Error Analysis — Finding Patterns in Your Mistakes

ACT Math · Axiom Academy

LESSON Error Analysis: Finding Patterns in Your Mistakes Turn every wrong answer on a practice test into targeted improvement — sort your mistakes, log them, and watch the patterns shrink. Every wrong answer on the ACT falls into one of three categories. Learning to sort them is the first and most important step — the fix for each is completely different. What it is: you knew how to solve it but made a mechanical mistake. Misread "least" vs. "greatest" Solved for x when it asked for 2x Fix: slow down and double-check. Build a personal checklist of your recurring slips. What it is: you didn't know the formula, method, or concept needed. Didn't know the Law of Cosines Confused period with amplitude Couldn't set up a system of equations Forgot how to complete the square Fix: go back to that topic's lesson. Re-study the concept; add the formula to your flashcards. What it is: you ran out of time and guessed, or rushed a problem you could have solved. Left Q55–60 blank or guessed randomly Rushed a medium question into a trap Spent 4 minutes on one hard question Skipped one you knew but never returned Fix: improve pacing. Practice skip-and-return; set time checkpoints on practice tests. 2. How to Classify Your Errors After scoring a practice test, go through every wrong answer and ask these questions in order : "Did I run out of time on this question?" If yes → Time-pressure error. Note whether you skipped it or rushed it.

This is the written version of the interactive lesson above. See the full ACT Math course.