

Chapter 17: Practice Test 2: Answers and Explanations 303

Part 6: The Part of Tens 319

Chapter 18: Ten Key Differences Between the ACT and the SAT 321

Chapter 19: Ten Items to Check Off before Taking the ACT 325

Index 329

Mark Zegarelli is the author of SAT Math For Dummies, Basic Math & Pre-Algebra For Dummies, and nine other books in the For Dummies series. He holds degrees in both English and math from Rutgers University. Most recently, he provides online lessons for kids as young as four years old, showing them easy ways to understand — and enjoy! — square numbers and square roots, factors, prime numbers, fractions, and even basic algebra concepts.

Zero in on the mathematics portion of the ACT^® exam

A high score on the math section of the ACT could be your entrance key to the college of your dreams—and ACT ^® Math Prep For Dummies gives you the tools you need to get there. Find simple explanations of basic math, algebra, geometry, and trig, plus problem-solving tips to help you breeze through even the toughest questions. Then get down to business with in-book practice tests and access to a new online test bank. You’ll be opening those acceptance letters in no time.

Inside…

• Review of all ACT math basics
• Pre-algebra and basic algebra
• Geometry and trigonometry
• Coordinate geometry
• Math practice tests with clear answer explanations
• Insider tips and techniques