Call Direct: 1 (866) 811-5546 Sign In

Start Free Trial

SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips

The 31 Critical ACT Math Formulas You

MUST Know

Posted by Courtney Montgomery

| Dec 10, 2018 2:26:00 PM
ACT MATH

4.7K

211
 The two biggest challenges of ACT Math are the time crunch—the math test has 60
questions in 60 minutes!—and the fact that the test doesn’t provide you with any
formulas. All the formulas and math knowledge for the ACT comes from what
you’ve learned and memorized.

In this complete list of critical formulas you'll need on the ACT, I'll lay out every formula
you must have memorized before test day, as well as explanations for how to use them
and what they mean. I'll also show you which formulas you should prioritize memorizing
(the ones that are needed for multiple questions) and which ones you should memorize
only when you've got everything else nailed down tight.

Already Feeling Overwhelmed?

Does the prospect of memorizing a bunch of formulas make you want to run for the
hills? We've all been there, but don't throw in the towel just yet! The good news about
the ACT is that it is designed to give all test-takers a chance to succeed. Many of you will
already be familiar with most of these formulas from your math classes.

The formulas that show up on the test the most will also be most familiar to you.
Formulas that are only needed for one or two questions on the test will be least
familiar to you. For example, the equation of a circle and logarithm formulas only ever
show up as one question on most ACT math tests. If you’re going for every point, go
ahead and memorize them. But if you feel overwhelmed with formula lists, don’t worry
about it—it’s only one question.

So let’s look at all the formulas you absolutely must know before test day (as well as one
or two that you can figure out yourself instead of memorizing yet another formula).

4.7K

Algebra

211
 Linear Equations & Functions

There will be at least five to six questions on linear equations and functions on every
ACT test, so this is a very important section to know.

Slope

Slope is the measure of how a line changes. It’s expressed as: the change along the y-
rise
axis/the change along the x-axis, or .
run

Given two points, A(x1, y1), B(x2, y2), find the slope of the line that connects
them:

(y2 − y1)

(x2 − x1)

Slope-Intercept Form

A linear equation is written as y = mx + b

4.7K m is the slope and b is the y-intercept (the point of the line that crosses the y-
axis)
A line that passes through the origin (y-axis at 0), is written as y = mx
If you get an equation that is NOT written this way (i.e. mx − y = b), re-write it
211
into y = mx + b
 Midpoint Formula

Given two points, A(x1, y1), B(x2, y2), find the midpoint of the line that connects
them:

(2 )
(x1 + x2) (y1 + y2)
,
2

Good to Know

Distance Formula

Find the distance between the two points

√ (x2 − x1)2 + (y2 − y1)2

You don’t actually need this formula, as you can simply graph your points and
then create a right triangle from them. The distance will be the hypotenuse, which
you can find via the pythagorean theorem

Logarithms
There will usually only be one question on the test involving logarithms. If you’re
worried about having to memorize too many formulas, don’t worry about logs unless
you’re trying for a perfect score.

l ogbx asks “to what power does b have to be raised to result in x?”

Most of the time on the ACT, you’ll just need to know how to re-write logs

l ogbx = y = > by = x

l ogbxy = l ogbx + l ogby

4.7K

x
l ogb = l ogbx − l ogby
y

211
 Statistics and Probability
Averages

The average is the same thing as the mean

Find the average/mean of a set of terms (numbers)

sum of the terms

Mean =
the number(amount) of different terms

Find the average speed

total distance
Speed =
total time

May the odds be ever in your favor.

Probabilities

Probability is a representation of the odds of something happening. A probability of 1 is

guaranteed to happen. A probability of 0 will never happen.

4.7K number ‌of ‌desired ‌outcomes

Probability ‌of ‌an ‌outcome ‌happening =
total number of possible outcomes

Probability of two independent outcomes both happening is

211
 Probability ‌of ‌event ‌A * probability ‌of ‌event B

1 1
e.g., Event A has a probability of and event B has a probability of . The
4 8
1 1 1
probability of both events happening is: * = . There is a 1 in 32 chance
4 8 32
of both events A and event B happening.

Combinations
The possible amount of different combinations of a number of different elements

A “combination” means the order of the elements doesn’t matter (i.e. a fish entree
and a diet soda is the same thing as a diet soda and a fish entree)
Possible combinations = number of element A * number of element B *
number of element C….
e.g. In a cafeteria, there are 3 different dessert options, 2 different entree
options, and 4 drink options. How many different lunch combinations are
possible, using one drink, one, dessert, and one entree?
The total combinations possible = 3 * 2 * 4 = 24

Percentages

Find x percent of a given number n

( )
x
n
100

Find out what percent a number n is of another number m

(100n)
m
4.7K

Find out what number n is x percent of

(100n)
x
211
 The ACT is a marathon. Remember to take a break sometimes and enjoy the good things
in life. Puppies make everything better.

Geometry

Rectangles

4.7K

Area

Area = l w
211
 l is the length of the rectangle
w is the width of the rectangle

Perimeter

Perimeter = 2l + 2w

Rectangular Solid

Volume

Volume = l wh

h is the height of the figure

Parallelogram

An easy way to get the area of a parallelogram is to drop down two right angles for
heights and transform it into a rectangle.

Then solve for h using the pythagorean theorem

Area

Area = l h

4.7K
(This is the same as a rectangle’s lw. In this case the height is the equivalent of the
width)

211
 Triangles

Area

1
Area = bh
2

b is the length of the base of triangle (the edge of one side)

h is the height of the triangle
The height is the same as a side of the 90 degree angle in a right triangle. For
non-right triangles, the height will drop down through the interior of the
triangle, as shown in the diagram.

Pythagorean Theorem
2 2 2
a +b = c

In a right triangle, the two smaller sides (a and b) are each squared. Their sum is
the equal to the square of the hypotenuse (c, longest side of the triangle)

4.7K

Properties of Special Right Triangle: Isosceles Triangle

211
 An isosceles triangle has two sides that are equal in length and two equal angles
opposite those sides.
An isosceles right triangle always has a 90 degree angle and two 45 degree angles.
The side lengths are determined by the formula: x, x, x√2, with the hypotenuse
(side opposite 90 degrees) having a length of one of the smaller sides * √2.
E.g., An isosceles right triangle may have side lengths of 12, 12, and 12√2.

Properties of Special Right Triangle: 30, 60, 90 Degree Triangle

A 30, 60, 90 triangle describes the degree measures of its three angles.
The side lengths are determined by the formula: x, x√3, and 2x.
The side opposite 30 degrees is the smallest, with a measurement of x.
The side opposite 60 degrees is the middle length, with a measurement of
x√3.
The side opposite 90 degree is the hypotenuse, with a length of 2x.
For example, a 30-60-90 triangle may have side lengths of 5, 5√3, and 10.

Trapezoids
Area

Take the average of the length of the parallel sides and multiply that by the height.

[2 ]h
(parallel side a + parallel side b)
Area =

Often, you are given enough information to drop down two 90 angles to make a
rectangle and two right triangles. You’ll need this for the height anyway, so you can
simply find the areas of each triangle and add it to the area of the rectangle, if you
would rather not memorize the trapezoid formula.
Trapezoids and the need for a trapezoid formula will be at most one question on
the test. Keep this as a minimum priority if you're feeling overwhelmed.

4.7K

Circles

211
 Area

Area = πr2

π is a constant that can, for the purposes of the ACT, be written as 3.14 (or
3.14159)
Especially useful to know if you don’t have a calculator that has a π feature or
if you're not using a calculator on the test.
r is the radius of the circle (any line drawn from the center point straight to the
edge of the circle).

Area of a Sector

Given a radius and a degree measure of an arc from the center, find the area of
that sector of the circle.
Use the formula for the area multiplied by the angle of the arc divided by the total
angle measure of the circle.

( )
arc
Area of an arc = (πr2) degree measure of center of
360

Circumference

Circumference = 2πr
4.7K
or

Circumference = πd

211
 d is the diameter of the circle. It is a line that bisects the circle through the
midpoint and touches two ends of the circle on opposite sides. It is twice the
radius.

Length of an Arc

Given a radius and a degree measure of an arc from the center, find the length of
the arc.
Use the formula for the circumference multiplied by the angle of the arc divided by
the total angle measure of the circle (360).

( )
arc
Circumference of an arc = (2πr) degree measure center of
360

1
Example: A 60 degree arc has of the total circle's circumference because
6
60 1
=
360 6

An alternative to memorizing the “formulas” for arcs is to just stop and think about
arc circumferences and arc areas logically.

If you know the formulas for the area/circumference of a circle and you know
how many degrees are in a circle, put the two together.
1
If the arc spans 90 degrees of the circle, it must be th the total
4
360
area/circumference of the circle, because = 4.
90
1
If the arc is at a 45 degree angle, then it is th the circle, because
8
4.7K 360
= 8.
45
The concept is exactly the same as the formula, but it may help you to think
of it this way instead of as a “formula” to memorize.
211
 Equation of a Circle

Useful to get a quick point on the ACT, but don’t worry about memorizing it if you
feel overwhelmed; it will only ever be worth one point.
Given a radius and a center point of a circle (h, k)

(x − h)2 + (y − k)2 = r2

Cylinder

Volume = πr2h

Trigonometry

Almost all the trigonometry on the ACT can be boiled down to a few basic concepts

SOH, CAH, TOA

4.7K Sine, cosine, and tangent are graph functions

The sine, cosine, or tangent of an angle (theta, written as Θ) is found using the
sides of a triangle according to the mnemonic device SOH, CAH, TOA.

211
 Sine - SOH

opposite
Sine ‌Θ =
hypotenuse

Opposite = the side of the triangle directly opposite the angle Θ

Hypotenuse = the longest side of the triangle

Sometimes the ACT will make you manipulate this equation by giving you the sine and
the hypotenuse, but not the measure of the opposite side. Manipulate it as you would
any algebraic equation:

opposite
SineΘ = => hypotenuse * sine Θ = opposite
hypotenuse

Cosine - CAH

adjacent
Cosine Θ =
hypotenuse

Adjacent = the side of the triangle nearest the angle Θ (that creates
the angle) that is not the hypotenuse
Hypotenuse = the longest side of the triangle

Tangent - TOA

opposite
Tangent ‌Θ =
adjacent

Opposite = the side of the triangle directly opposite the angle Θ

4.7K Adjacent = the side of the triangle nearest the angle Θ (that creates
the angle) that is not the hypotenuse

211 Cosecant, Secant, Cotangent

 Cosecant is the reciprocal of sine
hypotenuse
Cosecant ‌Θ =
opposite
Secant is the reciprocal of cosine
hypotenuse
Secant ‌Θ =
adjacent
Cotangent is the reciprocal of tangent
adjacent
Cotangent ‌Θ =
opposite

Useful Formulas to Know

Sin2Θ + Cos2Θ = 1

Sin Θ
= Tan Θ
Cos Θ

Hurray! You've memorized your formulas. Now treat yo' self.

4.7K

But Keep in Mind

211
 Though these are all the formulas you should memorize to do well on the ACT math
section, this list by no means covers all aspects of the mathematical knowledge you’ll
need on the exam. For example, you’ll also need to know your exponent rules, how to
FOIL, and how to solve for absolute values. To learn more about the general
mathematical topics covered by the test, see our article on what's actually tested on the
ACT math section.

What's Next?
Now that you know the critical formulas for the ACT, it might be time to check out our
article on How to an Perfect Score on the ACT Math by a 36 ACT-Scorer. 

Don't know where to start? Look no further than our article on what is considered a
good, bad, or excellent ACT score.

Want to improve your score by 4+ points? Our completely online and customized
prep program adapts to your strengths, weaknesses, and needs. And we guarantee
your money back if you don't improve your score by 4 points or more. Sign up for your
free trial today.

Want to improve your ACT score by 4 points?

Check out our best-in-class online ACT prep classes. We guarantee your money
back if you don't improve your ACT score by 4 points or more.

Our classes are entirely online, and they're taught by ACT experts. If you liked this
article, you'll love our classes. Along with expert-led classes, you'll get
4.7K personalized homework with thousands of practice problems organized by
individual skills so you learn most effectively. We'll also give you a step-by-step,
custom program to follow so you'll never be confused about what to study next.

Try it risk-free today:

211
 Get 4 More Points on Your ACT, GUARANTEED

Have friends who also need help with test prep? Share this article!

4.9K

author image
Courtney Montgomery
About the Author
Courtney scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT
in high school and went on to graduate from
Stanford University with a degree in Cultural and
Social Anthropology. She is passionate about
bringing education and the tools to succeed to
students from all backgrounds and walks of life, as
she believes open education is one of the great
societal equalizers. She has years of tutoring
experience and writes creative works in her free
time.

Get Free
Get FREE EXCLUSIVE insider tips
on how to ACE THE
SAT/ACT.
4.7K

Guides 100% Privacy. No spam ever.

to Boost Your
SAT/ACT
211
 Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com, allow you to

interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and
parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask
questions; get answers.

Join the Conversation

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Tea 5/10/2016, 3:15:11 PM

Courtney,

Thank you so much for sharing this information. My son will be re-taking the ACT in
order to obtain a higher score and the information you have provided will most
definitely help him achieve that.

Best Wishes!

Reply to Tea
Courtney Montgomery 7/25/2016, 1:25:17 AM
Hi, Tea. Thank you for your comment and good luck to your son on his ACT!

Reply to Courtney Montgomery

4.7K Barbara 10/18/2016, 6:10:28 AM

Dear Courtney,

This was so helpful. My son will also be re-taking to test soon. I will definitely show this
to his 3 ACT tutors. I think they'll appreciate this very much. His grades are not that great
211
 and he doesn't have any extra-curriculars, but I am hoping he'll do well on his test. He's
a very smart boy.

Thanks,

Barbs

Reply to Barbara

Steven 4/4/2017, 2:53:52 PM

Hey thanks for the generalizing. I know this isn't everything, but it's a start! I am shooting
for a perfect score, and my current highest is 34! I get to test in 5 days, so hopefully all
things go to plan! Thanks

Reply to Steven

Durvesh kumar 10/30/2017, 3:27:48 AM

there are good tips because I am also a teacher

Reply to Durvesh kumar

First Name*

Last Name

Email*

Comment*

Submit Comment
4.7K
Get Free Guides to Subscribe to our blog today!
Boost Your SAT/ACT 100% Privacy. No spam!
Score
211
 Search

Improve With Our Famous Guides

SAT
ACT
For All

Prep Prep Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using

to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a

Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Score 800 on SAT Score 800 on SAT

Math Reading Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

4.7K

Score 600 on SAT Score 600 on SAT Score 600 on SAT

Math Reading Writing

211
 Free Complete Official SAT Practice
Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You

Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT

Essay

Michael improved by
370 POINTS!

FIND OUT HOW

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

 
4.7K

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:
211
 GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Free

SAT/ACT Tips
to Boost Your Score
Get EXCLUSIVE insider tips on how to ACE THE SAT and ACT for
FREE!

100% Privacy. No spam ever.

"I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping
me!”
Holly R.

4.7K

211
 Ad

Best-fit speakers to your

car
You can find the best fit car speakers with
Pioneer Car Speaker Fitting Guide.
Pioneer Visit Site

Home Help
Who We Are Become An Instructor
How It Works SAT / ACT Online Prep Blog
Results GRE Online Prep Blog
Pricing GMAT Online Prep Blog
Tutoring Questions? TOEFL Online Prep Blog
Groups Email Us Or Call Us At 1 (866) 811-5546
Sample Lesson
© PrepScholar 2013-2018. All SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination
rights reserved BoardTM. The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse,
nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this site.
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy

4.7K

211