Reason Mathematically Questions on the ACT® Science Test

The ACT® Science Test challenges students to reason mathematically. Don't worry - the math involved is simple arithmetic. You won't need a calculator for this section. You're actually not even allowed a calculator. The basic math you'll perform usually involves adding, subtracting, multiplying, and/or dividing simple numbers. For the most part, you can do these calculations in your head.

Reasoning Mathematically on the ACT® Science Test

The ACT® Science section includes questions that test your ability to reason mathematically. These questions are straightforward, so don't let them intimidate you.

Types of Mathematical Reasoning Questions

1. Finding the Greater Number

   The ACT® Science may ask you to identify the greater number. It's not as simple as looking up and down a chart. You might need to consult a chart, then find where that number is defined in the text. Your task is to determine the largest number based on the specific information in the question.

2. Identifying the Greatest or Smallest Number

   Sometimes, this involves just reading the numbers. Other times, you'll need to do some basic arithmetic.

3. Comparing Magnitudes

   You might be asked how many times greater one value is than another. This could involve multiplying a few numbers by 2, 3, or 5. Occasionally, you'll encounter numbers with long decimals. In such cases, you can estimate (for example, treat 2.2341434 as 2) to simplify your calculations.

The math in the ACT® Science Test is designed to be manageable without a calculator. If you encounter a question that seems to require complex calculations, take a step back and look for a simpler approach. Reason through the problem logically, using the information provided in the passage and any accompanying charts or graphs.