Here's some information you might be wondering about as you head into your AP Calculus school year. This information is current as of August 2012.
1. Can I use my calculator on the AP exam?
Yes. And no. For each of the test portions--free-response and multiple choice, you have sections that are calculator allowed, and calculator prohibited.
There are six free-response questions on the Calculus AB exam. The first two questions are calculator problems. The last four are NCA (No Calculator Allowed).
There are 45 multiple choice questions. 17 of the 45 questions are calculator problems. 28 of the 45 questions are NCA.
2. How long is the exam?
The AP Calculus AB exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long.
3. How long do I have for free response questions?
You have 30 minutes for the first two (calculator) open responses, after which you put your calculator away, and have 60 more minutes during which you can work on any of the 6 free response questions.
4. How long do I have for multiple choice questions?
You have 50 minutes for the 17 calculator problems, and 55 minutes for the 28 NCA problems.
5. What score do I need to pass?
There are 108 possible points (54 on free response, 54 on multiple choice). In the past, we're looking at 37-39 points to get a 3. This is no longer the case. To get at least a 3, you should feel comfortable getting at least 50 points out of 108. This may or may not be an accurate prediction of the cut score, but it's a pretty good minimum goal for you as a student.
6. What can I use my calculator for in class or on the test?
I'm glad you asked. There are very specific limitations for what you may use a calculator for on your exam (even during the calculator section). You can even lose points if you obviously use a calculator (i.e. finding the max or min of a polynomial using the CALC menu instead of using a derivative), in an instance when you're not specifically allowed to.
Here are the instances that you can use a calculator to assist you:
(a) plot the graph of a function within an arbitrary viewing window;
(b) find the zeros of functions (solve equations numerically);
( c) numerically calculate the derivative of a function;
(d) numerically calculate the value of a definite integral.
7. Should I be using radians or degrees on my calculator in class or on the test?
There are several answers--first it should be in radians. Second, consider taking in more than one calculator for reasons I may explain through the year.