Sample Questions Ap Calculus Ab and BC Exams PDF

SAMPLE QUESTIONS
AP Calculus AB and
®
AP Calculus BC Exam
®
Originally published in the Fall 2014

AP® Calculus AB and AP® Calculus
BC Curriculum Framework
Sample Questions AP Calculus AB/BC Exam
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Contents
iii Introduction
AP Calculus AB Questions
1 Multiple Choice: Section I, Part A
11 Multiple Choice: Section I, Part B
18 Free Response: Section II, Part A
20 Free Response: Section II, Part B
22 Answers and Rubrics (AB)
AP Calculus BC Questions
25 Multiple Choice: Section I, Part A
31 Multiple Choice: Section I, Part B
33 Free Response: Section II, Part A
35 Free Response: Section II, Part B
38 Answers and Rubrics (BC)
Introduction
These sample exam questions were originally included in the AP Calculus
AB and AP Calculus BC Curriculum Framework, published in fall 2014. The AP
Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC Course and Exam Description, which is out
now, includes that curriculum framework, along with a new, unique set of
exam questions. Because we want teachers to have access to all available
questions that support the new exam, we are making those from the fall
2014 curriculum framework available in this supplementary document.
The sample exam questions illustrate the relationship between the
curriculum framework and the redesigned AP Calculus AB Exam and
AP Calculus BC Exam, and they serve as examples of the types of questions
that appear on the exam.
Each question is accompanied by a table containing the main learning objective(s),
essential knowledge statement(s), and Mathematical Practices for AP Calculus that
the question addresses. For multiple-choice questions, an answer key is provided.
In addition, each free-response question is accompanied by an explanation of how
the relevant Mathematical Practices for AP Calculus can be applied in answering
the question. The information accompanying each question is intended to aid in
identifying the focus of the question, with the underlying assumption that learning
objectives, essential knowledge statements, and MPACs other than those listed
may also partially apply. Note that in the cases where multiple learning objectives,
essential knowledge statements, or MPACs are provided for a multiple-choice
question, the primary one is listed first.
Return to
© 2016 The College Board Table of Contents iii
AP Calculus AB Sample Exam Questions
Multiple Choice: Section I, Part A

A calculator may not be used on questions on this part of the exam.
1. is
(A)
(B)
(C) 1
(D) nonexistent
Mathematical Practices
Learning Objectives Essential Knowledge for AP Calculus
LO 1.1C: Determine limits of EK 1.1C3: Limits of the indeterminate forms MPAC 1: Reasoning with
functions. definitions and theorems
and may be evaluated using L’Hospital’s Rule.
MPAC 3: Implementing
LO 2.1C: Calculate derivatives. EK 2.1C2: Specific rules can be used to calculate algebraic/computational
derivatives for classes of functions, including processes
polynomial, rational, power, exponential,
logarithmic, trigonometric, and inverse
trigonometric.
Return to
© 2016 The College Board Table of Contents 1
2. is
(A) 1
(B) 3
(C) 9
(D) nonexistent
LO 1.1C: Determine limits of EK 1.1C2: The limit of a function may be found MPAC 3: Implementing
functions. by using algebraic manipulation, alternate forms algebraic/computational
of trigonometric functions, or the squeeze processes
theorem.
MPAC 2: Connecting
concepts
LO 1.1A(b): Interpret limits EK 1.1A2: The concept of a limit can be extended
expressed symbolically. to include one-sided limits, limits at infinity, and
infinite limits.
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3. The graph of the piecewise-defined function f is shown in the figure above. The graph has a
vertical tangent line at and horizontal tangent lines at and What are all
values of x, at which f is continuous but not differentiable?
(A)
(B) and
(C) and
(D) and
LO 2.2B: Recognize the EK 2.2B1: A continuous function may fail to MPAC 4: Connecting
connection between be differentiable at a point in its domain. multiple representations
differentiability and continuity.
MPAC 2: Connecting
concepts
LO 1.2A: Analyze functions EK 1.2A3: Types of discontinuities include
for intervals of continuity removable discontinuities, jump discontinuities,
or points of discontinuity. and discontinuities due to vertical asymptotes.
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4. An ice sculpture in the form of a sphere melts in such a way that it maintains its spherical
shape. The volume of the sphere is decreasing at a constant rate of cubic meters per hour. At
what rate, in square meters per hour, is the surface area of the sphere decreasing at the moment
when the radius is 5 meters? (Note: For a sphere of radius r, the surface area is and the
volume is )
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
LO 2.3C: Solve problems EK 2.3C2: The derivative can be used to solve MPAC 2: Connecting
involving related rates, related rates problems, that is, finding a rate at concepts
optimization, rectilinear motion, which one quantity is changing by relating it to
(BC) and planar motion. other quantities whose rates of change are
algebraic/computational
known.
processes
LO 2.1C: Calculate derivatives. EK 2.1C5: The chain rule is the basis for implicit
differentiation.
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5. Shown above is a slope field for which of the following differential equations?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Learning Objective Essential Knowledge for AP Calculus
LO 2.3F: Estimate solutions EK 2.3F1: Slope fields provide visual clues to the MPAC 4: Connecting
to differential equations. behavior of solutions to first order differential multiple representations
equations.
MPAC 2: Connecting
concepts
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6. Let f be the piecewise-linear function defined above. Which of the following statements are
true?
I.
II.
III.
(A) None
(B) II only
(C) I and II only
(D) I, II, and III
LO 2.1A: Identify the derivative EK 2.1A2: The instantaneous rate of change of a MPAC 2: Connecting
of a function as the limit of a function at a point can be expressed by concepts
difference quotient.
MPAC 5: Building
notational fluency
or
provided that the limit exists. These are common

forms of the definition of the derivative and are
denoted
LO 1.1A(b): Interpret limits EK 1.1A2: The concept of a limit can be extended

expressed symbolically. to include one-sided limits, limits at infinity, and
infinite limits.
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7. If for then
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
LO 3.3A: Analyze functions EK 3.3A2: If f is a continuous function on the MPAC 1: Reasoning with
defined by an integral. interval then where x definitions and theorems
is between a and b. MPAC 3: Implementing

LO 2.1C: Calculate derivatives. EK 2.1C4: The chain rule provides a way to processes
differentiate composite functions.
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8. Which of the following limits is equal to
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
LO 3.2A(a): Interpret the EK 3.2A3: The information in a definite integral MPAC 1: Reasoning with
definite integral as the can be translated into the limit of a related definitions and theorems
limit of a Riemann sum. Riemann sum, and the limit of a Riemann
MPAC 5: Building
sum can be written as a definite integral.
notational fluency
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9. The function f is continuous for The graph of f shown above consists of five line
segments. What is the average value of f on the interval
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
LO 3.4B: Apply definite EK 3.4B1: The average value of a function f over MPAC 1: Reasoning with
integrals to problems involving definitions and theorems
an interval is
the average value of a function.
MPAC 4: Connecting
multiple representations
LO 3.2C: Calculate a definite EK 3.2C1: In some cases, a definite integral can
integral using areas and be evaluated by using geometry and the
properties of definite integrals. connection between the definite integral and area.
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10. Let be a solution to the differential equation where k is a constant. Values
of f for selected values of t are given in the table above. Which of the following is an expression
for
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
LO 3.5B: Interpret, create and EK 3.5B1: The model for exponential growth MPAC 3: Implementing
solve differential equations and decay that arises from the statement “The algebraic/computational
from problems in context. rate of change of a quantity is proportional processes
to the size of the quantity” is MPAC 4: Connecting

Return to
Multiple Choice: Section I, Part B

A graphing calculator is required for some questions on this part of the exam.
11. The graph of the derivative of the function f, is shown above. Which of the following could
be the graph of f ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
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LO 2.2A: Use derivatives to EK 2.2A3: Key features of the graphs of and MPAC 4: Connecting
analyze properties of are related to one another. multiple representations
a function.
MPAC 2: Connecting
concepts
LO 2.2B: Recognize the EK 2.2B2: If a function is differentiable at a
connection between point, then it is continuous at that point.
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12. The derivative of a function f is given by for On what

intervals is f decreasing?
(A) and
(B) and
(C) and
(D) and
LO 2.2A: Use derivatives EK 2.2A1: First and second derivatives of a MPAC 4: Connecting
to analyze properties of function can provide information about the multiple representations
a function. function and its graph including intervals of
MPAC 2: Connecting
increase or decrease, local (relative) and global
concepts
(absolute) extrema, intervals of upward or
downward concavity, and points of inflection.
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13. The temperature of a room, in degrees Fahrenheit, is modeled by , a differentiable function

of the number of minutes after the thermostat is adjusted. Of the following, which is the best
interpretation of
(A) The temperature of the room is 2 degrees Fahrenheit, 5 minutes after the thermostat is
adjusted.
(B) The temperature of the room increases by 2 degrees Fahrenheit during the first 5 minutes
after the thermostat is adjusted.
(C) The temperature of the room is increasing at a constant rate of degree Fahrenheit per
minute.
(D) The temperature of the room is increasing at a rate of 2 degrees Fahrenheit per minute,
5 minutes after the thermostat is adjusted.
LO 2.3A: Interpret the EK 2.3A1: The unit for is the unit for f MPAC 2: Connecting
meaning of a derivative divided by the unit for x. concepts
within a problem.
MPAC 5: Building
notational fluency
LO 2.3D: Solve problems EK 2.3D1: The derivative can be used to express
involving rates of change information about rates of change in
in applied contexts. applied contexts.
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14. A function f is continuous on the closed interval with and Which

of the following additional conditions guarantees that there is a number c in the open interval
such that
(A) No additional conditions are necessary.
(B) f has a relative extremum on the open interval
(C) f is differentiable on the open interval
(D) exists.
LO 2.4A: Apply the Mean EK 2.4A1: If a function f is continuous over MPAC 1: Reasoning with
Value Theorem to describe the interval and differentiable over definitions and theorems
the behavior of a function the interval the Mean Value Theorem
MPAC 5: Building
over an interval. guarantees a point within that open interval
notational fluency
where the instantaneous rate of change equals
the average rate of change over the interval.
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15. A rain barrel collects water off the roof of a house during three hours of heavy rainfall. The
height of the water in the barrel increases at the rate of feet per hour, where t is
the time in hours since the rain began. At time hour, the height of the water is foot.
What is the height of the water in the barrel at time hours?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
LO 3.4E: Use the definite EK 3.4E1: The definite integral can be used MPAC 2: Connecting
integral to solve problems to express information about accumulation concepts
in various contexts. and net change in many applied contexts.
LO 3.3B(b): Evaluate EK 3.3B2: If is continuous on the
processes
definite integrals. interval and is an antiderivative
of , then
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16. A race car is traveling on a straight track at a velocity of 80 meters per second when the brakes
are applied at time seconds. From time to the moment the race car stops, the
acceleration of the race car is given by meters per second per second. During
this time period, how far does the race car travel?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
LO 3.4C: Apply definite EK 3.4C1: For a particle in rectilinear motion MPAC 2: Connecting
integrals to problems over an interval of time, the definite integral of concepts
involving motion. velocity represents the particle’s displacement
over the interval of time, and the definite
integral of speed represents the particle’s total
processes
distance traveled over the interval of time.
LO 3.1A: Recognize EK 3.1A2: Differentiation rules provide the

antiderivatives of foundation for finding antiderivatives.
basic functions.
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Free Response: Section II, Part A

A graphing calculator is required for problems on this part of the exam.
1. The height of the water in a conical storage tank, shown above, is modeled by a differentiable
function h, where is measured in meters and t is measured in hours. At time
the height of the water in the tank is 25 meters. The height is changing at the rate
meters per hour for
(a) When the height of the water in the tank is h meters, the volume of water is At
what rate is the volume of water changing at time Indicate units of measure.
(b) What is the minimum height of the water during the time period Justify your
answer.
(c) The line tangent to the graph of h at is used to approximate the height of the water
in the tank. Using the tangent line approximation, at what time t does the height of the
water return to 25 meters?
LO 2.1C: Calculate derivatives. EK 2.1C5: The chain rule is the basis for implicit MPAC 1: Reasoning with
differentiation. definitions and theorems
MPAC 2: Connecting
LO 2.3A: Interpret the meaning EK 2.3A1: The unit for is the unit for f concepts
of a derivative within a problem. divided by the unit for x.
LO 2.3B: Solve problems EK 2.3B2: The tangent line is the graph of a locally processes
involving the slope of a tangent linear approximation of the function near the point
line. of tangency. MPAC 5: Building
notational fluency
LO 2.3C: Solve problems EK 2.3C2: The derivative can be used to solve
MPAC 6: Communicating
involving related rates, related rates problems, that is, finding a rate at
optimization, rectilinear motion, which one quantity is changing by relating it to
(BC) and planar motion. other quantities whose rates of change are known.
Return to
LO 2.3C: Solve problems EK 2.3C3: The derivative can be used to solve

involving related optimization problems, that is, finding a
rates, optimization, maximum or minimum value of a
rectilinear motion, (BC) function over a given interval.
and planar motion.
LO 3.3B(b): Evaluate EK 3.3B2: If f is continuous on the interval

definite integrals. and is an antiderivative of f,
then
LO 3.4E: Use the definite EK 3.4E1: The definite integral can be used
integral to solve problems to express information about accumulation
in various contexts. and net change in many applied contexts.
To answer Question 1 successfully, students must apply the Mathematical Practices

for AP Calculus as described below:
▶▶ Engage in reasoning with theorems (MPAC 1) in order to find the derivative of
volume with respect to time as well as in using the Fundamental Theorem of
Calculus to find for particular values of .
▶▶ Connect the concept (MPAC 2) of derivative to both the concept of optimization and
the concept of slope of a tangent line.
▶▶ Use proper notational fluency (MPAC 5) to communicate (MPAC 6) the process of
finding the values for and and to interpret the meaning of .
▶▶ Use algebraic manipulation (MPAC 3) to substitute into the expression for

and find the equation of a tangent line.
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Free Response: Section II, Part B

No calculator is allowed for problems on this part of the exam.
2. The graph of a differentiable function f is shown above for The graph of f has
horizontal tangent lines at and The areas of regions A, B, C, and D are 5, 4,
5, and 3, respectively. Let g be the antiderivative of f such that
(a) Find all values of x on the open interval for which the function g has a relative
maximum. Justify your answer.
(b) On what open intervals contained in is the graph of g concave up? Give a
reason for your answer.
(c) Find the value of or state that it does not exist. Show the work that leads to
your answer.
(d) Let h be the function defined by Find the value of
LO 1.1C: Determine limits EK 1.1C3: Limits of the indeterminate forms MPAC 1: Reasoning with
of functions. definitions and theorems
and may be evaluated using L’Hospital’s Rule.
MPAC 2: Connecting
concepts
LO 1.2A: Analyze functions EK 1.2A1: A function f is continuous
for intervals of continuity at provided that exists, MPAC 3: Implementing
or points of discontinuity. exists, and algebraic/computational
processes
LO 2.2A: Use derivatives EK 2.2A1: First and second derivatives of a
MPAC 4: Connecting
to analyze properties function can provide information about the
of a function. function and its graph including intervals of
increase or decrease, local (relative) and global MPAC 5: Building
(absolute) extrema, intervals of upward or notational fluency
LO 2.2B: Recognize the EK 2.2B2: If a function is differentiable at a
connection between point, then it is continuous at that point.
Return to
LO 3.2C: Calculate a definite EK 3.2C1: In some cases, a definite

integral using areas and integral can be evaluated by using
properties of definite integrals. geometry and the connection between
the definite integral and area.
LO 3.2C: Calculate a definite EK 3.2C2: Properties of definite integrals include

integral using areas and the integral of a constant times a function,
properties of definite integrals. the integral of the sum of two functions,
reversal of limits of integration, and the
integral of a function over adjacent intervals.
LO 3.3B(b): Evaluate EK 3.3B5: Techniques for finding antiderivatives

definite integrals. include algebraic manipulation such as long
division and completing the square, substitution
of variables, (BC) integration by parts, and
nonrepeating linear partial fractions.

▶▶ Reason with definitions and theorems (MPAC 1) by applying the Fundamental
Theorem of Calculus and the concept of area to find the integral over specific
intervals.
▶▶ Confirm that the hypotheses have been satisfied when applying L’Hospital’s rule
to find a limit. Correctly using L’Hospital’s rule involves manipulating algebraic
(MPAC 3) quantities.
▶▶ Connect the concepts (MPAC 2) of a function and its derivative to identify a
maximum value and to determine concavity, and connect the concepts (MPAC 2) of
continuity and limit to find .
▶▶ Connect the graphical representation (MPAC 4) of a function to the words
describing certain attributes of the function and to a symbolic description involving
the function.
▶▶ Extract information from the graph of to compute (MPAC 3) definite integrals
for f and h over specified intervals.
▶▶ Build notational fluency (MPAC 5) when using integration by substitution to
find the integral of over an interval, including adjusting the
endpoints of the interval.
▶▶ Clearly communicate (MPAC 6) the justification for why a critical point is a relative
maximum and indicate the direction of concavity.
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Answers and Rubrics (AB)
Answers to Multiple-Choice Questions
1. B
2. B
3. C
4. A
5. A
6. B
7. D
8. D
9. B
10. A
11. A
12. A
13. D
14. C
15. D
16. B
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Rubrics for Free-Response Questions
Question 1
Solutions Point Allocation
(a)
At
(or
) cubic meters per hour.
(b) The absolute minimum must be at a critical point or an

endpoint.
when
The minimum height is (or ) meters.
(c)
An equation for the tangent line is
when (or ).
Return to
Question 2
(a) g has a relative maximum at since changes sign from

positive to negative at
(b) The graph of g is concave up for and because

is increasing on those intervals.
(c) Because g is continuous at
and
Using L’Hospital’s Rule,
(d)
Let Then and
Return to
AP Calculus BC Sample Exam Questions
Multiple Choice: Section I, Part A

A calculator may not be used on questions on this part of the exam.
1. The position of a particle moving in the xy-plane is given by the parametric equations
and What is the slope of the line tangent to the path of the particle
at the point where
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
LO 2.1C: Calculate derivatives. EK 2.1C7: (BC) Methods for calculating MPAC 3: Implementing
derivatives of real-valued functions can be algebraic/computational
extended to vector-valued functions, parametric processes
functions, and functions in polar coordinates.
MPAC 2: Connecting
concepts
Return to
2. Let be the solution to the differential equation with the initial condition
What is the approximation for if Euler’s method is used, starting at with a
step size of 0.5?

(A) 2.5
(B) 3.5
(C) 4.0
(D) 5.5
LO 2.3F: Estimate solutions EK 2.3F2: (BC) For differential equations, Euler’s MPAC 3: Implementing
to differential equations. method provides a procedure for approximating algebraic/computational
a solution or a point on a solution curve. processes
MPAC 2: Connecting
concepts
Return to
3. For what value of k, if any, is
(A)
(B) 1
(C) 4
(D) There is no such value of k.
LO 3.2D: (BC) Evaluate an EK 3.2D2: (BC) Improper integrals can be MPAC 3: Implementing
improper integral or show that determined using limits of definite integrals. algebraic/computational
an improper integral diverges. processes
MPAC 1: Reasoning with

LO 3.3B(b): Evaluate EK 3.3B5: Techniques for finding antiderivatives
definitions and theorems
definite integrals. include algebraic manipulation such as long
division and completing the square, substitution
of variables, (BC) integration by parts, and
nonrepeating linear partial fractions.
Return to
4. The Taylor series for a function f about converges to f for The nth-degree
Taylor polynomial for f about is given by Of the following,
which is the smallest number for which the alternating series error bound guarantees that
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
LO 4.1B: Determine or EK 4.1B2: If an alternating series converges by MPAC 1: Reasoning with

estimate the sum of a series. the alternating series test, then the alternating definitions and theorems
series error bound can be used to estimate how
MPAC 5: Building
close a partial sum is to the value of the infinite
notational fluency
series.
LO 4.2B: Write a power series EK 4.2B4: A Taylor polynomial for is a

representing a given function. partial sum of the Taylor series for
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5. Selected values of a function f and its first three derivatives are indicated in the table above.
What is the third-degree Taylor polynomial for f about
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
LO 4.2A: Construct and EK 4.2A1: The coefficient of the nth-degree MPAC 1: Reasoning with
use Taylor polynomials. term in a Taylor polynomial centered at definitions and theorems
MPAC 4: Connecting
for the function f is
Return to
6. Which of the following statements about the series is true?
(A) The series converges absolutely.

(B) The series converges conditionally.
(C) The series converges but neither conditionally nor absolutely.
(D) The series diverges.
LO 4.1A: Determine whether a EK 4.1A4: A series may be absolutely MPAC 1: Reasoning with
series converges or diverges. convergent, conditionally convergent, definitions and theorems
or divergent.
MPAC 5: Building
notational fluency
Return to
Multiple Choice: Section I, Part B

A graphing calculator is required for some questions on this part of the exam.
7. At time a particle moving in the xy-plane has velocity vector given by

What is the total distance the particle travels between and
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
LO 3.4C: Apply definite EK 3.4C2: (BC) The definite integral can be MPAC 2: Connecting
integrals to problems used to determine displacement, distance, and concepts
involving motion. position of a particle moving along a curve
given by parametric or vector-valued functions.
processes
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8. For the continuous function g is decreasing and positive. A portion of the graph
of g is shown above. For the nth term of the series is defined by If
converges to 8, which of the following could be true?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D) diverges
LO 4.1A: Determine whether a EK 4.1A6: In addition to examining the MPAC 1: Reasoning with
series converges or diverges. limit of the sequence of partial sums of the definitions and theorems
series, methods for determining whether a
MPAC 4: Connecting
series of numbers converges or diverges are
the nth term test, the comparison test, the
limit comparison test, the integral test, the
ratio test, and the alternating series test.
Return to
Free Response: Section II, Part A

A graphing calculator is required for problems on this part of the exam.
1. At time the position of a particle moving along a curve in the xy-plane is

where and At time the particle is at position
(a) Write an equation for the line tangent to the path of the particle at time
(b) Find the time t when the line tangent to the path of the particle is vertical. Is the direction
of motion of the particle up or down at that moment? Give a reason for your answer.
(c) Find the y-coordinate of the particle’s position at time
(d) Find the total distance traveled by the particle for
LO 2.1C: Calculate derivatives. EK 2.1C7: (BC) Methods for calculating MPAC 1: Reasoning with
derivatives of real-valued functions can be definitions and theorems
extended to vector-valued functions, parametric
MPAC 2: Connecting
functions, and functions in polar coordinates.
concepts
LO 2.2A: Use derivatives EK 2.2A1: First and second derivatives of a MPAC 3: Implementing
to analyze properties function can provide information about the algebraic/computational
of a function. function and its graph including intervals of processes
(absolute) extrema, intervals of upward or MPAC 5: Building
downward concavity, and points of inflection. notational fluency
LO 2.3B: Solve problems EK 2.3B1: The derivative at a point is the slope
involving the slope of the line tangent to a graph at that point on
of a tangent line. the graph.
LO 2.3C: Solve problems EK 2.3C4: (BC) Derivatives can be used to

involving related determine velocity, speed, and acceleration for
rates, optimization, a particle moving along curves given by
rectilinear motion, (BC) parametric or vector-valued functions.
and planar motion.
LO 3.3B(b): Evaluate EK 3.3B2: If f is continuous on the

definite integrals. interval and is an antiderivative
of f, then
LO 3.4C: Apply definite EK 3.4C2: (BC) The definite integral can be used
integrals to problems to determine displacement, distance, and position
involving motion. of a particle moving along a curve given by
parametric or vector-valued functions.
Return to

▶▶ Engage in reasoning with definitions and theorems (MPAC 1) when finding the
total distance traveled.
▶▶ Connect the concepts (MPAC 2) of derivative and position of a particle as well as
the concepts of vertical tangent lines and motion.
▶▶ Use algebraic manipulation (MPAC 3) to find and the equation of a tangent line.
▶▶ Build notational fluency (MPAC 5) by expressing in terms of and and in
communicating (MPAC 6) the process that leads to finding the y-coordinate and the
total distance.
▶▶ Communicate (MPAC 6) using accurate and precise language and notation (MPAC 5)
in reporting information provided by technology and in explaining what the sign of
implies about the vertical direction of motion of the particle.
Return to
Free Response: Section II, Part B

No calculator is allowed for problems on this part of the exam.
2. The function f has derivatives of all orders at and the Maclaurin series for f is
(a) Find and

(b) Does f have a relative minimum, a relative maximum, or neither at Justify your
answer.
(c) Using the ratio test, determine the interval of convergence of the Maclaurin series for f.
Justify your answer.
Return to
LO 1.1A(b): Interpret limits EK 1.1A2: The concept of a limit can be MPAC 1: Reasoning with
expressed symbolically. extended to include one-sided limits, definitions and theorems
limits at infinity, and infinite limits.
MPAC 2: Connecting
concepts
LO 2.2A: Use derivatives to EK 2.2A1: First and second derivatives of a MPAC 3: Implementing
analyze properties of a function can provide information about the algebraic/computational
function. function and its graph including intervals of processes
MPAC 5: Building
(absolute) extrema, intervals of upward or
notational fluency
LO 4.1A: Determine whether a EK 4.1A3: Common series of numbers include
series converges or diverges. geometric series, the harmonic series, and
p-series.
LO 4.1A: Determine whether a EK 4.1A5: If a series converges absolutely, then

series converges or diverges. it converges.
LO 4.1A: Determine whether a EK 4.1A6: In addition to examining the limit of

series converges or diverges. the sequence of partial sums of the series,
methods for determining whether a series of
numbers converges or diverges are the nth term
test, the comparison test, the limit comparison
test, the integral test, the ratio test, and the
alternating series test.
LO 4.2A: Construct and use EK 4.2A1: The coefficient of the n th-degree term
Taylor polynomials. in a Taylor polynomial centered at for the
function f is
LO 4.2C: Determine the radius EK 4.2C2: The ratio test can be used to determine
and interval of convergence the radius of convergence of a power series.
of a power series.

▶▶ Engage in reasoning with the definition (MPAC 1) of the coefficients of the
Maclaurin series to find the coefficients for and and in applying the
ratio test and comparison test to determine convergence.
▶▶ Connect the concepts (MPAC 2) of the first and second derivative to find a relative
minimum and the concepts of convergence and absolute convergence when finding
the interval of convergence.
▶▶ Use algebraic manipulation (MPAC 3) including working with logarithms and
functions to find specific coefficients in the Maclaurin series, the limit in the ratio
test, and the interval of convergence.
Return to
▶▶ Display facility with notation (MPAC 5) in communicating (MPAC 6) the

justification for why has a relative minimum and what constitutes the interval of
convergence.
Return to
Answers and Rubrics (BC)
Answers to Multiple-Choice Questions
1. C
2. D
3. C
4. C
5. B
6. B
7. A
8. C
Return to
Rubrics for Free-Response Questions
Question 1
(a)
An equation for the tangent line is
(b) The tangent line is vertical when and
when
Because the y-coordinate is

decreasing and so the particle is moving down at that moment.
(c)
(or )
(d)
Return to
Question 2
(a)
(b)
By the Second Derivative Test, f has a relative minimum

at
(c) Using the ratio test,
therefore the radius of convergence is and the

series converges on the interval
When the series is
Because for all and the p-series
converges, the series converges by the
comparison test.
Return to
When the series is
This series is absolutely convergent because converges.
The interval of convergence is
Return to

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What is the purpose of the AP Calculus exam?

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SAMPLE QUESTIONS

Originally published in the Fall 2014

The College Board

Placement Program . The organization also serves the education community

AP Equity and Access Policy

AP Calculus AB Sample Exam Questions

Multiple Choice: Section I, Part A

provided that the limit exists. These are common

LO 1.1A(b): Interpret limits EK 1.1A2: The concept of a limit can be extended

is between a and b. MPAC 3: Implementing

8. Which of the following limits is equal to

10. Let be a solution to the differential equation where k is a constant. Values

to the size of the quantity” is MPAC 4: Connecting

Multiple Choice: Section I, Part B

12. The derivative of a function f is given by for On what

13. The temperature of a room, in degrees Fahrenheit, is modeled by , a differentiable function

14. A function f is continuous on the closed interval with and Which

LO 3.1A: Recognize EK 3.1A2: Differentiation rules provide the

Free Response: Section II, Part A

meters per hour for

LO 2.3C: Solve problems EK 2.3C3: The derivative can be used to solve

LO 3.3B(b): Evaluate EK 3.3B2: If f is continuous on the interval

To answer Question 1 successfully, students must apply the Mathematical Practices

▶▶ Use algebraic manipulation (MPAC 3) to substitute into the expression for

Free Response: Section II, Part B

(d) Let h be the function defined by Find the value of

LO 3.2C: Calculate a definite EK 3.2C1: In some cases, a definite

LO 3.2C: Calculate a definite EK 3.2C2: Properties of definite integrals include

LO 3.3B(b): Evaluate EK 3.3B5: Techniques for finding antiderivatives

To answer Question 2 successfully, students must apply the Mathematical Practices

Answers and Rubrics (AB)

Answers to Multiple-Choice Questions

Rubrics for Free-Response Questions

Solutions Point Allocation

) cubic meters per hour.

(b) The absolute minimum must be at a critical point or an

The minimum height is (or ) meters.

An equation for the tangent line is

(a) g has a relative maximum at since changes sign from

(b) The graph of g is concave up for and because

(c) Because g is continuous at

Using L’Hospital’s Rule,

Let Then and

AP Calculus BC Sample Exam Questions

Multiple Choice: Section I, Part A

at the point where

What is the approximation for if Euler’s method is used, starting at with a

step size of 0.5?

3. For what value of k, if any, is

MPAC 1: Reasoning with

Taylor polynomial for f about is given by Of the following,

LO 4.1B: Determine or EK 4.1B2: If an alternating series converges by MPAC 1: Reasoning with

LO 4.2B: Write a power series EK 4.2B4: A Taylor polynomial for is a

6. Which of the following statements about the series is true?

(A) The series converges absolutely.