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AP^® Calculus AB guides

How the exam works, how to use Desmos on the parts that allow it, and the AB topics students ask about most, each with worked examples.

• How to use Desmos on the AP Calculus AB examWhen Desmos is available on the AP Calculus AB exam, how to do the four required calculator skills in it, and what to write down to earn the points.Read the guide
• AP Calculus AB exam format: what's on the 2027 examThe May 2027 AP Calculus AB exam, part by part: question counts, time limits, calculator rules, score weights, and how the 8 units are weighted.Read the guide
• AP Calculus AB vs BC: which one should you take?How AP Calculus AB and BC compare: what's the same on the exam, what BC adds, and practical questions to help you pick the course that fits your year.Read the guide
• How to earn points on AP Calculus AB free responseHow AP Calculus AB free response is scored, what counts as a justification, and sample wording for extrema, theorems, tables, and differential equations.Read the guide
• Particle motion for AP Calculus ABPosition, velocity, acceleration, and speed for AP Calculus AB, with worked examples of direction changes, speeding up, displacement, and total distance.Read the guide
• Reading the graph of a derivative for AP Calculus ABWhat the graph of the derivative tells you about the original function: increasing, extrema, concavity, inflection points, and how to justify each answer.Read the guide
• The Fundamental Theorem and accumulation for AP Calculus ABThe Fundamental Theorem of Calculus for AP Calculus AB: accumulation functions, the chain rule with integrals, area graphs, and rate in and rate out problems.Read the guide
• Area and volume for AP Calculus ABArea between curves, discs, washers, and cross sections for AP Calculus AB, with worked examples, the setups to memorize, and the mistakes that cost points.Read the guide