AP Calculus AB #

2024–2025

Course Description #

Explore the concepts, methods, and applications of differential and integral calculus. You’ll work to understand the theoretical basis and solve problems by applying your knowledge and skills. You’ll learn how to determine expressions and values using mathematical procedures and rules; connect representations; justify reasoning and solutions; and use correct notation, language, and mathematical conventions to communicate results or solutions.

AP Exam #

The AP exam takes place on Monday, May 12 at 8 a.m. The exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long and includes 45 multiple-choice questions and 6 free-response questions. A calculator is not permitted on 30 of the multiple-choice questions and 4 of the free-response questions. You can find more details on the AP Calculus AB exam page.

Units of Study #

1 Limits and Continuity

Explore how limits allow solving problems involving change and to better understand mathematical reasoning about functions.

2 Differentiation: Definition and Fundamental Properties

Apply limits to define the derivative, become skillful at determining derivatives, and continue to develop mathematical reasoning skills.

3 Differentiation: Composite, Implicit, and Inverse Functions:

Master using the chain rule, develop new differentiation techniques, and be introduced to higher-order derivatives.

4 Contextual Applications of Differentiation

Apply derivatives to set up and solve real-world problems involving instantaneous rates of change and use mathematical reasoning to determine limits of certain indeterminate forms.

5 Analytical Applications of Differentiation

Explore relationships among the graphs of a function and its derivatives, and learn to apply calculus to solve optimization problems.

6 Integration and Accumulation of Change

Apply limits to define definite integrals and how the Fundamental Theorem connects integration and differentiation. Apply properties of integrals and practice useful integration techniques.

7 Differential Equations

Solve certain differential equations and apply that knowledge to further understand exponential growth and decay.

8 Applications of Integration

Make mathematical connections that will allow solving a wide range of problems involving net change over an interval of time and to find areas of regions or volumes of solids defined using functions.

Grading #

• The official gradebook will exist on Canvas, with Genesis only having the overall grade.
• Grading is point-based, though assignments are worth roughly 10%, quizzes 40%, and tests 50% of your marking period grade.
• Quizzes will happen after every two or three sections, with major tests once a marking period.
• Late work will receive only partial credit.

Text and Resources #

We will use the book Calculus for AP (2nd ed.) as reference and for homework assignments, though I recommend Khan Academy as a first stop for any extra practice. They have both an AP Calculus AB course and a Get ready for AP Calculus course. I suggest reviewing the latter prior to any new chapter.

And here are the related College Board resources.

• College Board’s Course and Exam Description
• Additional exam information

Calculators #

You are allowed a calculator on the AP exam, so you we provide one during class and for the exam. We use TI-84 Plus calculators, and an emulator of the same is on your Chromebooks. Purchasing your own is not a bad idea if you have the means, but not required in any way shape or form. I still have a TI-89 from my freshman year of college over 20 years ago, so it’s worth considering if you anticipate using it after this course.

If you intend to purchase a calculator and take the AP exam, see this list of acceptable calculators from College Board. You want calculators with an asterisk after their name.