A math test is not always a fun time for lots of students, even more so if the fate of their college degree depends on it.
According to statistics, there has been a significant decrease in the number of students who are proficient in Math from 2019 to 2022. Even so, there are ways to improve your test-taking skills when it comes to this subject.
Here are a few math exam tips you can consider when you take a timed test like the ACT!
Practice with a Test Timer Beforehand
Practicing earlier is one of the best ways to get a good grasp of how to solve problems and understand them better. You can think of it as a way to study and simulate the experience at the same time.
Consider using a test timer set according to the usual ACT times per section to add even more thrill to your practice. This way, you can gradually feel more comfortable and confident answering each question during the testing day.
Answer Easier Questions to Clear the Way
When it comes to math, you may want to start with easier questions to get them out of the way. Doing so allows you to allocate more time towards harder ones, especially if you feel you will take more time working on them than others.
Moreover, this technique helps you get as many answers done as possible. It’s crucial because having an educated guess is far better than having none since they don’t penalize you for incorrect answers.
Conceptualize Answers First
Before you finalize your answer, you want to consider conceptualizing it first. It means taking a different approach to your problems and solutions in a way you can understand better.
It ensures you stay on track with the problem and helps you identify important points that affect the solution. This way, you can arrive at the correct or most accurate answer.
Visualize the Problem
If conceptualizing isn’t enough, try to visualize the problem instead. You can do this by creating diagrams highlighting the cases of the given problem and where missing areas go.
Doing this is a great way to compress all the relevant information into one page. This way, you can create a clear path towards a possible solution and answer.
Be Logical with Each Question
Sometimes, math questions require more logic than formulas. It’s important to apply this with each question if you aren’t sure about what direction to take.
Keep in mind that understanding the relationship between the given factors can affect the entire process. At the same time, it can point you towards the right answer with ease!
Be Wary of Final Answers
At the end of the day, your final answers should match what’s expected. Note that you should be wary of what you conclude with, especially when it comes to rounding numbers or adding units.
Be sure to check twice before settling on an answer to ensure everything is accurate and calculated correctly.
Consider These Math Exam Tips for the ACT
The ACT math section relies heavily on the foundations of the subject. So, it helps to consider different math exam tips and techniques to ensure you get a clear direction with each problem. Moreover, it allows you to feel confident about getting the right answers, even if it’s not your forte.
