AP Calculus AB
IPFW MA 16500 – Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1
Mrs. Hanes - marie.hanes@nacs.k12.in.us - Room 208
Course Syllabus 2015-2016
Course Description: AP Calculus AB is a demanding course for most students, requiring them to alter prior methods
of learning mathematics. Previous courses often involve no more than learning a specific rule or concept and applying it
to a multitude of similar problems or contrived applications. This calculus course requires students to investigate ideas
and use a variety of skills and concepts to solve problems. Analytic, graphic and numeric techniques are explored and
students learn, after some discomfort, to recognize which method or methods are viable and should be used to find the
solution. Explaining results and methods of solution is vital to demonstrating understanding and an answer could require
a diagram, an algebraic type proof or a written explanation. Recognizing answers in a variety of forms is also essential to
success in AP calculus. The topic to be learned influences the way class is conducted. Graphing calculators provide a
powerful tool with which we can explore relationships between equations quickly. We use the calculators to also work
with real-world applications where equations and results do not turn out to be predictably “nice”.
Major Text: Larson, Ron and Bruce Edwards. Calculus: Early Transcendental Functions, 5th edition. Brooks/Cole
Cengage Learning , 2011.
Graphing Calculator: A graphing calculator is required for this course. The preferred calculator is the TI 84+.
Student Evaluation: The 18-week grade for this course is determined by using 20% quiz scores and 80% test scores. A
grade for the semester will be determined using 80% 18-week grade and 20% final exam (the grade submitted to IPFW
for dual credit students will be determined using 75% 18-week grade and 25% final exam). Quizzes and tests are
presented in the AP style with some questions multiple choice and some questions free response, with and without
calculator. A test is usually given at the completion of every chapter and quizzes are given periodically. Projects and
activities are assigned when appropriate to the content.
Course Outline: The following course outline describes in general terms the variety of topics taught and their sequence.
This course is designed to meet the expectations as set forth by the CollegeBoard AP for Calculus AB. Students will be
expected to apply learned concepts to different types of problems and use various methods to describe or explain
solutions. Solutions will be given in a variety of forms including algebraically, graphically and/or verbally (in oral or
written form).
Prep for Calculus (Chapter 1)
- Review of PreCalculus material including linear, exponential, inverse and trigonometric functions and
graphing calculator usage.
Limits and Derivatives (Chapter 2)
- Finding Limits Graphically and Numerically
- Evaluating Limits Analytically
- Continuity and One-Sided Limits
- Infinite Limits
Differentiation Rules (Chapter 3)
- Basic Differentiation Rules and Rates of Change
- Product and Quotient Rules and Higher-Order Derivatives
- Chain Rule
- Implicit Differentiation
- Derivatives of Inverse Functions
- Related Rates
Applications of Differentiation (Chapter 4)
- Extrema on an Interval
- Rolle’s Theorem and Mean Value
- Increasing/Decreasing Functions
- Concavity
- Curve Sketching
- Optimization
(Approximate end of first semester)
Integration (Chapter 5)
- Antiderivaties and Indefinite Integration
- Area Reimann Sums
- Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
- Integration by Substitution
- Natural Logarithmic Function: Integration
Differential Equations (Chapter 6)
- Slope Fields
- Growth and Decay
- Seperation of Variables
Applications of Integrals (Chapter 7)
- Areas between curves
- Volumes using disk, shell methods and with known cross sections Average value of a function
Post AP Exam (Chapter 8) – content taught depends on time available
- Integration by parts
- Integration by Partial Fractions
- Integration by trigonometric substitution
Student Evaluation:
Student grades will be figured with the following items
weighted by the percentages indicated below. The grade is
cumulative over the 18 week semester.
Tests: 80%
Quizzes 20%
Homework: 0%
Homework, when collected, must be turned in and complete.
An incomplete assignment will result in the student spending time
with me before and/or after school until the assignment is finished.
C H S Grade
Scale
98-100 A+
94-97 A
91-93 A88-90 B+
84-87 B
81-83 B78-80 C+
74-77 C
71-73 C68-70 D+
64-67 D
60-63 D59 –Below F
End of Semester Final Exam: 20% of semester
Dual credit students only: 25% of semester (for the grade submitted to IPFW)
Absent for a Test or Quiz: When a student is absent the day a test or quiz is given, the student is expected
to take the test or quiz immediately upon their return. If many days were missed, discuss with me when the
test will be taken. It is best if the test can be made up during study hall or before/after school.
Absent/Late Work Policy: Students are responsible for gathering missed work on their first day back to
school whether they have class or not (block days). Any quiz or test taken on the day of absence should be
made up immediately upon return. If multiple days were missed, discuss timing of make-up tests with me.
Class Expectations:
1.
2.
3.
4.
In the room when the bell rings.
Actively take part in all discussions, examples and notes.
Keep track of grades, check it on-line often.
Have appropriate supplies daily
textbook, paper, pencil , Graphing Calculator
Online Resources: CalcChat.com
(solutions to odd numbered book problems)