Skip To Main Content

AP Calculus AB & BC

Course Overview

AP Calculus AB & BC focus on students’ understanding of calculus concepts and provide experience with methods and applications. Each uses the big ideas of calculus (modeling change, approximation and limits, and analysis of functions) to tie topics together throughout the course. Both require students to use definitions and theorems to build arguments and justify conclusions. Concepts, problems, and results are given in multiple representations (graphical, numerical, analytical, and verbal). Regular use of technology reinforces conclusions from written work and facilitates interpretation of results.

Expectations & Support

Prospective calculus students should have a strong foundation in reasoning with algebraic symbols and working with algebraic structures. They should have a firm grasp of analytic geometry, trigonometry, and elementary functions: linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, and piecewise-defined functions. Students should understand the language of functions (domain, range, odd and even, periodic, symmetry, zeros, intercepts, and increasing/decreasing). They should know how sine and cosine are defined from the unit circle and know the values of the trigonometric functions at 0, 6, 4, 3, 2, and their multiples.

Calculus BC students should have additional familiarity with sequences and series, as well as parametric and polar equations.

Support is provided through:

  • Whole group instruction and discussion
  • Collaborative practice
  • Regular sub-topic progress checks

Exams & Assessment

  • Classroom tests, midterm, and final exam aligned with AP topics & format
  • AP Progress Checks aligned to AP Units (Calculus AB: 8, Calculus BC: 10)
  • AP Exam in May

Materials & Resources

  • AP Classroom
  • Textbook
  • Desmos web-based graphing calculator
  • (Optional) Approved Handheld Calculator listed in AP Exams Calculator Policy

Time Commitment

Mathematical thinking is a habit of mind trained and strengthened through daily practice and effort. While time may vary from student to student, a student can expect to spend about 3 hours of work outside of class per week to develop and maintain their mathematical growth.