ACT Math

A comprehensive course covering the essential math concepts and strategies needed to excel on the ACT.

Numbers and OperationsAlgebraic Expressions and EquationsGeometry Basics
Functions and GraphsProbability and StatisticsQuadratic Equations and Polynomials
Math in Personal FinanceGeometry in Real LifeStatistics in Everyday Decisions
Time Management on the ACTPlug-In and Backsolving
Numbers and Operatio...Algebraic Expression...Geometry BasicsFunctions and GraphsProbability and Stat...Quadratic Equations ...Math in Personal Fin...Geometry in Real Lif...Statistics in Everyd...Time Management on t...Plug-In and Backsolv...
Basic Concepts

Algebraic Expressions and Equations

Working with Variables

Algebra is all about using letters to represent numbers. You'll see expressions (no equals sign) and equations (with an equals sign).

Simplifying Expressions

Combine like terms and use the distributive property to make expressions easier to handle.

Solving Equations

The ACT will ask you to solve for unknowns. Remember: whatever you do to one side, do to the other!

Factoring

Factoring is breaking an expression into parts that multiply together. This helps solve quadratic equations.

Real-World Connection

Algebra helps you figure out how much you'll save if you buy more than one item or how long it will take to save for something if you put money away each month.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting to distribute a negative sign
  • Mixing up like and unlike terms

Examples

  • Solving \( 2x + 3 = 11 \) gives \( x = 4 \)

  • Factoring \( x^2 + 5x + 6 = (x+2)(x+3) \)

In a Nutshell

Algebra is the language for solving unknowns and making sense of patterns.

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Geometry Basics