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Interpreting Data, Graphs, and Tables

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you answer a question that requires reading two figures together, while keeping the units straight?

Combining figures on ACT Science: linking a value from one figure to another through a shared variable, and reading units and scales carefully to avoid factor-of-ten and unit-mismatch errors.
A focused answer on multi-figure ACT Science questions: using a shared variable to carry a value from one figure into another, and reading units, scales, and axis breaks carefully to avoid the factor-of-ten and unit-mismatch errors the test sets up.
11 min answer →

How do you estimate a value between data points, or predict one beyond the data, using a trend?

Interpolation and extrapolation on ACT Science: estimating a value between known data points and extending a trend beyond the measured range, while flagging the greater uncertainty of extrapolation.
A focused answer on interpolation and extrapolation in ACT Science: estimating a value between two known data points by following the trend, and predicting a value beyond the measured range by extending it, plus why extrapolation is less certain and how the ACT tests both.
11 min answer →

How do you read a value and a trend off a line graph quickly and without error?

Reading line graphs on ACT Science: locating the axes and units, finding a value at a given point, and naming a trend (direct, inverse, or no relationship) between two variables.
A focused answer on reading line graphs in ACT Science: checking the axes and units first, reading a value at a given point, and identifying whether two variables show a direct, inverse, or no relationship. The most points on the test come from this single skill.
11 min answer →

How do you read a scatter plot, judge its correlation, and use a line of best fit to make a prediction?

Reading scatter plots on ACT Science: describing the correlation (positive, negative, or none) and its strength, and using a line of best fit to estimate values and spot outliers.
A focused answer on reading scatter plots in ACT Science: describing the direction and strength of a correlation, distinguishing correlation from causation, using a line of best fit to estimate values, and identifying outliers that sit far from the trend.
11 min answer →

How do you navigate a dense data table with several variables and pull out the value or trend a question wants?

Reading tables on ACT Science: orienting to the rows, columns, and units, locating a value at an intersection, and tracking how one variable changes while another is held fixed.
A focused answer on reading data tables in ACT Science: orienting to the rows, columns, headers, and units, finding a value at a row-column intersection, and isolating the effect of one variable by holding others constant across a dense multi-variable table.
11 min answer →