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.
No credit card. Frequencies reflect the ACT's published content blueprint.
- 1~25% of the test
Algebra
Linear equations & inequalitiesSystemsQuadraticsPolynomialsFunctions & function notationExponential & logarithmic expressionsPractice Algebra free - 2~20% of the test
Number & Quantity
Integer & rational number operationsExponents & rootsScientific notationAbsolute valueSequencesComplex numbersVectors & matricesPractice Number & Quantity free - 3~20% of the test
Geometry
Triangles & the Pythagorean theoremCirclesArea & volumeCoordinate geometryTransformationsRight-triangle trigonometryPractice Geometry free - 4~20% of the test
Integrating Essential Skills
Multi-step word problemsRates & proportionsPercentagesArea/volume in contextCombining concepts across domainsPractice Integrating Essential Skills free - 5~15% of the test
Statistics & Probability
Mean / median / modeData interpretationProbabilityCounting (permutations & combinations)Distributions & samplingPractice Statistics & Probability free
Why buy a $30 prep book to learn this?
A book teaches all of these topics in a fixed order — you grind everything, even what you already know. PrepLion's free starter check shows you exactly which of these you're weak on, then adapts as you improve. Same topic mastery, targeted to you, updated for the enhanced ACT — $0.
Take the free starter check — see which topics you needHow 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.
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.