AP Calculus AB

What is AP Calculus AB

AP Calculus AB is an advanced high school course that delves into the fundamental principles of calculus, providing students with a rigorous introduction to both differential and integral calculus. The curriculum emphasizes the concept of limits as a foundation for understanding derivatives, which measure how functions change and enable students to solve real-world problems involving rates of change and optimization. In addition, the course covers integrals, focusing on techniques for calculating areas under curves and solving problems related to accumulation and total quantities. Key components of the course include mastering derivative rules, integration methods, and applying the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to bridge the concepts of differentiation and integration. The AP Calculus AB exam evaluates student's grasp of these concepts through a combination of multiple-choice and free-response questions, and achieving a high score can provide college credit or advanced placement, reflecting a student's preparedness for higher-level mathematics.

Your final score, ranging from 1-5, is a weighted combination of your scores in each exam section.

AP Calculus AB Syllabus

AP Calculus AB Exam Pattern

Section I:

• Part A: Graphing calculator not permitted (33.3% of score)
• Part B: Graphing calculator required for some questions (16.7% of score)
• Questions include algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and general types of functions.
• Questions include analytical, graphical, tabular, and verbal types of representations.

Section II:

• Part A: 2 problems | Graphing calculator required (16.7% of score)
• Part B: 4 problems | Graphing calculator not permitted (33.3% of score)
• Questions include various types of functions and function representations and a roughly equal mix of procedural and conceptual tasks.
• Questions include at least 2 questions that incorporate a real-world context or scenario into the question.

Benefits Of Doing AP Calculus AB

Taking AP Calculus AB offers several benefits:

• College Credit: Scoring well on the AP Calculus AB exam can earn you college credit, potentially saving time and money on your college education. Many colleges and universities accept AP scores for credit or advanced placement in calculus courses.
• Strong Foundation: AP Calculus AB provides a solid foundation in calculus, which is valuable for students pursuing careers in fields such as engineering, physics, computer science, and economics.
• College Preparedness: Mastering calculus in high school can prepare you for the rigor of college-level math courses, making the transition smoother and giving you a head start in your academic journey.
• Improved Problem-Solving Skills: The course emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills, which are applicable in many academic and professional contexts.
• Competitive Edge: Excelling in AP Calculus AB can strengthen your college applications, demonstrating to admissions committees your ability to handle challenging coursework.
• Intellectual Challenge: The course offers a stimulating challenge and can be intellectually rewarding, fostering a deeper appreciation for mathematics and its applications.
• Transferable Skills: Skills developed in AP Calculus AB, such as logical reasoning and quantitative analysis, are valuable in various disciplines and everyday decision-making.
• Opportunities for Advanced Study: If you do well in AP Calculus AB, you might be more prepared to take more advanced math courses, like AP Calculus BC or college-level courses, earlier in your academic career.