Free Response Tips

Here are some testing tips for AP Calculus AB free response questions:

1. Read the question carefully: The AP Calculus AB exam includes free response questions that are often worded in a complex way. Take the time to read the question carefully and make sure you understand what is being asked.

2. Show your work: It's important to show your work on the AP Calculus AB free response questions, even if you don't get the right answer. The exam graders give partial credit for work shown, so make sure you clearly write out your thought process and calculations.

3. Label your answers: Make sure you label your answers clearly, so the exam graders can easily find them. Use the same variable names and notation that is used in the question to avoid confusion.

4. Manage your time: The AP Calculus AB exam is timed, so it's important to manage your time effectively. You'll have a specific amount of time for each free response question, so make sure you allocate your time wisely.

5. Check your work: After you've completed a free response question, take the time to check your work and make sure you've answered all parts of the question. Look for any careless mistakes or errors in your calculations.

6. Practice with previous exams: The best way to prepare for the AP Calculus AB exam free response questions is to practice with previous exams. This will give you a sense of the types of questions you can expect and help you develop strategies for answering them.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success on the AP Calculus AB exam free response questions. Remember to stay focused and confident, and use your knowledge and problem-solving skills to tackle each question.

FRQs are asked as multi-part questions that test several areas of calculus knowledge and understanding. Take your time!

Once the calculus and the algebra are done, numerical answers need not be simplified to earn credit. Simplifying may take you extra time and you may make an error when you do so. Don't simplify unless you have to.

ALWAYS refer to a function or graph by its proper name; f(x), g'(x), the graph of f'(x), etc. Avoid pronouns. 

The calculator-active FRQs may or may not require use of a calculator. Understand how to use your graphing calculator before stepping foot into the exam room. In addition, you may continue to work on the calculator-active questions after the calculator-active time has passed, you just cannot use your calculator anymore.

FRQs frequently ask you to justify your conclusions. When justifying conclusions it is not necessary to state any specific theorem or property when using one, but you must verify that the hypotheses of any such theorem or property have been satisfied before claiming that the conclusion follows. Naming the theorem or property without doing so will not be sufficient.

DO NOT put boxes or circles around your answers. If you do so, the reader scoring your response may only consider what is in the box or circle and none of your other work. That WILL cost you points.

The mathematical setup to a solution is often worth as many or more points than the numerical solution itself. In fact, the total points you can earn on a given FRQ without showing the setup is often capped and surprisingly low compared to the value of the entire part of the FRQ. Show your work.