The Advanced Placement Calculus AB exam is one of the most challenging AP tests that students can take. Students must master a large number of math concepts and then draw from this knowledge to answer multiple-choice questions and free-response problems.
In the case of free-response problems, students must not only find the correct answer, but also use and display the proper processes for arriving at those answers.
Despite its difficulty, the AP Calculus AB exam is a golden opportunity for high school students. Enrolling in the course can prepare you for college-level math classes, as well as demonstrate to prospective universities that you have pursued and succeeded in rigorous course work. Scoring well on the exam can even result in college credit.
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So how do you earn that 3, 4, or 5? Here are several tips that can help you ensure that the score you receive is the best possible reflection of your AP Calculus AB knowledge.
1. Show all of your work: This advice cannot be overemphasized. Show all of your work on free-response questions. Even if your final answer is incorrect, you can earn partial credit for using the appropriate formulas.
This is also true for questions that are relatively simple to solve with a calculator. When you perform an action on your calculator, write it down on the test. Otherwise, you will not receive full credit — even if you arrive at the correct response.
2. Capitalize on the exam’s format: It is important to remember that credit is awarded separately for each portion of a free-response problem. In other words, it is possible to earn full credit on one or more sections without receiving any credit on other portions.
Imagine that you review an item. It is possible for you to solve part C and part D, even though you do not understand parts A and B. Go ahead and solve what you do know.
If it is necessary to use an answer from an earlier portion of the question, simply substitute a reasonable value. The process of finding your answer is again just as important as the answer itself.
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3. Maximize your time: As with most AP tests, time is of the essence on the AP Calculus AB exam. Whenever possible, maximize your testing time so that you will have more opportunities to display your content knowledge.
One simple way to do so is to avoid erasing any of your work on the free-response questions. If you would like to change your answer or the steps you used, cross out your work instead. Graders are instructed not to assess or factor in any information that is crossed out on the test, and it is much quicker to draw a line through an answer than it is to erase it.
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You should also know when it is best to use your calculator. It is typically most useful for graphing functions, computing numerical derivatives and definite integrals and solving equations.
Finally, on the multiple-choice section, do not be afraid to answer whichever questions you find easiest first. The worst-case scenario is to leave a simple question unanswered because a more difficult one occupied too much of your time.
These tips are meant to maximize your performance on the AP Calculus AB exam, provided you have already properly prepared for the test. As with all exams, the most important thing you can do is to study in advance. Once you have done so, these strategies can help you perform to the best of your ability and earn the highest score possible.
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Perform to Your Potential With These AP Calculus Exam Tips originally appeared on usnews.com
