Course Catalog

AP/Advanced Calculus Part 1 teaches a balanced approach to problem solving, using analytical, algebraic, numerical, graphical, and verbal/written methods of representing problems. This course begins with a brief review of linear, polynomial, exponential, parametric, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Students will study all topics associated with limits and continuity. Student will also study derivatives of a variety of functions (i.e., polynomial, trigonometric and inverse trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic), as well as learn how to apply the chain rule and implicit differentiation. The course closes with a study of extreme values and the Mean Value Theorem. 

This course meets the Advanced Placement criteria required by the College Board.

*Note: AP/Advanced Calculus Parts 1 and 2 are required for the AP Calculus AB exam.

It is recommended that students successfully complete Pre-Calculus or equivalent course work before enrolling in this course. Successful completion of both Part 1 and Part 2 of this course is required for students to earn the AP designation. 

Course Objectives

Unit 1: Essential Content and Skills      

• Identify the relationships between parallel lines, perpendicular lines, and slopes.      
• Analyze exponential growth and decay, parametric equations, logarithms, and trigonometric functions.    
• Estimate a limit and identify different ways that a limit can fail to exist.      
• Locate and verify end behavior models for various functions.       
• Identify vertical and horizontal asymptotes.      
• State the intervals upon which a given function is continuous.  
• Apply the Intermediate Value Theorem.

Unit 2: Essential Content and Skills

• Discover derivatives and how f’(a) might fail to exist.      
• Analyze how differentiability implies local linearity.      
• Discover rules for differentiation: positive integer powers, multiples, sums and differences, products and quotients, and negative integer powers of x.
• Calculate higher order derivatives.      
• Examine instantaneous rate of change.    

Unit 3: Essential Content and Skills

• Find the derivatives of trigonometric functions.  
• Discover simple harmonic motion.      
• Analyze jerk, a sudden change in acceleration.      
• Examine the derivative of a composite function.      
• Apply the chain rule.  
• Use implicit differentiation to find derivatives of higher order.      
• Find derivatives by using the Power Rule for rational powers of x.  

Unit 4: Essential Content and Skills

• Find derivatives of the inverse trigonometric functions.
• Discover the derivatives of e^x, a^x, ln x, and log_a x.      
• Locate absolute (global) values of functions.      
• Find local (relative) extreme values.      
• Examine the Mean Value Theorem.      
• Analyze increasing and decreasing functions.   

Course Materials

• Calculus Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic (textbook, practice book, and CD)

**NCAA approved