Calculus AB

AP Calculus AB

AP Calculus AB offers a unique opportunity to explore mathematics on a deeper, more meaningful level—both in abstract theory and real-world applications. To make the most of this experience, it’s important that you come to class in August ready to engage with the material from day one. Part of the needs of AP Calculus AB are not only to know certain algebra and trigonometry topics, but be able to fairly quickly have them at your fingertips. The thread of calculus can easily be lost if you are struggling with the necessary background mathematics. I ask that you review the following topics from your high school math career.

Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with the AP Calculus course Syllabus. We will hit the ground running in August, so please make sure you are ready.

If you have any questions, please email me at ydababneh@acsamman.edu.jo.

Required Materials

You must have a graphing calculator for this course. I recommend the TI-84 Plus (CE) as it is what I have the most experience using, but you may use any AP-approved calculator. You should have your calculator the first day of school, and bring it with you for all classes.

You would need your laptop fully charged for all classes.

Mandatory Summer Work

The following topics from your previous math courses are fundamental to succeed in calculus. Given the nature of the course it is expectated that all students demonstrate proficiency in the following during the first week assessment in August which will serve as a pretest for the course.

Algebra Skills

Factoring: Quadratics, sum/difference of cubes, and factoring by grouping
Simplifying expressions: Rational, radical, polynomial, and complex fractions
Solving equations: Polynomial (quadratic, cubic, etc.), Rational equations (identifying restrictions), Radical equations (including those requiring squaring both sides), Exponential equations (with like and unlike bases), Logarithmic equations (applying properties of logs), and Trigonometric equations (within specific intervals, especially in radians)

Function Understanding

Domain and range (especially for root, rational, and log functions), Identifying intercepts: x- and y-intercepts, Intervals of increase/decrease, End behavior of functions, Even/odd and symmetry, Inverses of functions (algebraic and graphical), and Composition of functions

Graphing & Interpretation

Sketching graphs of: Linear, Quadratic, polynomial (up to quartic polynomials), rational, exponential, logarithmic, and Trigonometric (with phase shift and amiplitude), radical functions.
Identifying key features on a graph: Maxima, minima (local and global) , inflection points, Intervals of concavity, increase and decrease, Asymptotes, Discontinuities, and holes,
Trigonometry Essentials: Unit circle values (special angles in radians), Converting between degrees and radians, Solving trigonometric equations in radians (exact values and general solutions)

Limits and Notation readiness:

Evaluating limits: From graphs (left- and right-hand limits), Algebraically (direct substitution, factoring, rationalization), Identifying when limits do not exist, Basic one-sided limits and infinite limits, Understanding limit notation and reading mathematical statements fluently
Using interval notation for: Domain and range, Increasing/decreasing intervals, Solutions to inequalities, Writing function behavior and piecewise functions properly, and writing end behaviour.

Showing all algebraic steps clearly and logically

About Your Teacher

My name is Yazan Dababneh. I am an educator with over 15 years of experience in national and international contexts. I have two bachelor degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Philosophy, and a Masters in International Education. I have taught in Jordan, Italy and Argentina. I am married and I have two kids at ACS.

Besides my love for Education, I love languages of which I speak 4 modern languages, I enjoy growing plants hydroponically and have a few experimental research work in the field. I love cooking.

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