About the AP Calculus AB Course
AP Calculus AB is roughly equivalent to a first semester college calculus course devoted to topics in differential and
integral calculus.The AP course covers topics in these areas, including concepts and skills of limits, derivatives, definite integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.The course teaches students to approach calculus concepts and problems when they are represented graphically,
numerically, analytically, and verbally, and to make connections amongst these representations.
Students learn how to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions. The use of a graphing calculator in AP, Calculus AB is considered an integral part of the course.
integral calculus.The AP course covers topics in these areas, including concepts and skills of limits, derivatives, definite integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.The course teaches students to approach calculus concepts and problems when they are represented graphically,
numerically, analytically, and verbally, and to make connections amongst these representations.
Students learn how to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions. The use of a graphing calculator in AP, Calculus AB is considered an integral part of the course.
Before studying calculus, all students should complete four years of secondary mathematics designed for college-bound students: courses in which they study algebra, geometry,
trigonometry, analytic geometry, and elementary functions. PrerequisitesHow AP exams are ScoredBefore studying calculus, all students should complete four years of secondary mathematics designed for college-bound students: courses in which they study algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and elementary functions.
AP Exam Readers are thoroughly trained, and their work is monitored throughout the Reading for fairness and consistency. In each subject, a highly respected college faculty member fills the role of Chief Reader, who, with the help of AP Readers in leadership positions, maintains the accuracy of the scoring standards.
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Scores on the free-response questions are weighted and combined with the results of the computer-scored multiple-choice questions, and this raw score is converted into a composite AP score of 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1. In general, an AP Exam score of 5 is equivalent to the average score among college students earning grades of A in the college course. Similarly, AP Exam scores of 4 are equivalent to college grades of A−, B+, and B. AP Exam scores of 3 are equivalent to college grades of B−, C+, and C.
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The extensive work done by college faculty and AP teachers in the development of the course and the exam and throughout the scoring process ensures that AP Exam scores accurately represent students’ achievement in the equivalent college course. While colleges and universities are responsible for setting their own credit and placement policies, AP scores signify how qualified students are to receive college credit or placement.
Using and interpreting AP Scores |
Visit apcentral.collegeboard.org
for more information about the AP Program. |