Introduction

Welcome to the Achievable AP Calculus AB course!

The AP Calculus AB exam, administered by the College Board, is an advanced placement test that allows high school students to earn college credit and/or placement in advanced college math courses, depending on their performance and their college’s policies.

This course is designed to equip you with an understanding of differential and integral calculus. You’ll explore limits, derivatives, integrals, and applications of each. Our lessons and practice materials will guide you step-by-step so you can confidently approach the topics and question types you’ll encounter on the exam.

Eligibility

The AP Calculus AB Exam is typically taken by high school students in grades 11 or 12, although it is open to any student who meets their school’s prerequisites for the course.

A solid foundation in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and precalculus is strongly recommended.

Exam format

The AP Calculus AB Exam is administered once per year in May and is available through high schools that offer the AP program. The exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes and consists of two sections, each with two parts:

Section I: Multiple Choice

45 questions | 1 hour 45 minutes | 50% of exam score

• Part A (no calculator): 30 questions; 60 minutes
• Part B (calculator permitted): 15 questions; 45 minutes

Section II: Free Response

6 questions | 1 hour 30 minutes | 50% of exam score

• Part A (calculator permitted): 2 questions; 30 minutes
• Part B (no calculator): 4 questions; 60 minutes

The AP Calculus exam is a hybrid digital exam - students complete multiple choice questions and view free response questions in the College Board’s Bluebook. Free-response answers are handwritten in paper exam booklets and then turned in for scoring.

On the 1-5 scale, a 3 is typically considered passing, but colleges often award credit for a score of 4 or 5.

Content outline

The AP Calculus AB curriculum is structured around 8 major units, each with designated weightings for the multiple-choice section:

Together, these units encompass the full scope of AP Calculus AB. The heaviest emphasis is placed on Unit 6, the core of integral calculus.

Tips for success

To succeed in AP Calculus AB:

• Start early: Build a consistent study habit, reviewing one unit at a time.
• Focus on understanding, not just memorization: Visualize limits, derivatives, and integrals through graphs and applications.
• Take notes: Writing can often cement memory better than simply reading through the material.
• Recognize keywords: The AP exam often gives clear signals about which concepts to use. If you learn to spot certain key words and phrases, the exam becomes much more straightforward because they guide you toward the right approach.
• Practice often: Use past FRQs and released questions to simulate real test scenarios.
• Know your calculator: Be efficient when using it, and remember it’s only allowed in specific sections.

Check in regularly with the study guide, complete assigned reviews, and return to challenging topics until they become strengths.

Final thoughts

This course was crafted to mirror the 8-unit structure of the AP Calculus AB curriculum. At the end of the textbook, you’ll find additional information about scoring, registering for the exam, and testing accommodations.

With consistent effort, the tools provided here will help you build both the skills and confidence needed to succeed. Welcome again to the Achievable AP Calculus AB Course - we’re glad you’re here, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish.