Differential equations are tested every year. The actual solving of the differential equation is usually the main part of the problem, but it is accompanied by a related question such as a slope field or a tangent line approximation. BC students may also be asked to approximate using Euler’s Method. Large parts of the BC…
Given equations that define a region in the plane students are asked to find its area, the volume of the solid formed when the region is revolved around a line, and/or the region is used as a base of a solid with regular cross-sections. This standard application of the integral has appeared every year since…
There is a difference between mathematics and the “real world”: In the real world you are allowed to do whatever you want, as long as there is no law against doing it; in mathematics, you cannot do something unless there is a law that says you may. A question that comes up often on the…
I had a question from a reader recently asking about how to determine the units for derivatives and integrals. Derivatives: The units of the derivative are the units of dy divided by the units of dx, or the units of the dependent variable (f(x) or y) divided by the units of the independent variable (x).…
More posts on differential equations Good Question 2 (2002 BC 5) and A Family of Function (Good Question 2 continued) – one of my all-time favorite AP exam questions. Parts a, c, and d are suitable for AB students. Part b is a Euler’s method question. Part d is an example of a question where…
Next in line are differential equations. Here are links to some past posts on differential equations Differential Equations Outline of basic ideas for AB and BC calculus Slope Fields Euler’s Method – a BC only topic Domain of a Differential Equation mentioned on the new Course and Exam Description Good Question 6 2000 AB 4…
Integration, at its basic level, is addition. A definite integral is a sum (a Riemann sum). When you add things you get an amount of whatever you are adding: you accumulate. Here are some previous posts on this important idea that often shows up on the AP Calculus exams (usually the first free-response question!) Accumulation:…
