APFIVE AP Precalculus Exam Info
Download PDFThe AP Precalculus Exam will measure your understanding of the mathematical content included in units 1–3 and your ability to apply different skills in problem solving. These skills include algebraically manipulating functions, equations, and expressions; translating mathematical information between representations; and communicating with precise language and providing rationales for conclusions. A graphing calculator is required for parts of the exam.
This is a hybrid digital exam. You’ll complete multiple-choice questions and view free-response questions in the Bluebook testing app. You’ll handwrite your free-response answers in paper exam booklets.
Accessible technology that has the capabilities expected for AP Precalculus is available for students who are blind or visually impaired. This technology should be used during the course, and an accommodation request to use this technology on the AP Exam must be made through the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).
Calculators are permitted for this exam. See AP Exams Calculator Policy for the list of calculators approved for this course.
AP Precalculus Exam
This is the regularly scheduled date for the AP Precalculus Exam.
Exam Components
Section I: Multiple Choice
- Part A: 28 questions | 1 hr 20 mins | Calculator not permitted (approximately 44% of score).
- Part B: 12 questions | 40 mins | Graphing calculator required for some questions (radian mode) (approximately 19% of score).
- Questions relate to function types from units 1–3, including general functions (non-analytical), polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric and polar functions.
- Questions include graphical, numerical, analytical, and verbal representations; items in a real-world context; and items involving modeling.
Section II: Free Response
- Part A: 2 questions | 30 mins | Graphing calculator required (radian mode) (approximately 19% of score).
- Part B: 2 questions | 30 mins | Calculator not permitted (approximately 19% of score).
- The 4 questions are each worth 6 points. 2 questions incorporate a real-world function modeling context.
- Question 1: Function Concepts (graphing calculator)
- Question 2: Modeling a Non-Periodic Context (graphing calculator)
- Question 3: Modeling a Periodic Context (no calculator)
- Question 4: Symbolic Manipulations (no calculator)
Skills You'll Learn
Algebraically manipulating functions, equations, and expressions
Translating mathematical information between representations
Communicating with precise language, and providing rationales for conclusions
Units
Unit 1: Polynomial and Rational Functions
You’ll expand your understanding of polynomial and rational functions through the lenses of modeling and various rates of change.
Topics may include:
- Describing how quantities change with respect to each other
- Describing end behavior of polynomial and rational functions
- Identifying asymptotes of and holes in the graphs of rational functions
- Modeling aspects of scenarios using polynomial and rational functions
- Identifying assumptions and limitations of function models
On The Exam
30%–40% of multiple-choice section score
Unit 2: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
You’ll deepen your understanding of inverses by exploring the relationship between exponential and logarithmic functions.
Topics may include:
- Relating geometric sequences and exponential functions
- Modeling data sets with exponential functions
- Composing functions and finding inverses
- Modeling scenarios with logarithmic functions
- Validating a function model using a residual plot
On The Exam
27%–40% of multiple-choice section score
Unit 3: Trigonometric and Polar Functions
You’ll model and explore periodic phenomena using transformations of trigonometric functions.
Topics may include:
- Relating right triangle trigonometry to the sine, cosine, and tangent functions
- Modeling data and scenarios with sinusoidal functions
- Using inverse trigonometric functions to solve trigonometric equations
- Graphing functions using polar coordinates
- Describing how angles and radii change with respect to each other in a polar graph
On The Exam
30%–35% of multiple-choice section score
Unit 4: Functions Involving Parameters, Vectors, and Matrices
You’ll expand your understanding of the function concept by exploring a variety of new function types.
Topics may include:
- Describing how quantities change with respect to each other in a parametric function
- Graphing conic sections using implicitly defined functions and parametric functions
- Using vectors to describe motion of an object
- Describing the impact of a transformation matrix on a graphical object
- Modeling change in a context using matrices
On The Exam
Not Assessed on the AP Exam