AP Calculus AB and BC

Prerequisites for either calculus course:

Students are to have full credit for Algebra I, geometry, Algebra II, and pre-calculus.

Which course is appropriate, AP CalculusAB or AP CalculusBC?

In general, it is preferred students take preAP-math classes before taking CalcAB. However, it is not required. Students who do not take preAP-math classes can do well in CalcAB because of the slower pace of introducing new lessons and the constant review of prior knowledge studied in the earlier math classes. The amount of time needed to study and practice will be more demanding for students who are not accustomed to preAP and AP level of rigor.

All students willing to try calculus are encouraged to take CalcAB. The way the class is structured is good exposure to training students to understand what is meant by “college-ready”.

In general, students are encouraged to take CalcAB before they take CalcBC. The reason for that has to do with a couple of issues. One, the vast amount of material in CalcBC can be overwhelming when seen at the fast pace needed in order to cover all the lessons prior to the AP examination in May. Two, calculus has a lot of algebra and trigonometric expectations of which students have been known to struggle with when not given any review lessons. CalcBC has so much material, there is not enough time to adequately review the expected prior knowledge. Where for CalcAB there is less material to work on, thus there is time to adequately review all expected prior knowledge.

In general, it is strongly discouraged for a student who does not take preAP-math classes to skip CalcAB and go directly into CalcBC.

The difference between the two courses, AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC:

A glaring difference between the courses is the amount of material studied during the school year. CalcAB is about six chapters in the book. CalcBC is about twelve chapters in the book.

CalcAB topics include limits, derivatives, integrals, and applications such as related rates, optimization, motion (physics), area, and volume of 3-dimensionals shapes made by rotating about an axis of rotation, plus cross-sectional volumes. Equations are Cartesian (xy), and include explicit form, implicit form and trigonometric. CalcAB is the equivalent of a typical first semester calculus course at the college level. In high school CalcAB we spend a year studying what colleges typically spend only one semester studying.

CalcBC topics include all of the CalcAB topics, and in addition include topics applying calculus methods to polar and parametric equations, advanced integral techniques, sequence and series, vector mathematics, and advanced topics involving 3-dimensional shapes made by rotating about an axis of rotation, plus cross-section volumes. CalcBC is the equivalent of typical first and second semesters of college level calculus. In high school CalcBC we spend a year studying what colleges typically spend two semesters studying; pretty much at the same pace as colleges.

Which career fields typically require calculus in college?

Studying calculus is often a requirement for Bachelor of Science degrees. Such careers/fields are (but not limited to): Business, advanced accounting, computer programming, all engineering fields, physics, chemistry, bio-tech fields, mathematics, biology research, chemistry research, etc.

Have questions? Contact Ms. Goodman in D229.