2014 - 2015 AP CALCULUS AB
Teacher: Mr. Swift
Email: swift_c@westcler.org
Room 243
Voicemail: 513-947-7563
Course: AP Calculus AB
Textbook: Calculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic, 3rd edition
COURSE CONTENT: Calculus is the mathematics of change – velocities and accelerations. Calculus is
also the mathematics of tangent lines, slopes, areas, volumes, arc lengths, centroids, curvatures, and a
variety of other concepts that have enabled scientists, engineers, and economists to model real – life
situations. Although precalculus mathematics also deals with velocities, accelerations, tangent lines,
slopes, and so on, there is a fundamental difference between precalculus mathematics and calculus.
Precalculus mathematics is static, whereas calculus is more dynamic. The idea that separates calculus
from precalculus mathematics is the limit process. You may or may not have already studied some limit
properties. We will begin with those ideas and build upon them to lead us to a new calculus
formulation, such as derivatives and integrals.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Assignments may include videos (vodcasts), worksheets, and/or book work. The vodcasts will be posted
on my website. If you can stream YouTube, you can watch the videos. Please see me if there are any
issues with internet access or computer access as soon as possible! Each vodcast has a section of notes.
The notes MUST be completed for each vodcast prior to coming to class.
Assignments will be collected daily and checked for completeness. At least once a week assignments will
be graded for accuracy. Assignments missed due to absences can be turned in late within school
guidelines.
QUIZZES:
The number of quizzes per chapter will vary. There will be two types of quizzes given in class: the first
type will be focused on specific skills. These will usually be given every two class periods and be between
ten and fifteen minutes in length. The second type will be more like an AP exam question. These quizzes
may NOT be retaken and will be scored out of 9 points. The more you explain your response using
correct mathematical notation and vocabulary, the better chance you have of earning full credit.
TESTS:
Tests will be given as noted in the syllabus below. Each test will consist of free-response and multiplechoice questions for each chapter and could include review questions from previous chapters. Some
tests will be given in two parts (with and without a calculator). Each chapter (or partial chapter) test will
be weighted the same. All electronic devices besides your calculator are NOT ALLOWED during exams.
There are NO retakes of exams.
SYLLABUS
Unit 2: Limits and Continuity (3 weeks)
2.1 Rates of Change and Limits
2.2 Limits Involving Infinity
Test 2.1-2.2
2.3 Continuity
2.4 Rates of Change and Tangent Lines
Test 2.3-2.4
Unit 3: Derivatives (6 weeks)
3.1 Derivative of a Function
3.2 Differentiability
3.3 Rules for Differentiation
Test 3.1-3.3
3.4 Velocity and Other Rates of Change
3.5 Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions
3.6 Chain Rule
Test 3.4-3.6
3.7 Implicit Differentiation
3.8 Derivatives of Inverse Trigonometric Functions
3.9 Derivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Test 3.7-3.9
Unit 4: Applications of Derivatives (5 weeks)
4.1 Extreme Values of Functions
4.2 Mean Value Theorem
4.3 Connecting f’ and f" with the Graph of f.
Test 4.1-4.3
4.4 Modeling and Optimization
4.5 Linearization and Newton’s Method
4.6 Related Rates
Test 4.4-4.6
Midterm Exam: The exam consists of four parts similar to the AP exam.
Unit 5: The Definite Integral (4 weeks)
5.1 Estimating with Finite Sums
5.2 Definite Integrals
5.3 Definite Integrals and Antiderivatives
Test 5.1-5.3
5.4 Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
5.5 Trapezoidal Rule
Test 5.4-5.5
Unit 6: Differential Equations and Mathematical Modeling (4 weeks)
6.1 Slope Fields and Euler’s Method
6.2 Antidifferentiation by Substitution
Test 6.1-6.2
6.4 Exponential Growth and Decay
6.5 Logistic Growth
Test 6.4-6.5
Unit 7: Applications of Definite Integrals (3 weeks)
7.1 Integral As Net Change
7.2 Areas in the Plane
7.3 Volumes
Test 7.1-7.3
Review for AP Exam (3-4 weeks)
Students work past AP exam questions, presenting their solutions for class review.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
#1: You are expected to be ON TIME. Be here early, so you are ready to start at the right time.
#2: You are expected to treat EVERYONE in the class with the same attitude of respect you expect to be
treated. This includes the language you use, the attitude you bring to class, and the way you respond
when asked to do something in class.
#3: You are expected to come to class prepared. Necessary materials should be brought to class each
day.
ABSENCES:
It is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed!!!!!!!!! If you are absent on the day of a test or quiz
you will take the test or quiz on the day you return.
SUPPLIES: The following is a list of supplies (other than your book) that will be needed throughout the
course of the year. For some in-class activities, there are a limited number of supplies in the classroom.
However, you will need to use most of these supplies at home. It is in your best interest to obtain as
many of them as possible.
- A 3-ring notebook dedicated to this class (a 1” binder should be enough to hold everything)
- A graphing calculator approved for use on the AP Calculus AB exam. We will use a TI-83+ or a TI-84+ in
class.
- Graph paper can be obtained through a link on my website.
- Pencils
RESOURCES AVAILABLE:
Mr. Swift’s website: http://www.westcler.k12.oh.us/olc/teacher.aspx?s=99
Review Sheets with Solutions
Class Lecture Notes, Vodcasts, and Worksheets
Limited links to other Math sites on the Internet
Help through Pearson website