PSAE/ACT
How to Ace the ACT Math Section
From the BHS MATH team,
Prepping for an event involves understanding. So, the question becomes, ‘What is the PSAE really?’
http://www.ehow.com/how_4613390_ace-act-math-section.html
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Things You’ll Need:
Paper
Pencil
Graphing calculator
ACT Math Workbooks
ACT study guide
ACT practice tests
Step 1
Understand the format of the math section. It consists of 60 questions in 60 minutes and each question has five choices; the other sections only have four choices. A graphing calculator is permitted. Unlike the SAT, there is no "guessing penalty," that is, if you get a question wrong, there are no points subtracted from your score, so always guess even if you have no idea what the answer is.
Step 2
Exactly 40% of the ACT math questions (that is, 24) will cover pre-algebra and basic algebra. Make sure that you can solve systems of linear equations, factor quadratics, and understand functions. Brush up on exponents and radicals as well. Practice doing these questions quickly since they are the easiest.
Step 3
Exactly 30% of the questions (18) will cover intermediate algebra and coordinate geometry. Study the equations of conic sections, quadratic formula, inequalities, and intersections of the graphs of functions. Ask for help from a friend, teacher, or tutor if you haven't done these problems in a while.
Step 4
The remaining 30% of the ACT math is geometry and a small number of trigonometry questions. Review formulas for finding area, circumference, and perimeter. Also know how to set up equations involving trig functions and the sides of a right triangle. Getting a good score requires knowing how to do questions that combine all these concepts above.
Step 5
Graphing calculators are programmable, so before test day, write a program for math notes. If you don't know how to program your calculator, consult the instruction book or ask a friend or teacher. Always do ACT practice tests with a calculator to get an accurate score.
Step 6
If you don't know how to solve a problem, use your calculator to guess and check the answer choices.HINT: If the choices are numbers, plug them back into the problem to see which one works. If the choices are equations, plug numbers into the equations to see which one gives you an answer that makes sense according to the problem.
Step 7
If you get stuck on a question, circle it in the ACT test book and put a light check mark on the answer grid so that you know to come back to it later. Spend your time wisely on the problems that are easiest for you to do. All the problems are counted equally, so don't waste valuable time on ones you can't solve. When time is almost up, go back and fill in any bubbles you missed, even if you have to guess.
Step 8
When you take practice tests at home, always set the timer. Good ACT preparation includes mastering the math content and building up speed.
How can I practice under test conditions?
Sign-up on studentedge by following the links on the BHS Web Page.
Precalculus
Expectations for Test Prep Online Activities
You will be expected to complete activities in both KeyTrain and StudentEdge before coming to class on APRIL 17, 2009. This needs to be done on your own time, at home or in school during lunch or study hall. Computers are available in the library – see your teacher for a pass. Computers are also available at your local public library.
KeyTrain and StudentEdge are intended to help prepare you for upcoming assessments. For Juniors, that means the PSAE in April, and for Seniors, college placement exams. Completion of the assigned tasks is required (see details below) and will be worth 100 points towards your course grade.
KeyTrain
Log-in to www.KEYTRAIN.com and enter your BHS ID number, including all leading zeros (Ex: bhs000012345). Enter your birthday with no leading zeros for the month, but use leading zeros for the date (Ex: April 5, 1995 is 4051995)
Take the pre-tests for Applied Math, Reading for Information, and Locating Information. After each session, make sure that you use “logout” instead of just closing the screen. This will save your work.
Your goal is to reach level 7 in Math and Reading, and level 6 in Locating Information. If you’ve reached these goals after completing all 3 tests, you’re done. If not, you need to go through and answer questions to achieve each level until you reach your goal. You need to print a certificate of completion after each level completed. This will serve as proof of success at that level.
The table below indicates the number of points (out of 60) you will earn based on your score:
| |
Applied Math |
Level reached x 3 |
max 21 points |
| |
Reading for Information |
Level reached x 3 |
max 21 points |
| |
Locating Information |
Level reached x 3 |
max 18 points |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
Total points available |
max 60 points |
StudentEdge
You should have previously completed the process to set up a log-in for the StudentEdge system. If you have not done this, the login information is available on the BHS web page.
The StudentEdge expectations are worth 40 points.
Log-in to www.studentedge.com and access your “To Do List” page.
Locate the “Take the pre-test in the online course for the ACT” and click on “GO”. This will give you an opportunity to practice your skills and see any areas of weakness before continuing.
When you have finished the pre-test, locate the “Complete the practice tests in the online course for the ACT” and click on “GO”. You will be directed to a page that will allow you to take a “practice test”. You will have 60 minutes to complete the test. Read the instructions carefully. Note that you are allowed to use a calculator. Be sure to “Submit your Score” at the end of the test.
The table below indicates the number of points (out of 40) you will earn based on your score:
| |
15 or less |
10 points |
|
| |
16-19 |
20 points |
|
| |
20-27 |
30 points |
|
| |
28 or more |
40 points |
|
If you are not satisfied with the score you received on the first practice test, there are two more tests available for you to improve your score. The points awarded to you will be based on the highest score earned on the practice tests you complete.
See your teacher if you have questions – Remember that the deadline is when you come to class on April 17. Work completed after that date will not be considered when determining your grade for this activity. Plan ahead! |
