5 Steps to a 5 AP Calculus AB 2019 - William Ma

(Marvins-Underground-K-12) #1
MA 3972-MA-Book April 11, 2018 12:19

How to Approach Each Question Type 41

Tips for Taking the Exam
General Tips
TIP • Write legibly.


  • Label all diagrams.

  • Organize your solution so that the reader can follow your line of reasoning.

  • Use complete sentences whenever possible. Always indicate what the final answer is.


More Tips
STRATEGY • Do easy questions first.



  • Write out formulas and indicate all major steps.

  • Never leave a question blank, especially a multiple-choice question, since there is no
    penalty for incorrect answers.

  • Be careful to bubble in the right grid, especially if you skip a question.

  • Move on. Don’t linger on a problem too long. Make an educated guess.

  • Go with your first instinct if you are unsure.


Still More Tips
TIP • Indicate units of measure.


  • Simplify numeric or algebraic expressions only if the question asks you to do so.

  • Carry all decimal places and round only at the end.

  • Round to 3 decimal places unless the question indicates otherwise.

  • Watch out for different units of measure, e.g., the radius,r, is 2 feet, finddr
    dt
    in inches
    per second.

  • Use calculus notations and not calculator syntax, e.g., write∫x^2 dxand not∫(x∧2,x).

  • Use only the four specified capabilities of your calculator to get your answer: plotting
    graphs, finding zeros, calculating numerical derivatives, and evaluating definite integrals.
    All other built-in capabilities can only be used tocheckyour solution.

  • Answer all parts of a question from Section II even if you think your answer to an earlier
    part of the question might not be correct.


Enough Already...Just 3 More Tips
TIP • Be familiar with the instructions for the different parts of the exam. Review the practice
exams in the back of this book.


  • Get a good night’s sleep the night before.

  • Have a light breakfast before the exam.

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