a really cool tip i learned about taking the ACT
When you have no idea of the correct answer, choose the one that has the most in common with the others. this is especially helpful when it comes to the math section.
Consider this example (for which no problem is given because you really donāt need one tbh):
A)Ā (ā3)/7 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā B)Ā (ā3)/2 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā C)Ā -(ā3)/2 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā D)Ā 3/2 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā E)(5ā3)/2
so you get to this question and FUCK you donāt even know how to begin solving this problem. take a look at these options. the most likely answer will be the one that has the most in common with the others, so take a look at each answer and compare it to the others.
A is the only answer that doesnāt have a denominator of 2. eliminate A.
A)Ā (ā3)/7 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā B)Ā (ā3)/2 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā C)Ā -(ā3)/2 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā D)Ā 3/2 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā E)(5ā3)/2
E is the only answer that has another number other than 3 as the numerator. eliminate E.
A)Ā (ā3)/7Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā B)Ā (ā3)/2 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā C)Ā -(ā3)/2 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā D)Ā 3/2 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā E)(5ā3)/2
C is the only answer that is negative. eliminate C.
A)Ā (ā3)/7Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā B)Ā (ā3)/2 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā C)Ā -(ā3)/2 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā D)Ā 3/2 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā E)(5ā3)/2
D is the only answer that doesnāt have a square root symbol. eliminate D.
A)Ā (ā3)/7Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā B)Ā (ā3)/2 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā C)Ā -(ā3)/2 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā D)Ā 3/2 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā E)(5ā3)/2
And voila! Youāre left with your answer, B.
A)Ā (ā3)/7Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā B)Ā (ā3)/2 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā C)Ā -(ā3)/2 Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā D)Ā 3/2Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā E)(5ā3)/2
(Four of the answers haveĀ ā3, four divide by 2, and four are positive)
Now this isnāt a foolproof rule of course, but it will definitely help you make the most out of a difficult situation. Itās important to remember that the ACT isnāt testing your knowledge really, and the best way to get a good score is to know how to take the test. Just remember to look at your answer pattern. This tip works for the other sections of the test as well, but i find it especially useful in math.Ā
I might post some more of these because it makes me feel more productive.