AP Questions Type 6: Differential Equations Differential equations are tested almost 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…
Applications (Unit 8) seems to fit more logically after the opening unit on integration (Unit 6). The Course and Exam Description (CED) present differential equations first probably because the previous unit ended with techniques of antidifferentiation. My guess is that many teachers will teach Unit 8: Applications of Integration before Unit 7: Differential Equations. Therefore,…
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…
This past week I attended the NCTM Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. For many years now, the sessions included a panel discussion on AP Calculus. This year Stephen Davis, chief reader for AP Calculus, was the principal speaker. I would like to share a few of his comments and insights some of which may…
The logistic growth model describes situation where the growth of some population is proportional to the number present at any time and the difference between that amount and some limiting value called the “carrying capacity.” The standard example is this: a small group of rabbits is placed on an island. The population will grow rapidly…
Teaching Calculus 