5 Steps to a 5 AP Calculus AB & BC, 2012-2013 Edition (2011)

PREFACE

Congratulations! You are an AP Calculus student. Not too shabby! As you know, AP Calculus is one of the most challenging subjects in high school. You are studying mathematical ideas that helped change the world. Not that long ago, calculus was taught at the graduate level. Today, smart young people like yourself study calculus in high school. Most colleges will give you credit if you score a 3 or more on the AP Calculus Exam.

So how do you do well on the AP Calculus Exams? How do you get a 5? Well, you’ve already taken the first step. You’re reading this book. The next thing you need to do is to make sure that you understand the materials and do the practice problems. In recent years, the AP Calculus exams have gone through many changes. For example, today the questions no longer stress long and tedious algebraic manipulations. Instead, you are expected to be able to solve a broad range of problems including problems presented to you in the form of a graph, a chart, or a word problem. For many of the questions, you are also expected to use your calculator to find the solutions.

After having taught AP Calculus for many years and having spoken to students and other calculus teachers, we understand some of the difficulties that students might encounter with the AP Calculus exams. For example, some students have complained about not being able to visualize what the question was asking and other students said that even when the solution was given, they could not follow the steps. Under these circumstances, who wouldn’t be frustrated? In this book, we have addressed these issues. Whenever possible, problems are accompanied by diagrams and solutions are presented in a step-by-step manner. The graphing calculator is used extensively whenever it is permitted. The book also begins with a chapter on limits and continuity. These topics are normally taught in a pre-calculus course. If you’re familiar with these concepts, you might skip this chapter and begin with Chapter 6.

So how do you get a 5 on the AP Calculus Exams?

Step 1: Set up your study program by selecting one of the three study plans in Chapter 2 of this book.

Step 2: Determine your test readiness by taking the Diagnostic Exam in Chapter 3.

Step 3: Develop strategies for success by learning the test taking techniques offered in Chapter 4.

Step 4: Review the knowledge you need to score high by studying the subject materials in Chapter 5 through Chapter 14.

Step 5: Build your test-taking confidence by taking the Practice Exams provided in this book.

As an old martial artist once said, “First you must understand. Then you must practice.” Have fun and good luck!