Unlike the SAT, students can use calculators throughout the mathematics section of ACT. Although it is best to avoid using a calculator for some types of questions, candidates should maximize the use of this tool in other situations. Here are three steps you can take to ensure that your calculator is a useful tool on the day of the ACT exam and will not bring obstacles.
Prove that your calculator is a usable model for the ACT exam.
The inventor of ACT described in detail the types of calculators allowed to be used on the day of the exam. Simply put, the rule is this: students can't use any calculator with computer algebra system (or CAS) function.
Following the preset guidelines, your calculator may be very simple or very complicated. For the ACT exam, the ideal calculator type may be somewhere between these two extremes.
Students had better choose a familiar and practical calculator. Instead of adapting to a new and different calculator, choose a calculator that you have used many times before and can calculate quickly.
At the same time, make sure that your calculator has all the functions you need on the day of the exam. At the very least, your calculator should be able to calculate different kinds of indices, convert fractions into decimals (and vice versa), draw simple function diagrams, and use parenthesis functions.
Determine which mathematical functions are your weaknesses, and it is best to use a calculator for these functions.
At the stage of your study, you may be very aware of your weaknesses in mathematics. Many students say that they have encountered difficulties in long division, fractions and exponents. Compared with other ACT math problems, these problems may be basic types, but when students use their hands or brains to calculate, they will easily make mistakes.
Ignore what others think is simple or difficult, and honestly face your own math weaknesses. Once you have a clear concept, you can use your calculator to help you complete the task that is problematic for you.
In order to save time, students are advised not to do simple arithmetic operations with calculators. Reviewing the memory multiplication table can reduce your dependence on the calculator and save time in ACT mathematics. But for complicated functions that often cause you trouble, I suggest you use a calculator. One way to identify this mathematical function is to review your recent math homework and check your repeated mistakes. )
Check your grades carefully to avoid unexpected mistakes.
It should be emphasized that students should make full use of their knowledge in the mathematics part of ACT. In the process of solving problems, calculators should only be used as auxiliary tools to assist and verify.
There are many math problems that can be checked repeatedly with a calculator. For example, calculating the average score of a course exam may involve a lot of summation, so it is good to verify your calculation results with a calculator.
If students have questions about the answers and have enough time, they can choose to recheck their answers. Note that it is unwise to recheck with a calculator, which will affect your arrangement of the remaining questions.
One advantage of repeated checking with a calculator is that it improves students' confidence. Students can solve problems by themselves and then use calculators to verify the answers, which can teach you to be more independent and confident in the face of problems.