Improve Your ACT Math Score & Digital ACT Math Desmos Guide

Name: Improve Your ACT Math Score & Digital ACT Math Desmos Guide
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)

Learn the strategies, techniques, and math topics you need to ace the Math section of the ACT including Desmos.

Created byJosh White

Last updated 1/2026

English

What you'll learn

Understand how to use strategies & techniques such as Backsolving & Picking Numbers to solve ACT Math problems
Understand how to use a graphing calculator to solve ACT Math problems
Review common ACT Math topics in Algebra
Review common ACT Math topics in Geometry
Learn common ACT Math topics in probability & statistics and other miscellaneous topics

Course content

8 sections • 221 lectures • 22h 18m total length

Welcome1:21
Course Audience1:39
Course Purpose1:45
Course Content3:49
List of Topics by Module0:04
Course Setup2:49
Instructor Background1:38
ACT Math Basics4:15
ACT Math Basiscs-2025 Changes3:08
ACT Math General Strategies3:36
ACT Math Formulas to Know Worksheet (PDF)0:04
Required Materials2:12

Introduction0:38
Process of Elimination Explanation + Example Problem 13:03
Process of Elimination Example Problem 22:06
Process of Elimination Example Problem 31:12
Draw a Picture Explanation + Example Problem 12:50
Draw a Picture Example Problem 22:51
Draw a Picture Example Problem 32:42
Backsolving Explanation + Example Problem 14:39
Backsolving Example Problem 22:38
Backsolving Example Problem 32:48
Backsolving Example Problem 42:50
Backsolving Example Problem 55:02
Picking Numbers Explanation5:29
Picking Numbers Example Problem 16:12
Picking Numbers Example Problem 25:26
Picking Numbers Example Problem 35:29
Picking Numbers Example Problem 43:41
Picking Numbers Example Problem 54:37
Picking Numbers Example Problem 62:15
Picking Numbers Example Problem 73:00
Conclusion0:35
Module 1 Worksheet (PDF)0:02
Module 1 Worksheet Answers (PDF)0:02
Module 1 Worksheet Introduction0:58
Module 1 Worksheet Problem 1 (Process of Elimination)3:15
Module 1 Worksheet Problems 2-6 (Draw a Picture)13:26
Module 1 Worksheet Problems 7-12 (Backsolving-Part 1)14:13
Module 1 Worksheet Problems 13-18 (Backsolving-Part 2)17:58
Module 1 Worksheet Problems 19-24 (Picking Numbers-Part 1)16:11
Module 1 Worksheet Problems 25-30 (Picking Numbers-Part 2)16:19

TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator Operations Reference Sheet (PDF)0:05
Introduction1:57
Order of Operations2:27
Decimal to Fraction1:37
Fraction Operations and Simplifying Fractions5:36
Mixed Numbers6:23
Radians and Degrees5:31
Absolute Value2:29
LCM and GCF4:58
Scientific Notation3:30
Remainder Function4:31
Evaluate Functions7:27
Max and Min Value of a Function5:51
Finding Zeroes, Roots, X-intercepts7:32
Intersection of 2 curves/Solving a System of Equations by Graphing5:34
Solve Sys of Eq using Matrices6:47
Complex Numbers4:52
Graph Linear Inequality7:55
Best Fit Line4:47
Log Change of Base2:08
Matrix Operations10:26
Other Functions6:27
Mean, Median, Standard Deviation from a Frequency Table8:34
Conclusion0:31
Module 2 Worksheet (PDF)0:02
Module 2 Worksheet Answers (PDF)0:02
Module 2 Worksheet Introduction1:24
Module 2 Worksheet Problem 10:57
Module 2 Worksheet Problem 21:10
Module 2 Worksheet Problems 3,43:53
Module 2 Worksheet Problem 51:52
Module 2 Worksheet Problem 60:50
Module 2 Worksheet Problems 7,82:52
Module 2 Worksheet Problem 91:59
Module 2 Worksheet Problem 102:45
Module 2 Worksheet Problems 11,126:19
Module 2 Worksheet Problem 134:14
Module 2 Worksheet Problems 14,157:09
Module 2 Worksheet Problems 16,176:51
Module 2 Worksheet Problems 18,193:19
Module 2 Worksheet Problem 204:29
Module 2 Worksheet Problem 212:15
Module 2 Worksheet Problem 221:23
Module 2 Worksheet Problems 23-243:03
Module 2 Worksheet Problem 251:10

Desmos Added to ACT Math Section-Discussion & Example Problems12:46
This video talks about the Nov 2025 announcement that Desmos has been added to the online (digital) version of the ACT Math section. I also demonstrate 6 problems that can be solved using Desmos from Online Practice Test #1 - Form 25MC1.
Examples of Desmos Problems from Practice Tests, Official Tests, etc.0:57
The PDF file shows which problems from Practice Tests Form 25MC1, 25MC2, 25CM3, 25MC4, 25MC5 and October 2025 (Form J08) can be solved using Desmos.
Ultimate Desmos Guide to Digital ACT Math-Part 1: Explainer2:50
This video talks briefly about the Ultimate Desmos Guide to Digital ACT Math video series.
Ultimate Desmos Guide to Digital ACT Math-Part 2: Introduction to Desmos19:27
This video is an introduction to using Desmos for those with very limited familiarity. It talks about basic Desmos settings including graphing, copy/paste, tables, various shortcuts, and some settings that are ACT specific.
Topics:
*Background Info
*Graph Settings
*Graphing, Undo, Redo, Create Table (Blank), Delete All, Create Table (Automatic), Copy/Paste
*Keyboard/Functions
*Fraction Shortcut
*Roots and Radicals
*Graphing, Highlighted Points, Turn Graphs On/Off, Tracing Along Graphs
*Unclickable Points
*ACT Specific Settings-Complex Numbers, Logarithms, Compound Inequalities
Ultimate Desmos Guide to Digital ACT Math-Part 3: Core Skills1:00:34
This video covers the Core Desmos Skills which include the following topics:
*Fractions, Decimals, Mixed Numbers
*Percentages
*Defining Exact Values
*Sliders
*Distance Formula
*Midpoint Formula
*Mean & Median & Standard Deviation
*LCM & GCF
*Remainder of Long Division (Mod Function)
*Solve System of Equations/Identify # of Solutions to System of Equations
*Complex Number Operations
*Linear Regression
*Evaluating Functions or a Combination of Functions
*Find the X Value of a Function for a Given Y Value
*Solving Equations (Linear, Absolute Value, Radical, Rational, Quadratic)
*Translating/Shifting Graphs

Please note that the latest versions of the Desmos Reference Sheet and Ultimate Desmos Guide Practice Problems PDF files are found on the Ultimate Desmos Guide to Digital ACT Math-Part 1: Explainer video/post.
Ultimate Desmos Guide to Digital ACT Math-Part 4: Intermediate Skills46:16
This video covers the Intermediate Desmos Skills which cover the following topics:
*Identifying Equivalent Expressions & Solving Linear Inequalities
*Solving Formulas
*Permutations & Combinations
*Factoring Polynomials
*Mean of a Frequency Table
*Arithmetic Sequences
*Max/Min Value of an Expression

Please note that the latest versions of the Desmos Reference Sheet and Ultimate Desmos Guide Practice Problems PDF files are found on the Ultimate Desmos Guide to Digital ACT Math-Part 1: Explainer video/post.
Ultimate Desmos Guide to Digital ACT Math-Part 5: Advanced Skills27:31
This video covers the Advanced Desmos Skills which cover the following topics:
*Finding Value of a Constant(s) to Match Expressions Using Regression
*Regression of Advanced Functions (Exponential, Logarithmic, Rational, Radical)
*Solving a System of Equations Using Regression
*Solving Advanced Percentage Problems Using Regression
*Sum of Values

Please note that the latest versions of the Desmos Reference Sheet and Ultimate Desmos Guide Practice Problems PDF files are found on the Ultimate Desmos Guide to Digital ACT Math-Part 1: Explainer video/post.
Ultimate Desmos Guide to Digital ACT Math-Part 6: More Example Problems22:35
This video is part of my Ultimate Desmos Guide to Digital ACT Math and demonstrates 10 additional example problems where Desmos can be used to quickly & easily to solve the problem. Most of these problems using graphing in combination with other skills such as regression or using sliders. The blank PDF file with these 10 problems is attached below.

Introduction2:10
Groups of Numbers3:52
Percent Increase and Decrease2:50
Sales Tax and Discount4:29
Linear Equations8:41
Ratios and Proportions3:57
Linear Inequalities20:57
Midpoint and Distance Formulas3:42
Slope3:09
Lines5:11
Linear Inequalities in Two Variables7:32
Systems of Linear Equations6:28
Exponents8:16
Polynomials8:34
Roots and Radicals13:32
Complex Numbers10:28
Factoring14:37
Functions7:53
Quadratic Functions11:10
Rational Expressions19:17
Rate, Time, Distance Problems9:33
Ellipses8:36
Hyperbolas12:31
Conclusion0:40
Module 3 Worksheet (PDF)0:02
Updated with additional problems-July 2025
Module 3 Worksheet Answers (PDF)0:02
Updated with additional problems-July 2025
Module 3 Worksheet Introduction1:44
Module 3 Worksheet Problems 1-4 (A11)7:34
Module 3 Worksheet Problems 5-9 (C02)12:41
Module 3 Worksheet Problem 10 (D05)0:31
Module 3 Worksheet Problems 11-14 (D03)7:52
Module 3 Worksheet Problems 15-19 (Z04)12:39
Module 3 Worksheet Problem 20 (C01)1:13
Module 3 Worksheet Problems 21-24 (D06)6:46
Module 3 Worksheet Problems 25-26 (74F)3:42
Module 3 Worksheet Problems 27-28 (1572CPRE)3:21
Module 3 Worksheet Problems 29-31 (C03)6:00
Module 3 Worksheet Problem 32 (B05)1:56
Module 3 Worksheet Problems 33-36 (D05)5:05
Module 3 Worksheet Problems 37-39 (Rate, Time, Distance)10:19
Module 3 Worksheet Problems 40-44 (Ellipses, Hyperbolas)8:35

Introduction0:34
Angles Part 112:33
Angles and Parallel Lines6:37
Angles Part 214:29
Parallel Lines with Multiple Transversals3:38
Triangles6:03
Quadrilaterals7:44
Regular Polygons5:57
Similar Triangles3:31
Right Triangles11:32
Right Triangle Trigonometry10:27
Perimeter and Circumference1:25
Area12:59
Circles9:05
Circle and Square Problems5:55
Shaded Area9:07
Border Area2:55
Conclusion0:39
Module 4 Worksheet (PDF)0:02
Module 4 Worksheet Answers (PDF)0:02
Module 4 Worksheet Introduction1:27
Module 4 Worksheet Problems 1-5 (A11)15:10
Module 4 Worksheet Problems 6-9 (C02)8:32
Module 4 Worksheet Problems 10-15 (D03)13:34
Module 4 Worksheet Problem 16 (D05)1:29
Module 4 Worksheet Problems 17-20 (Z04)7:57
Module 4 Worksheet Problems 21-22 (C03)3:31
Module 4 Worksheet Problems 23-28 (D06)20:28
Module 4 Worksheet Problems 29-32 (Z15)8:28
Module 4 Worksheet Problem 33 (E23)3:46
Module 4 Worksheet Problems 34-35 (74F)5:45

Introduction0:44
Mean4:53
Weighted Average6:49
Median and Mode9:35
Outliers6:37
Mean, Median, and Mode Practice4:08
Standard Deviation6:23
Histograms2:24
Probability-Introduction2:48
Independent Events2:58
Probability-More Examples7:42
Probability from a Table9:28
Counting Principle1:52
Permutations4:42
Slot Method4:04
Combinations5:17
Ratio Matching3:04
Unit Conversions6:11
Cover Large Area with Small Pieces4:39
Repeating Sequences5:45
Arithmetic Sequences6:01
Geometric Sequences5:07
Matrices-Introduction, Addition and Subtraction5:51
Multiplying Matrices13:03
Determinant1:03
Vectors9:09
Expected Value6:06
Law of Sines & Cosines11:20
Conclusion0:39
Module 5 Worksheet (PDF)0:02
Updated with additional problems-July 2025
Module 5 Worksheet Answers (PDF)0:02
Updated with additional problems-July 2025
Module 5 Worksheet Introduction0:54
Module 5 Worksheet Problems 1-2 (C01)4:46
Module 5 Worksheet Problems 3-5 (C02)7:40
Module 5 Worksheet Problem 6 (B04)2:06
Module 5 Worksheet Problems 7-8 (D03)5:45
Module 5 Worksheet Problems 9-10 (D05)3:40
Module 5 Worksheet Problems 11-12 (D06)3:20
Module 5 Worksheet Problems 13-17 (Z04)12:23
Module 5 Worksheet Problems 18-22 (B02)11:12
Module 5 Worksheet Problems 23-26 (C03)9:48
Module 5 Worksheet Problems 27-29 (E23)6:47
Module 5 Worksheet Problem 30 (Z15)1:57
Module 5 Worksheet Problem 31 (D06)2:33
Module 5 Worksheet Problem 32 (1572CPRE)1:30
Module 5 Worksheet Problems 33-36 (Expected Value)7:54
Module 5 Worksheet Problems 37-40 (Ellipses & Hyperbolas)7:43

Requirements

Familiarity with Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry (or equivalent)

Description

***DECEMBER 2025/JANUARY 2026 UPDATES***

ACT Education Corp announced in Nov 2025 that Desmos has now been added to the Online (Digital) Version of the ACT Math section. The following material has bene added to the course

*The Ultimate Desmos Guide to Digital ACT Math (Parts 1-6) videos & practice problems (PDF)

*PDF file which shows the specific problems that Desmos can be used on for the 5 current official practice tests & October 2025 TIR

*Video showing how to find the Mean, Median, Standard Deviation from a Frequency Table on the TI-84

***NEW CONTENT ADDED JULY 2025***

-Rate/Time/Distance Problems, Ellipses, Hyperbolas (Module 3-Algebra Review)

-Expected Value, Law of Sines, Law of Cosines (Module 5-Prob & Stats + Misc Topics)

-Updated Math Formulas Sheet

This course will prepare students for the ACT Math section by teaching them techniques and strategies they can use on multiple-choice questions, show them how to use a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator and the Desmos graphing calculator to solve questions, and review/teach common topics from Algebra, Geometry, and Probability & Statistics. It covers over 80 ACT Math related topics in 10+ hours of instructional videos with example problems. It also features practice assignments (PDF) at the end of each module with over 150 total practice problems (and full video solutions to each problem) from previous ACT exams to ensure student mastery. The full topic list is available in the introduction section of the course.

There are 5 modules in the course (Strategies & Techniques, Calculator Operations, Algebra Review, Geometry Review, and Probability & Statistics + Miscellaneous Topics) and each module has lectures which contain a video with notes and example problems on the various topics featured in it. Then, after the student has completed all the lectures in a module, there is a homework assignment (PDF file) which has 25-40 problems from previously administered ACT exams for the student to complete. There are video solutions to each problem on these worksheets included in the course. Students should have completed Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry in order to achieve the best results from this course and should have a TI-84 Plus model graphing calculator in order to achieve the most benefit from the course.

Who this course is for:

Students aiming to improve their ACT Math score with target score of 20-30

Improve Your ACT Math Score & Digital ACT Math Desmos Guide

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction to the Course12 lectures • 26min

Module 1-Strategies & Techniques30 lectures • 2hr 32min

Module 2A-TI-84 Plus Calculator Basics7 lectures • 39min

Module 2B-TI-84 Plus Calculator Operations45 lectures • 2hr 56min

Module 2C-Desmos Graphing Calculator Operations8 lectures • 3hr 13min

Module 3-Algebra Review41 lectures • 4hr 48min

Module 4-Geometry Review31 lectures • 3hr 35min

Module 5-Probability & Statistics and Miscellaneous Topics47 lectures • 4hr 8min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: