ACT WorkKeys Math Assessment Strands

Level Characteristics of Problems Skills     3 Translates easily from a verbal setup to a mathematical equation All information provided is necessary to solve problems and is presented in logical order  Units of measurement not involved in actual calculations (i.e. function solely as labels), except dollars and cents Perform single-step basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) using whole numbers Change a number from one form to another, using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages Add and subtract negative numbers as well as positive numbers       4 Involve reordering verbal information before performing calculations May include simple charts or graphs Must be read carefully to determine which operations to perform and in what order Perform one or two mathematical operations, such as addition, subtraction, or multiplication on several positive or negative numbers Add commonly known fractions, decimals, or percentages (i.e. ½, .75, 25%), and three fractions that share a common denominator Calculate averages, simple ratios, proportions, and rates, using whole numbers and decimals       5  Involve separating important facts from extraneous information Several steps of logic involved in calculations Mixed unit quantities may need conversion to a single and/or different set of units (i.e. 4 hours and 30 minutes = 4.5 hours)  Perform single-step conversions within and between English and non-English systems of measurement Calculate perimeters and areas of basic shapes Calculate percentage discounts and markups Compute the “best deal” using one- and two-step calculations and then comparing costs       6  May require considerable translation from verbal form to mathematical expression May require considerable setup and involve multiple-step calculations or conversions  May involve transposition of formulas before calculating (i.e. v = ir  to   r = v/i) May involve conversions using two formulas within a system of measurement Calculate using negative numbers, fractions, ratios, percentages, and mixed numbers  Calculate multiple rates and then compare the rates or use them to perform other calculations Find basic areas and volumes of rectangular solids Calculate the “best deal” using the result in another problem Identify and correct errors in calculations       7  Content or format may be unusual  Information may be incomplete or implicit, requiring derivation from the setup of the information needed to solve the problem Involve several steps of reasoning and multiple calculations  May include nonlinear functions (i.e. rates of change), and applications of basic statistical concepts (i.e. error of measurement Solve problems involving more than one unknown Calculate the percentage of change Calculate multiple areas and volumes of spheres, cylinders, and cones Setup and manipulate complex ratios and several proportions Determine the best economic value of several alternatives Find mistakes in multiple-step calculations