BCREV - AP Calculus Exam Review Lesson
AP Calculus Exam Review
In preparation for the AP Calculus exam there are several areas of importance that should be reviewed.
AP Calculus Calculator Policy
Students are expected to bring to the exam a graphing calculator with the following built-in capabilities:
- plot the graph of a function within an arbitrary viewing window
- find the zeros of functions (solve equations numerically)
- calculate the derivative of a function numerically
- calculate the value of a definite integral numerically
CLICK HERE to view the list of approved graphing calculators. Links to an external site.
Use of Graphing Calculators
As mentioned at the beginning of this course, using a graphing calculator in AP Calculus is an integral part of the course. View the presentation below for information regarding the use of graphing calculators on the AP exam.
Exam Tips
CLICK HERE to access Exam Tips for AP Calculus and Top 10 Student Errors. Links to an external site.
Use of Sign Charts for Justifying Relative and Absolute Extrema
A word of caution is in order concerning the role of sign charts on the AP Calculus exam for justifying local and absolute extrema. The presentation below summarizes the policy that is currently in effect and provides specific examples of what is expected.
AP Exam Design and Scoring
The multiple-choice section of the exam consists of 45 questions to be completed in 105 minutes. Part A of the multiple-choice section (28 questions in 55 minutes) does not allow the use of a calculator. Part B of the multiple-choice section (17 questions in 50 minutes) contains some questions for which a graphing calculator is required.
Multiple-choice scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly. Points are not deducted for incorrect answers, and no points are awarded for unanswered questions. Because points are not deducted for incorrect answers, you are encouraged to answer all multiple-choice questions. On any questions for which you do not know the answer, eliminate as many choices as possible, and then select the best answer among the remaining choices.
The free-response section of the exam consists of six problems to be completed in 90 minutes. Part A of the free-response section (two problems in 30 minutes) requires the use of a graphing calculator. Part B of the free-response section (four problems in 60 minutes) does not permit the use of a calculator. During the second timed portion of the free-response section (Part B), you are permitted to continue work on problems in Part A, but you are not permitted to use a calculator during this time.
The time allotted for completing the AP Calculus Exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes. The multiple-choice questions on the AP Calculus exam are scored by computer, whereas the free-response portions are evaluated by a team of skilled college mathematics professors and high school calculus teachers who meet annually to score the calculus exams. The involvement of college faculty at all levels of exam development and scoring ensures that the AP Calculus exams reflect college-level achievement.
Musical Interlude
Studying for the AP Exam is intense and a bit of musical levity may help relieve some of the stress.
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