AP Calculus AB
Course InformationInstructor: Mrs. Susie Lozick Email: [email protected] Daily Agenda: View Agenda Monthly Schedule: View Schedule Syllabus: View Syllabus Course & Exam Description: View Course & Exam Description Schedule an Appointment: |
Jump to Sections:What is AP Calculus AB? | Course Structure & Topics | Expectations & Workload | Who Should Take AP Calculus AB? | AP Exam & College Credit | How to Prepare for Success | Exam Information | Helpful Links |
Daily Agenda
What is AP Calculus AB?
AP Calculus AB is a college-level mathematics courses aligned with the College Board’s AP Curriculum Framework. It introduces students to differential and integral calculus, emphasizing conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and real-world applications. The course prepares students for both the AP Calculus AB Exam and future college math courses.
Course Structure & Topics
The course is structured around eight key units:
- Limits and Continuity: Understanding the behavior of functions and the foundation of calculus.
- Differentiation: Definition and Fundamental Properties: Introduction to derivatives and their applications.
- Differentiation: Composite, Implicit, and Inverse Functions: Extending differentiation to more complex functions.
- Contextual Applications of Differentiation: Using derivatives in real-world scenarios, such as motion and optimization problems.
- Analytical Applications of Differentiation: Applying derivatives to understand function behavior, including curve sketching and related rates.
- Integration and Accumulation of Change: Introduction to integrals and their relationship to area and accumulation.
- Differential Equations: Understanding and solving basic differential equations.
- Applications of Integration: Using integrals for problems involving volume, accumulation, and rates of change.
Expectations & Workload
- Students should expect to dedicate 1 - 1.5 hours per class period to independent practice and review.
- The course is fast-paced and cumulative, requiring students to quickly grasp new concepts and build upon prior knowledge.
- Graphing calculators (TI-84, TI-Nspire, etc.) will be heavily used throughout the course.
- Assessments include quizzes, unit tests, projects, and a cumulative AP-style final exam.
Who Should Take AP Calculus AB?
This course is ideal for students who:
- Have a strong foundation in Precalculus and Algebra 2.
- Enjoy problem-solving and applying mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios.
- Are prepared to engage in a college-level math course with a rigorous workload.
- Want to earn college credit by taking the AP Calculus AB Exam in May.
AP Exam & College Credit
The AP Calculus AB Exam is optional, but students who take it may earn college credit depending on their score and the policies of their chosen college or university. Financial assistance for the exam may be available for those who qualify.
How to Prepare for Success
To succeed in AP Calculus AB, follow these best practices:
- Stay engaged and participate actively in class discussions.
- Review material regularly to reinforce understanding.
- Seek help early; ask questions, attend office hours, and use available resources.
- Use technology effectively, including graphing calculators and digital tools.
Essential Preparation Resources
- Things to Know for Calculus Key concepts and skills you should know before starting Calculus.
- Summer Review Packet A review of essential Pre-Calculus topics to prepare for AP Calculus AB.
- Summer Review Packet Solutions Solutions to the summer review packet to check your work.
Exam Information
Exam Date & Registration
Monday May 11, 2026 @ 8:00 AM
AP Exam Format
Section I: Multiple Choice
45 Questions | 1 Hour 45 minutes | 50% of Exam Score
- Part A: 30 questions; 60 minutes (calculator not permitted).
- Part B: 15 questions; 45 minutes (graphing calculator required).
- Questions include algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and general types of functions.
- Questions include analytical, graphical, tabular, and verbal types of representations.
Section II: Free Response
6 Questions | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | 50% of Exam Score
- Part A: 2 questions; 30 minutes (graphing calculator required).
- Part B: 4 questions; 60 minutes (calculator not permitted).
- 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.
Helpful Links
- AP Classroom Official College Board resources.
- Desmos Graphing Calculator Free online graphing tool.
- Practice FRQs & Solutions Past AP Free Response Questions.