Course Overview
AP Calculus AB is an introductory college-level calculus course. Students cultivate their understanding of differential and integral calculus through engaging with real-world problems represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally and using definitions and theorems to build arguments and justify conclusions as they explore concepts like change, limits, and the analysis of functions.
Course and Exam Description
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AP Calculus AB and BC Course and Exam Description
This is the core document for this course. Unit guides clearly lay out the course content and skills and recommend sequencing and pacing for them throughout the year.
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AP Calculus AB and BC Course and Exam Description Clarifications and Corrections
This document provides teachers with clarifications and/or corrections for the AP Calculus AB and BC Course and Exam Description.
Course Resources
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AP Calculus AB Course Overview
This resource provides a succinct description of the course and exam.
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AP Calculus AB and BC Course and Exam Description Walk-Through
Learn more about the CED in this interactive walk-through.
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AP Calculus Course at a Glance
Excerpted from the AP Calculus AB and BC Course and Exam Description, the Course at a Glance document outlines the topics and skills covered in the AP Calculus courses, along with suggestions for sequencing.
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The Difference Between AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC
Learn the similarities and differences between these two courses and exams.
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AP Calculus AB and BC Course at a Glance Poster
Print the Course at a Glance poster to use for reference in the classroom.
Course Content
Based on the Understanding by Design® (Wiggins and McTighe) model, this course framework provides a clear and detailed description of the course requirements necessary for student success. The framework specifies what students must know, be able to do, and understand, with a focus on big ideas that encompass core principles, theories, and processes of the discipline. The framework also encourages instruction that prepares students for advanced coursework in mathematics or other fields engaged in modeling change (e.g., pure sciences, engineering, or economics) and for creating useful, reasonable solutions to problems encountered in an ever-changing world.
The AP Calculus AB framework is organized into eight commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. As always, you have the flexibility to organize the course content as you like.
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Unit |
Exam Weighting (Multiple-Choice) |
|---|---|
|
Unit 1: Limits and Continuity |
10%–12% |
|
Unit 2: Differentiation: Definition and Fundamental Properties |
10%–12% |
|
Unit 3: Differentiation: Composite, Implicit, and Inverse Functions |
9%–13% |
|
Unit 4: Contextual Applications of Differentiation |
10%–15% |
|
Unit 5: Analytical Applications of Differentiation |
15%–18% |
|
Unit 6: Integration and Accumulation of Change |
17%–20% |
|
Unit 7: Differential Equations |
6%–12% |
|
Unit 8: Applications of Integration |
10%–15% |
Mathematical Practices
The AP Calculus AB framework included in the course and exam description outlines distinct skills, called Mathematical Practices, that students should practice throughout the year—skills that will help them learn to think and act like mathematicians.
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Skill |
Description |
|---|---|
|
1. Implementing Mathematical Processes |
Determine expressions and values using mathematical processes. |
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2. Connecting Representations |
Translate mathematical information from a single representation. |
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3. Justification |
Justify reasoning and solutions. |
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4. Communication and Notation |
Use correct notation, language, and mathematical conventions. |
AP and Higher Education
Higher education professionals play a key role in developing AP courses and exams, setting credit and placement policies, and scoring student work. The AP Higher Education section features information on recruitment and admission, advising and placement, and more.
This chart shows recommended scores for granting credit, and how much credit should be awarded, for each AP course. Your students can look up credit and placement policies for colleges and universities on the AP Credit Policy Search.
AP Course and Exam Development
The AP Program is unique in its reliance on development committees for their initial and ongoing voice in course and exam development. These committees, made up of an equal number of college faculty and experienced secondary AP teachers from across the country, are essential to the preparation of AP course curricula and exams.
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How AP Develops Courses and Exams
Learn what the development committees do and the methodology they use to develop AP courses and exams.
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