ACT Math Tutoring Session - Optimized for neurodivergent learners
💚 I can do probability now! I understand when to multiply (AND) vs add (OR)
⚠️ What to practice: First 20 questions carefully - that's where most of my points come from
📝 Homework: Take the NEW FORMAT full practice test (math section) + do 10 warm-up questions Saturday morning
Slope formula: (y₂ - y₁)/(x₂ - x₁)
Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c² (c is ALWAYS the hypotenuse!)
Circle area: πr² (radius only!)
Circle circumference: 2πr (radius only!)
Probability AND = multiply, OR = add
Counting principle: multiply all the options
What happened:
We tried factoring 9x² - 32x - 56 and it was HARD
Where I got stuck:
I had the right numbers (7 and 8) but put them in wrong spots
What clicked:
These take trial and error! It's not about being "smart enough" - you literally have to test different arrangements
Pattern to remember:
What happened:
Problem gave me one leg (40) and hypotenuse (50)
Where I got stuck:
Almost added 50 + 40 instead of using the formula
What clicked:
Read carefully! C is ALWAYS the hypotenuse (longest side)
Pattern to remember:
What happened:
Found circumference of two circles (r=5 and r=6), then found difference
What clicked:
Don't let fancy words scare me! "Concentric" just means circles inside circles
Pattern to remember:
What happened:
Learned when to multiply vs add probabilities
💡 The breakthrough moment:
Pattern to remember:
What happened:
How many combinations with 4 noses, 3 lips, 2 wigs?
What clicked:
Draw blanks for each choice, write the number of options, then MULTIPLY
Pattern to remember:
Watch out: If a digit can't repeat (like phone numbers), it's 1 for used digits!
Find what multiplies to LAST number
Find what ADDS to MIDDLE number
Try different arrangements and FOIL to check
If stuck after 2 tries, skip and come back
Write down what I'm finding (use the word AND or OR)
If I see AND = multiply, if I see OR = add
Check: with or without replacement?
Simplify using calculator (MATH → FRAC button)
🧠 Brain Hack:
Draw it out! Make a fraction for each event, then decide multiply or add.
Find the radius (divide diameter by 2 if needed)
Check answer choices - do they have π?
Use formula (πr² for area, 2πr for circumference)
Leave π in answer if choices have π
🧠 Brain Hack:
Write "r = ?" at the top of scratch work. Don't use diameter by accident!
Find quiet space (or headphones)
Get TI-84 calculator (know where π button is: 2nd + ^)
Get scratch paper (LOTS - I write everything down)
Put phone on Do Not Disturb
Get water/snack
Set timer if doing timed practice
By Friday:
Review "Math Formula Sheet" document (~15 min)
Review "Types of Math Questions" document for weak areas (~20 min)
Practice 10 probability problems from any old test (~15 min)
Saturday Morning (TEST DAY):
Wake up early enough to do warm-up
Do 1 English passage (untimed, just to wake up brain) (~5 min)
Do 10 random math questions (don't grade, just practice) (~10 min)
Eat breakfast!
This Week (if time):
Take NEW FORMAT practice test - math section only (~50 min)
Time myself on first 20 questions - try to finish in 20 minutes
Check scoring guide to see where I'm at
Goal: Hit question 20 in 20 minutes
This gives me 30-35 minutes for the harder second half.
After Question 20, work in ROUNDS:
Round 1: Skim and do ALL the ones I definitely know (~10-15 min)
Round 2: Go back and do ones where I can try something (~10 min)
Round 3: Struggle through or guess on the rest (~5 min)
Why this works:
I might be able to do question 45 even if I can't do question 30! I need to SEE all of them.
Read questions SLOWLY (once carefully beats 10 times panicked)
Write everything down (even on digital test - use scratch paper)
Before I bubble an answer: Re-read the question ONE more time
Check: Am I answering what they actually asked? Right units?
First 20 questions = my money questions - be EXTRA careful here
Don't panic on hard factoring - these are time traps, skip if stuck
I write everything down (this prevents silly mistakes!)
I caught my own mistakes today (40+50 almost became 90 instead of using Pythagorean theorem)
I understand probability now - the AND/OR rule makes sense
I know when to use my calculator's fraction button
I'm not afraid to ask "wait, how do I do this?" when confused
When I said: "How am I supposed to do that in the [test]?!"
Translation: That was a HARD problem. The tutor said those specific factoring problems (where the first number isn't 1) probably WON'T show up on the ACT. And if they do, they'll give me a greatest common factor to pull out first. I'm not behind - those are genuinely difficult and take lots of trial and error. I'm doing great. ✨
When I said: "I forget it. Like, I get it, but also I can't get it."
Translation: My brain needs more practice with this concept, and that's totally normal. I chose to practice other things instead because I can learn this more easily on my own. That was a smart strategic choice about my time. 🎯
Remember: The tutor said "I don't want to see you again" in the NICEST way - meaning she believes this is your LAST ACT!
Your goal: Be careful on the first 20. That's where your points are. Don't rush. Trust yourself. 💪
Test is: 50 minutes, 45 questions, NEW FORMAT
You are ready. 🌟