The ACT is a standardized test that assesses high school students' readiness for college. The test includes four sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Students are allowed to use calculators on the mathematics section of the ACT, but not on the other sections. The ACT allows students to use graphing calculators with all the features that are typically used in high school mathematics classes. However, some calculators with excessive functions or capabilities are not permitted on the ACT.
Calculators with the following features are prohibited on the ACT:
Now, let's jump into the details of each of the calculators listed above.
What Calculators Are Allowed on the ACT
Here are 8 important points to remember:
- Graphing calculators allowed
- CAS calculators prohibited
- Calculators with QWERTY keyboards prohibited
- Calculators with computer algebra systems prohibited
- Calculators with built-in programs prohibited
- Calculators with external storage prohibited
- Calculators with internet access prohibited
- Simple scientific calculators allowed
By following these guidelines, students can ensure that they are using an acceptable calculator on the ACT.
Graphing calculators allowed
The ACT allows students to use graphing calculators on the mathematics section of the test. Graphing calculators are powerful tools that can be used to solve a variety of mathematical problems. They can be used to graph functions, solve equations, and perform other mathematical operations.
Students who are planning to use a graphing calculator on the ACT should make sure that their calculator is allowed. The ACT allows graphing calculators with all the features that are typically used in high school mathematics classes. However, some calculators with excessive functions or capabilities are not permitted on the ACT.
For example, calculators with the following features are prohibited on the ACT:
- Computer algebra systems (CAS)
- QWERTY keyboards
- Built-in programs
- External storage
- Internet access
Students who are unsure whether their calculator is allowed on the ACT should check with their school counselor or the ACT website.
By following these guidelines, students can ensure that they are using an acceptable graphing calculator on the ACT.
CAS calculators prohibited
CAS (computer algebra system) calculators are prohibited on the ACT. CAS calculators are powerful tools that can be used to solve a wide variety of mathematical problems. However, they are not allowed on the ACT because they give students an unfair advantage.
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CAS calculators can be used to:
Solve equations symbolically
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Simplify expressions
Factor polynomials
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Find derivatives and integrals
Solve differential equations
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Graph functions
Perform statistical calculations
These are just a few of the many things that CAS calculators can do. As you can see, CAS calculators can give students a significant advantage on the ACT. This is why they are prohibited on the test.
Calculators with QWERTY keyboards prohibited
Calculators with QWERTY keyboards are prohibited on the ACT. QWERTY keyboards are the standard keyboards that are used on most computers and laptops. They are not allowed on the ACT because they give students an unfair advantage.
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QWERTY keyboards allow students to:
Type in notes and formulas
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Access programs and files
Use the internet
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Communicate with other students
Play games
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Do other things that are not related to the ACT
QWERTY keyboards can be a distraction and can lead to cheating.
This is why calculators with QWERTY keyboards are prohibited on the ACT.
Calculators with computer algebra systems prohibited
Calculators with computer algebra systems (CAS) are prohibited on the ACT because they give students an unfair advantage. CAS calculators can be used to solve a wide variety of mathematical problems, including:
- Solving equations symbolically
- Simplifying expressions
- Factoring polynomials
- Finding derivatives and integrals
- Solving differential equations
- Graphing functions
- Performing statistical calculations
CAS calculators can also be used to store notes, formulas, and programs. This can give students an unfair advantage on the ACT, as they can use their calculators to help them solve problems that they would not be able to solve without a calculator.
In addition, CAS calculators can be used to cheat on the ACT. For example, students could use their calculators to store the answers to the test questions. They could then use their calculators to look up the answers during the test.
For these reasons, calculators with CAS are prohibited on the ACT.
Students who are planning to take the ACT should make sure that their calculator does not have a CAS. If a student is caught using a calculator with a CAS on the ACT, their test score will be canceled.
Calculators with built-in programs prohibited
Calculators with built-in programs are prohibited on the ACT because they give students an unfair advantage. Built-in programs can be used to solve a variety of mathematical problems, including:
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Solving equations
Simplifying expressions
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Factoring polynomials
Finding derivatives and integrals
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Solving differential equations
Graphing functions
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Performing statistical calculations
Built-in programs can also be used to store notes, formulas, and other information.
This can give students an unfair advantage on the ACT, as they can use their calculators to help them solve problems that they would not be able to solve without a calculator.
In addition, built-in programs can be used to cheat on the ACT. For example, students could use their calculators to store the answers to the test questions. They could then use their calculators to look up the answers during the test.
For these reasons, calculators with built-in programs are prohibited on the ACT.
Calculators with external storage prohibited
Calculators with external storage are prohibited on the ACT because they can be used to store information that could give students an unfair advantage on the test. For example, students could store the answers to the test questions on a memory card or USB drive. They could then use their calculators to access the answers during the test.
In addition, calculators with external storage can be used to cheat on the ACT in other ways. For example, students could use their calculators to store notes, formulas, or programs that could help them solve the test questions. They could also use their calculators to communicate with other students during the test.
For these reasons, calculators with external storage are prohibited on the ACT. Students who are planning to take the ACT should make sure that their calculator does not have external storage.
If a student is caught using a calculator with external storage on the ACT, their test score will be canceled.
Calculators with external storage include those that have a memory card slot or a USB port. If you are not sure whether your calculator has external storage, check the manufacturer's website or the calculator's user manual.
Calculators with internet access prohibited
Calculators with internet access are prohibited on the ACT because they can be used to access information that could give students an unfair advantage on the test. For example, students could use their calculators to look up the answers to the test questions online.
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Calculators with internet access can also be used to cheat on the ACT in other ways.
For example, students could use their calculators to communicate with other students during the test. They could also use their calculators to download unauthorized materials, such as notes or formulas.
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Calculators with internet access can be a distraction.
Students may be tempted to use their calculators to surf the internet or play games during the test. This can lead to students losing focus and not performing their best on the test.
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Calculators with internet access can be a security risk.
Calculators with internet access can be hacked. This could allow someone to access the student's personal information or even change the answers on the student's test.
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For all of these reasons, calculators with internet access are prohibited on the ACT.
Students who are planning to take the ACT should make sure that their calculator does not have internet access.
If a student is caught using a calculator with internet access on the ACT, their test score will be canceled.
Simple scientific calculators allowed
Simple scientific calculators are allowed on the ACT. These calculators are typically less powerful than graphing calculators, but they can still be used to perform a variety of mathematical operations, including:
- Basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)
- Exponents and roots
- Trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, and tangent)
- Logarithmic functions
- Statistical functions (mean, median, and mode)
Simple scientific calculators are a good option for students who are not comfortable using graphing calculators or who do not need the advanced features of a graphing calculator. They are also a good option for students who are on a budget, as they are typically less expensive than graphing calculators.
If you are planning to use a simple scientific calculator on the ACT, make sure that it is allowed. The ACT website has a list of approved calculators.
Here are some tips for choosing a simple scientific calculator for the ACT:
- Choose a calculator that is easy to use and has a clear display.
- Make sure that the calculator has the functions that you need for the ACT.
- Practice using your calculator before the test so that you are familiar with its features.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about calculators on the ACT:
Question 1: What calculators are allowed on the ACT?
Answer: Graphing calculators are allowed on the ACT, but calculators with CAS (computer algebra systems), QWERTY keyboards, built-in programs, external storage, or internet access are prohibited. Simple scientific calculators are also allowed.
Question 2: Why are some calculators prohibited on the ACT?
Answer: Calculators with CAS, QWERTY keyboards, built-in programs, external storage, or internet access are prohibited because they can be used to cheat. These calculators can store information, such as formulas, notes, and programs, that could give students an unfair advantage on the test.
Question 3: What is a CAS calculator?
Answer: A CAS calculator is a calculator that can perform symbolic calculations. This means that it can solve equations symbolically, factor polynomials, and find derivatives and integrals.
Question 4: What is a QWERTY keyboard?
Answer: A QWERTY keyboard is the standard keyboard layout that is used on most computers and laptops. It is named after the first six letters on the top row of the keyboard.
Question 5: What are built-in programs?
Answer: Built-in programs are programs that are stored in the calculator's memory. These programs can be used to perform a variety of tasks, such as solving equations, graphing functions, and performing statistical calculations.
Question 6: What is external storage?
Answer: External storage is storage that is located outside of the calculator. This includes memory cards, USB drives, and other devices that can be used to store data.
Question 7: What is internet access?
Answer: Internet access is the ability to connect to the internet. Calculators with internet access can be used to access information online, such as the answers to test questions.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
I hope this FAQ has answered your questions about calculators on the ACT. If you have any other questions, please contact the ACT directly.
Now, let's move on to some tips for using a calculator on the ACT.
Tips
Here are some tips for using a calculator on the ACT:
Tip 1: Choose the right calculator.
Make sure that your calculator is allowed on the ACT. You can find a list of approved calculators on the ACT website. Once you have chosen a calculator, make sure that you are familiar with its features and how to use it.
Tip 2: Practice using your calculator.
The best way to get comfortable using your calculator is to practice with it. Try using it to solve math problems that are similar to the problems that you will see on the ACT. This will help you to become more proficient in using your calculator and to avoid making mistakes on the test.
Tip 3: Use your calculator wisely.
Don't rely on your calculator to do all of the work for you. Use your calculator to check your answers and to solve problems that you can't solve mentally. Don't waste time using your calculator to solve problems that you can solve without it.
Tip 4: Don't let your calculator become a distraction.
Your calculator should be a tool that helps you to solve problems, not a distraction. If you find yourself spending too much time fiddling with your calculator, put it away and focus on the test.
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By following these tips, you can use your calculator effectively on the ACT and improve your chances of getting a good score.
Now that you know what calculators are allowed on the ACT and how to use them effectively, you can feel confident on test day.
Conclusion
Calculators can be a valuable tool on the ACT, but it is important to use them wisely. Students should choose a calculator that is allowed on the test and that they are familiar with how to use. They should also practice using their calculator before the test so that they can avoid making mistakes on test day.
Students should also keep in mind that calculators are not a substitute for understanding the material. Students who do not understand the material will not be able to use their calculators effectively, even if they are familiar with how to use them.
The most important thing is for students to be prepared for the ACT. This means studying hard, practicing with practice tests, and getting a good night's sleep before the test. By following these tips, students can increase their chances of getting a good score on the ACT.
Closing Message:
I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any other questions about calculators on the ACT, please contact the ACT directly.