• There is no required summer work for AP Calculus AB.  However, it is a good idea to prepare for the course by making sure you have a good foundation of algebra, geometry and trigonometry. 

     

    The #1 topic students who have taken AP Calculus AB wish they had reviewed before the course is Trigonometry!  You will work with trigonometry daily AND without a calculator:

    • Know how the sine and cosine functions are defined from the unit circle.
    • Know the values of the trigonometric functions at the numbers 0, pi/6, pi/4, pi/3, pi/2 and their multiples.

     

    Functions are also an extremely important topic!

    • Types of functions to know: linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, and piece-wise defined functions.
    • Things to be able to do and use: Properties of functions, composition of functions, algebra of functions (simplifying!) and the graphs of functions (parent functions).
    • Key terms about functions: slope, horizontal and vertical asymptotes, domain, range, odd and even, periodic, symmetry, zeros, intercepts, and descriptors such as increasing and decreasing.

     

    A more comprehensive list of prerequisite knowledge can be found on Khan Academy with video review available, if necessary: Link to Khan Academy Review

     

    Two optional assignments that can be used to help you prepare for the course include:

     

    • Summer Review Assignment:  Summer Review Assignment
      • I have assigned this in the past and it is a more challenging review assignment.
      • Answer Key:  Coming Soon