What types of calculus questions show up on the AP Calculus AB and BC tests? In this article we’ll discuss the AP question format and see a few examples of actual test questions.
Be prepared for the types of AP calculus questions you will encounter on the test.
What is the Format of the Test?
Both the Calculus AB and Calculus BC exams have the same basic format.
There are two main section, multiple choice (MC) and free response (FR).
Within each section there is a part that requires a calculator and a part in which calculators are not permitted.
| Section / Part | Type of questions | Number of questions | Time Limit | Calculator permitted? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IA | Multiple Choice | 30 | 60 minutes | No |
| IB | Multiple Choice | 15 | 45 minutes | Yes |
| IIA | Free Response | 2 | 30 minutes | Yes |
| IIB | Free Response | 4 | 60 minutes | No |
Example: Multiple Choice
A typical MC question states a problem and shows four answer choices below it. Here’s an example.
If f(x) is the function given by f(x) = e3x + 1, at what value of x is the slope of the tangent line to f(x) equal to 2?
(A) -0.135
(B) 0.231
(C) -0.366
(D) 0.693
Choose. But choose wisely!
Your calculus knowledge tells you that the derivative measures the slope of a curve. So just find the derivative of f, set it equal to the give slope 2, and solve for x.
Example: Free Response
The FR questions are more substantial. For one thing, each FR question has three to five parts. You may skip parts if you have to, however the later parts often depend on the results from previous parts, so tread carefully!
Here’s an example.
Oil is draining at the rate of 12π ft3/sec from the vertex at the bottom of a conical tank. The diameter of the tank at its base is 36 ft and its height is 48 ft.
(a) Find an expression for the volume of water (in ft3) in the tank in terms of its radius at the surface of the oil.
(b) At what rate (in ft/sec) is the radius of the oil in the tank decreasing when the radius is 8 feet?
(c) How fast (in ft/sec) is the height of the oil in the tank dropping at the instant that the radius is 8 feet?
Get your pencil and paper ready.
Keep in mind, you must show your work to receive credit for the FR questions.
Where Can I Find Out More?
For more information about the multiple choice questions, check out: AP Calculus: Tips to Answering Multiple Choice Questions
For more tips on Free Response section, check out the following helpful resource. Understanding AP Calculus Free Response Questions
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