Graphing Calculator

• Graph two equations and read their intersection to solve a system
• Graph a function and read its zeros, maximum, or minimum
• Test answer choices by graphing or substituting them
• Verify algebraic work visually, and know when typing is slower than solving by hand

The online ACT embeds a graphing calculator in the Math section. Use it to: (1) graph two equations and find their intersection to solve systems, (2) graph a function and visually identify its zeros, maximum or minimum, or behavior, (3) plug in answer choices and see which satisfies the equation, (4) verify your algebraic work. A handheld calculator helps with arithmetic, but a graphing tool is faster for anything involving graphs or functions. It is not always the fastest route: a one-step linear equation or a simple percent is quicker by hand, and typing a long expression invites errors. Practice with the graphing calculator in the official online practice test before test day so the tool is familiar, and check the current ACT calculator policy for your test format.

• Practice with the same graphing calculator the online test uses, so the keypad and syntax are familiar before test day.
• For systems, type both equations and click the intersection point. Read both coordinates.
• For 'how many solutions' questions, graph and count the crossings.
• If typing the problem would take longer than solving it, solve it by hand.