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ACT Math

Plug-In and Backsolving

Learn Plug-In and Backsolving in ACT Math from the production AIPH study guide.

Study guide topics

Numbers and OperationsAlgebraic Expressions and EquationsGeometry BasicsFunctions and GraphsProbability and StatisticsQuadratic Equations and PolynomialsMath in Personal FinanceGeometry in Real LifeStatistics in Everyday DecisionsTime Management on the ACTPlug-In and Backsolving

Study Strategies

## Smart Shortcuts Some ACT problems can be solved faster by plugging in numbers or working backwards from the answer choices. ### Plugging In - Choose easy numbers for variables to test the problem. - Helps when variables make a question confusing. ### Backsolving - Start with the answer choices and see which one fits. - Saves time and reduces errors on certain problems. ### When to Use Try these strategies when you see variables in the answer choices or word problems with unknowns.

Examples

  • If a question says 'x is an even number,' try plugging in 2 or 4 for x.
  • Work backwards from answer B to see if it satisfies the equation.
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