AP Calculus BC

Course Description

AP Calculus BC is roughly equivalent to both first and second semester college calculus courses and extends the content learned in AB to different types of equations and introduces the topic of sequences and series. The AP course covers topics in differential and integral calculus, including concepts and skills of limits, derivatives, definite integrals, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and series. The course teaches students to approach calculus concepts and problems when they are represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally, and to make connections amongst these representations. Students learn how to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions.

Students who are enrolled in AP Calculus BC are expected to:

• Work with functions represented in multiple ways: graphical, numerical, analytical, or verbal. They should understand the connections among these representations.
• Understand the meaning of the derivative in terms of a rate of change and local linear approximation and use derivatives to solve problems.
• Understand the meaning of the definite integral as a limit of Riemann sums and as the net accumulation of change and use integrals to solve problems.
• Understand the relationship between the derivative and the definite integral as expressed in both parts of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
• Communicate mathematics and explain solutions to problems verbally and in writing.
• Model a written description of a physical situation with a function, a differential equation, or an integral.
• Use technology to solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions.
• Determine the reasonableness of solutions, including sign, size, relative accuracy, and units of measurement.
• Develop an appreciation of calculus as a coherent body of knowledge and as a human accomplishment.

Major Concepts

I. Functions, Graphs, and Limits

• Analysis of Graphs
• Limits of Functions (including one-sided limits)
• Asymptotic and Unbounded Behavior
• Continuity as a Property of Functions
• Parametric, Polar, and Vector Functions

II. Derivatives

• Concept of the Derivative
• Derivative at a Point
• Derivative as a Function
• Second Derivatives
• Applications and Computation of Derivatives

III. Integrals

• Interpretations and Properties of Definite Integrals
• Applications of Integrals
• Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
• Techniques and Applications of Antidifferentiation
• Numerical Approximations to Definite Integrals

IV. Polynomial Approximations and Series

• Concept of Series
• Series of constants
• Taylor Series

Requirements

Grade Level
11-12

Materials
Graphing Calculator

The textbook below is required to purchase for Semester B (Jan–May):

Cracking the AP Calculus BC Exam,
2017 Edition

ISBN-13: 978-1101919866
ISBN-10: 1101919868

Duration
2 Semesters

Prerequisites
Pre-Calculus

Technology Skills

• Internet Access
• Word Processor
• Email Access