AB CALCULUS VS. BC CALCULUS
AP Calculus is divided into two types: AB and BC. The former is supposed to be the equivalent of a
semester of college calculus; the latter, a year. In truth, AB calculus covers closer to three quarters of a
year of college calculus. In fact, the main difference between the two is that BC calculus tests some more
theoretical aspects of calculus and it covers a few additional topics. In addition, BC calculus is harder
than AB calculus. The AB exam usually tests straightforward problems in each topic. They’re not too
tricky, and they don’t vary very much. The BC exam asks harder questions. But neither exam is tricky in
the sense that the SAT is. Nor do they test esoteric aspects of calculus. Rather, both tests tend to focus on
testing whether you’ve learned the basics of differential and integral calculus. The tests are difficult
because of the breadth of topics that they cover, not the depth. You will probably find that many of the
problems in this book seem easier than the problems you’ve had in school. This is because your teacher is
giving you problems that are harder than those on the AP.
Please note that this book will focus only on the topics that will
appear on the AP Calculus AB test. If you are looking to
prepare for the BC Calculus exam, please purchase Cracking
the AP Calculus BC Exam in stores now!There is no guessing penalty on the test, so don’t leave anything blank in Section I. Section II, however,
requires you to write out not only your solutions, but to show your steps. You can get partial credit, so
make sure you put everything down on paper. You’ll note, too, that some parts of the test allow you to use