AP Calculus AB Starting Guide
If you're going into AP Calculus AB, you have probably heard some things about it. Such as that it's a hard class to master. And we agree. However, it is not an impossible task if you properly study and prepare. You can start preparing for AP Calculus AB before even stepping foot into the classroom.
Study up on Trigonometry:
Trigonometry is definitely integrated into the course. We suggest studying different ways to write trigonometric functions. For example, knowing that sin(x)/cos(x) is the same as tan(x) and or how to graph a sin(x) function can be very helpful. If you don't know trigonometry very well, we suggest studying up on that so that when they ask you how to do trigonometry, you won't have the same blank expression as your peers who did not know that trigonometry was integrated in the AP Calculus AB course material.
Study up on Algebra:
Algebra is part of Calculus and is in almost every Calculus problem. Some students understand how to do the Calculus portion of the problem ,but when they get to the Algebra portion of the problem, they get stuck on how to simplify the problem. Being able to simply an answer to it's simpliest form is important because you must be able to simplfy your answer to a point where you can recognize it as one of the anser choices. In some Calculus problems, the unsimplified version and the simplified version look so different, that you can end up choosing the wrong answer. So we suggest studying how the √x can also be written as x^1/2 and how to separate fractions, "magic x" and concepts that help you simplify or rewrite equations/answers similar to those.
Unit circle:
Unit Circle is yet another concept that can help you in Calculus. When they ask what does sin( π/2) equal and you don't have a calculator handy or aren't allowed to use the calculator, you will need to know how to draw the unit circle and find what it is or you'll need to know it off the top of your head. So we reccomend knowing that unit circle like the back of your hand.
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Save up Money:
Some problems in Calculus can be done by hand, but some problems are better done with a calculator. A graphing calculator to be exact. Graphing calculators can graph most functions that you input in it, give you answers for a definite integral, convert decimals into fractions among other functions that can help you when doing work. Although some teachers may provide the graphing calculator for you, most won't be so keen to let you take it home. This can complicate homework questions (especially FRQ's) that require calculators. Plus, if you own a graphing calculator, you can get used to using it before the AP test, which contains Calculator portions . So save up to get one of your own. We reccomend saving about $100-$120 because that's the average cost of one of those calculators.