PrepLion
ACT Math · free study guide

The most-tested ACT Math concepts — ranked.

If math is dragging your score and you don't have time (or money) to cover everything, start here. These are the ACT Math areas ordered by how often they appear — study the top of the list first, then practice each one free.

Practice ACT Math free

No credit card. Frequencies reflect the ACT's published content blueprint.

  1. 1

    Algebra

    ~25% of the test
    Linear equations & inequalitiesSystemsQuadraticsPolynomialsFunctions & function notationExponential & logarithmic expressions
    Practice Algebra free
  2. 2

    Number & Quantity

    ~20% of the test
    Integer & rational number operationsExponents & rootsScientific notationAbsolute valueSequencesComplex numbersVectors & matrices
    Practice Number & Quantity free
  3. 3

    Geometry

    ~20% of the test
    Triangles & the Pythagorean theoremCirclesArea & volumeCoordinate geometryTransformationsRight-triangle trigonometry
    Practice Geometry free
  4. 4

    Integrating Essential Skills

    ~20% of the test
    Multi-step word problemsRates & proportionsPercentagesArea/volume in contextCombining concepts across domains
    Practice Integrating Essential Skills free
  5. 5

    Statistics & Probability

    ~15% of the test
    Mean / median / modeData interpretationProbabilityCounting (permutations & combinations)Distributions & sampling
    Practice Statistics & Probability free

How to actually raise your Math score

  • Start at the top of the list. Algebra alone is ~1 in 4 questions — a few points there move your section more than anything else.
  • Learn the method for each type, then practice it until it's automatic. Missing a type? Get more questions just like it, free — no book to buy.
  • Do full, timed practice sections once the concepts click. Speed comes from reps, not re-reading.
  • Track which of these five areas is weakest and spend your time there — not evenly across all of them.
Start with your weakest area — free

ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc., which is not affiliated with and does not endorse this product. Concept frequencies are based on the ACT's published Math content areas and are approximate.