How algebra practice works
Each page in this series holds one topic from the ACT Math test. The list on the left shows every question in the pool; the number tile turns green once you have checked a question, and a saved question is easy to find again with the Bookmarked filter.
- Pick a question. Use the list, the search box or the difficulty filter, or just press Next question to go in order.
- Answer it. One problem at a time with four answer choices. Some official ACT Math questions share a graph or chart; calculators are permitted only on Math.
- Check your answer. Your result shows every choice marked, your pick, the correct option and a short explanation of why.
- Try it again or move on. A question you got wrong is worth a second attempt after you have read the explanation.
Prefer a short set with a score at the end? Build a algebra set of 5, 10 or 20 questions, timed or untimed.
What algebra covers on the ACT
On the ACT Math test, Algebra questions map to Preparing for Higher Math. Our practice results show raw accuracy for this category so you can identify a skill to revisit. Official ACT reports use their own scoring method.
How to approach algebra
Name the unknown, write the equation or inequality, and preserve units and signs as you simplify. If answer choices are given, substitution can be faster than a long symbolic solution.
Before you move on: Put your solution back into the original relationship. This catches extraneous values and sign mistakes.
The 50 questions here cover 49 skills, including:
- Two-step linear equations
- One-variable linear inequalities
- Adding polynomials
- Linear equations in context
- Quotient of monomials
- Evaluating expressions with negatives
- Systems of linear equations by elimination
- Factoring trinomials
- Simplifying square roots
- Solving a formula for a variable
- Writing a linear equation from a table
- Absolute value equations
This pool has 16 questions labelled easy, 18 medium and 16 hard by our team. These are practice labels, not official ACT difficulty ratings. Filter when you want to warm up or stretch. All 50 questions are available to practice.
Tips for algebra questions
- Write down what the question asks for before you calculate. Many wrong answers are correct values for a different quantity.
- Estimate first. If the choices are far apart, a quick estimate rules out two or three of them.
- Plug the answer choices back in when the algebra gets long; the ACT rewards whatever method is fastest and correct.
- Check units and signs at the end. A negative that should be positive is easy to overlook.