Watch with Theo · Pacing
When to Move On from a Tough ACT Math Question
Recognize when you are going in circles, then return with a different approach.
Take this into your next practice session
Make your best choice, mark the question for review, and continue. Return if time remains in the math section.
Choose an answer, then check your reasoning. This public practice is not saved.
Read all answer explanations
Repeat the same calculation until it works.: Look for the choice that preserves time. Review must happen within the math section.
Choose your best answer, mark it for review, and continue. — correct answer: Exactly. Protect time for the questions ahead. Return with a different approach if time allows.
Return after the math section ends.: Look for the choice that preserves time. Review must happen within the math section.
Full transcript and worked example
Know when to move on.
Hi, I'm Theo. A tough question does not have to become a tough section. Let's practice deciding when to move on.
A tough question ≠ a lost section
Notice when progress stops.
Suppose you need the larger solution to this equation. You try factoring, but keep restarting. If you cannot name your next useful step, pause. Another minute of the same attempt may not help.
x² − 7x + 12 = 0
Make a choice. Keep moving.
Eliminate any choices you can, select your best answer, and mark the question for review. Then continue. There is no penalty for an incorrect answer on the ACT. On paper, keep your answer sheet aligned with the question numbers.
Choose → mark for review → continue
Return with a different approach.
When you return, try a different approach. The choices are possible values of x, so test one in the original equation. Let's try four.
Try x = 4
Check the value.
Four squared, minus seven times four, plus twelve, is zero. So four is a solution. But we still need to confirm it is the larger one.
4² − 7(4) + 12 = 16 − 28 + 12 = 0
Finish the question you were asked.
Now notice that three and four multiply to twelve and add to seven. The expression factors as x minus three, times x minus four. The solutions are three and four. The larger one is four, choice C.
(x − 3)(x − 4) = 0
Protect your next opportunity.
Moving on is a pacing decision, not giving up. During practice, notice the difference between making progress and going in circles. Keep working when you have a useful next step. Otherwise, choose, flag, and move. Try the question below.
No next step? Choose, flag, move.
Keep learning
Original Raise Your ACT content, independent of ACT. How we review content.