How to Approach Each Question Type 45Tips 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. Visit the College Board website at:
https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse/ap-calculus-bc for more information.- Get a good night’s sleep the night before.
- Have a light breakfast before the exam.