Geometry has been relegated to only 10% of the SAT but it still composes 15% to 20% of the ACT. You may need to know the sum of the interior angle measurements of regular polygons on both tests, but no formulas are provided on either. So how should you prepare for these types of questions? […]
How to Create an ACT or SAT Study Bible
Countless studies have been dedicated to the practice of note-taking, and experts agree: taking notes and reviewing them frequently helps students transfer new information from their short-term memories to their long-term memories. And while students instinctively take notes in biology class and during their history lectures, they often show up to our ACT classes without […]
ACT and SAT Math Tips: Triangle Tricks
Triangles tend to be the most popular geometric figure on the ACT and SAT simply because they have so many “secret” properties. Get ready for the test with our guide to five of the more commonly tested concepts.
ACT and SAT Math Tips: Squares and Circles
If you see a square inscribed in a circle on the ACT or SAT, the test makers are assessing your knowledge of 45:45:90 triangles. What? Huh? The question is about squares and circles, not triangles! Listen closely, my ACT and SAT cohorts: Hidden triangles are often the key to solving the most difficult geometry questions. […]
ACT and SAT Math Tips: Symbols and Functions
When I teach ACT and SAT classes, I find that the most intimidating math topic is always the Symbolic Function. The complaints are inevitable: “But I don’t know what an upside down triangle even means!” or “I’ve never seen this in school!” or “Does a star inside of a circle mean multiply? I just don’t […]
ACT and SAT Math Tips: Ratio Rationale
Ratio questions on the ACT and SAT often cause panic among test takers. You know the ones. They ask how much cinnamon is needed in a larger recipe or how many yellow beads must be added to inventory in order to satisify certain proportions. But there is no need to fear these ratio questions–many are […]
ACT and SAT Math Tips: Fractional Exponents
The ACT and SAT use exponents and roots on the tests to assess your ability to manipulate expressions. Most students think, “No problem! That’s why I have a fancy schmancy calculator!” but the test makers often use your calculator against you. The questions they serve up will likely involve variables so that your calculator is […]
ACT and SAT Math Tips: How to Conquer Complex Fractions
You’ve probably been leaning on your calculator for so long that you’ve forgotten what a complex fraction even is. The ACT and SAT like to reach way back into your math history to gather concepts you learned in elementary school (remainders, anyone?). The more years that have passed since you mastered an operation, the more […]
ACT and SAT Math Tips: Sequences
There are three main types of sequence questions on the ACT and SAT: Those that require the use of formulas to solve arithmetic or geometric sequences. Those that ask you to compute a small-numbered term (such as the 8th term or less). Those that assess your ability to discover a repetitive pattern in order to […]
ACT and SAT Math Tips: The surprise inside every equilateral triangle
Remember when you were a kid and the box of Lucky Charms had a toy buried inside? Yeah, hold on to that memory, because thanks to advertising laws, most cereal manufacturers stopped offering such promotions in 2008. I sure wish law makers would at least allow cereal manufacturers to put toys in cereals with low […]