AP Calculus AB

Subject Area
Credits 1
Prerequisites

B+ or higher in PreCalculus or B or higher in PreCalculus Honors and department recommendation.

Prerequisite Courses
Home Learning
Heavy
Course Description

AP Calculus AB is an introductory college-level calculus course. Students develop an understanding of the mathematics of change through their study of limits, derivatives, and integrals. Students approach applications and real-world problems involving differentiation and integration numerically, graphically, analytically, and verbally.

Learning Outcomes

AB Calculus will enable the student to:

  • Work with functions represented in a variety of ways: graphical, numerical, analytical and verbal.
  • Understand the meaning of the derivative in terms of a rate of change and use it to solve a variety of problems.
  • Understand the meaning of the definite integral as a limit of Riemann sum and as a net accumulation and use it to solve a variety of problems.
  • Understand the relationship between the derivative and the definite integral.
  • Communicate mathematics both orally and in written form.
  • Model a written description of a physical situation with a function, differential equation or an integral.
  • Use technology to solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and verify conclusions.
  • Appreciate calculus as a coherent body of knowledge and as a human accomplishment.
Assessment

A variety of assessment techniques is used in AP Calculus AB, including investigations, assignments, presentations of problem solutions (both written and oral), as well as more traditional tests and quizzes. An end-of-year project follows the AP exam in May.

Grades
11,
12
Grading Scheme
Standards-based Course