The ACT has updated its Math section as part of the Enhanced ACT. While the content areas remain the same, the balance of questions and timing has shifted, making it more important than ever to prepare strategically.
What’s New in the Enhanced ACT Math Section
Fewer questions: 45 scored math questions instead of 60.
Exam Time: 60 minutes for the section (slightly more time per question).
Greater focus on higher math: Algebra, Functions, and Geometry each make up ~17–20% of the test.
Statistics & Probability is more emphasized (12–15% of questions).
Integrating Essential Skills (like ratios, percents, and basic algebra) is less emphasized (20%).
Essential Strategies for Success
1. Work Through the Test Efficiently
Focus on one question at a time to avoid rushing.
Skip and return to hard problems — maximize your score by getting easier ones first.
Never leave a question blank. Guess if needed; there’s no penalty.
2. Use Smart Problem-Solving Techniques
Process of Elimination (POE): Cross out impossible choices to narrow options.
Back-substitution: Plug answer choices back into the problem to check.
Plugging in numbers: Replace variables with simple numbers to test answers.
Estimation: Approximate first to rule out extreme wrong answers.
3. Maximize Your Calculator
On the online test, you’ll have access to a built-in scientific calculator, but you can also bring your own.
Recommended: TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator
Practice using your calculator for:
Fractions
Graphing functions to find intercepts and intersections
Checking multi-step calculations with parentheses