• AP Precalculus

    AP Exam Information

    AP Precalculus Syllabus

    AP Precalculus prepares students for other college-level mathematics and science courses. Through regular practice, students build deep mastery of modeling and functions, and they examine scenarios through multiple representations. The course framework delineates content and skills common to college precalculus courses that are foundational for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health science, social science, and data science. (from College Board)

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    AP Precalculus Resources:

    Calculators

    All students will need a calculator for daily use in AP Calculus.  While there will be times, and specific problems, that students will not be able to use their calculator, those expectations will be clearly communicated when the time comes.  I recommend the following calculator: Graphing Calculator TI-84 Plus CE (this calculator is also recommended for AP Calculus and AP Statistics)

    Textbook

    Precalculus (Wiley)  The textbook for AP Precalculus is available both in print and online, accessible through Google Classroom. 

    Classroom Resources

    Students' most valuable resources will often come in the form of notes and practice given in class.  Students should keep these resources organized in chronological order as they will serve as a valuable study tool for assessments and exams.

    AP Classroom

    AP Classroom is a valuable tool full of resources for students.  We will use AP Classroom at various times throughout the year as part of our classroom activities and practice.  I want students to fully understand the power of the resources within AP Classroom: there are videos by AP Precalculus teachers for every topic we will cover throughout the year.  Students always have access to these resources, even if I have not assigned them.  These videos are great tools for review prior to assessments, semester exams and the AP Exam, and great for additional "instruction" when a student has been absent or needs a reminder outside of the school day.  These videos are structured to include both instruction and worked out examples.

    This year we will cover the following units, addressing the content of AP Precalculus and the AP Exam: 

    • Unit 1: Polynomial and Rational Functions
      • 1A: Exploring Rates of Change
      • 1B: Polynomial and Rational Functions
      • 1C: Constructing Functions
    • Unit 2: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
      • 2A: Exponential Functions
      • 2B: Logarithmic Functions
    • Unit 3: Trigonometric and Polar Functions
      • 3A: Exploring Sine and Cosine Functions
      • 3B: Working with Trig Functions
      • 3C: Polar Functions
    • Unit 4: Functions Involving Parameters, Vectors, and Matrices

     

    AP Precalculus Exam (from College Boards Course and Exam Description)

    The AP Precalculus Exam assesses student understanding of the mathematical practices and learning objectives outlined in the course framework inclusive of Units 1, 2, and 3. The exam is 3 hours long and includes 40 multiple-choice questions and 4 six-point free-response questions, each weighted equally and scored on an analytic scale.

    Format of Assessment

    Section I: Multiple-Choice, 40 Questions, 120 Minutes, 62.5% of Exam Score

    • Part A: 28 Questions, 80 Minutes; Graphing Calculator Not Permitted; 43.75% of Exam Score
    • Part B: 12 Questions, 40 Minutes; Graphing Calculator Required; 18.75 % of Exam Score

    Section II: Free-Response, 4 Questions, 60 Minutes, 37.5% of Exam Score

    • Part A: 2 Questions, 30 Minutes, Graphing Calculator Required, 18.75% of Exam Score
    • Part B: 2 Questions, 30 Minutes, Graphing Calculator Not Permitted, 18.75% of Exam Score