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What to expect on AP Calc BC exam in terms of format?

Hi, I'm currently taking AP Calc BC and I know there's a multiple-choice portion and a free-response portion on the exam, but could anyone here clarify the types of questions or how many questions to expect in each section? I want to get an idea of what I should focus on when studying.

2 years ago

The AP Calculus BC exam consists of two main sections: multiple-choice and free-response. Each section has a specific format and types of questions you can expect. Here's a breakdown of what you'll encounter on the exam:

Section 1: Multiple-Choice

- 45 questions in total, split into two parts:

- Part A: 30 questions without a calculator (60 minutes)

- Part B: 15 questions with a calculator (45 minutes)

Section 2: Free-Response

- 6 questions in total, split into two parts:

- Part A: 2 questions with a calculator (30 minutes)

- Part B: 4 questions without a calculator (60 minutes)

Now let's talk about content. Typically, the questions on the AP Calculus BC exam will cover various topics, including limits, derivatives, integrals, series, and polynomial approximations. Here is a rough guideline of how the content is distributed:

- Limits: 10-12%

- Derivatives: 17-22%

- Integrals: 17-22%

- Series: 17-22%

- Polynomial Approximations: 8-12%

- Additional Topics in BC (such as parametric, polar, and vector functions): 17-22%

When you're preparing for the exam, try to do a sufficient number of practice problems on each of these topics. One excellent resource to help with your preparation is the College Board's website, which provides sample problems, past exams, scoring guidelines, and annual exam descriptions for AP Calculus BC.

Finally, remember that time management is crucial on this exam. Ensure you have enough practice in completing multiple-choice questions quickly and accurately. Moreover, for free-response questions, focus on understanding the concepts and working through problems methodically. Be sure to show all your work in a clear and organized manner, as partial credit is available for accurate steps, even if your final answer is incorrect.

Good luck with your AP Calculus BC exam prep!

2 years ago

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