There are thousands and thousands of phrasal verbs (and prepositional verbs), Maggie. It's best to learn them in context, because many of them have several meanings depending on the context. There isn't really a short-cut.

Act up = to not function properly. My computer is acting up; let me restart it.

As Sheena says there are so many! However, a good place to start might be with those that are based on very common verbs, such as, go, get, have, be, make. These might be easier to remember. Also rather than learning lists try learning in context, say by theme. E.g Telephone calls; Look up a number, Get through (connect) Call back Hang on (wait) Hang up (end the call) Speak up (speak louder) Make out what you are saying (hear properly)

jot down = quickly write smth down

There are many, many phrasal verbs one can [come up with]. A long list can probably be [cut down] to the following: find out (discover) figure out (understand something) Look up (find)