Congratulations on being enrolled in AP Calculus! The 2010/2011 school year will be starting soon, and I want to make sure you are ready to succeed. Here is some of what you can expect:

  • You will be supplied with a TI-89 Titanium Calculator with 4 AAA batteries.
  • This is an advanced graphing calculator with functionality far beyond the TI-84.
  • You will need to replace the batteries once during the year.
  • A Notebook with graph paper is highly recommended.
  • We will solve problems and complete homework using our Textbook primarily (Calculus of a Single Variable Eighth Edition ,Ron Larson (Author), Robert P. Hostetler (Author), Bruce H. Edwards (Author)).
  • As a Supplement, we will also complete problems and practice tests from Cracking the AP Calculus AB & BC Exams, 2010 Edition (College Test Preparation).
  • AP Exams from previous years are available online at collegeboard.com.
  • Many of the concepts in Calculus can be understood graphically. There are free graphing programs available on the Internet (such as Winplot). I use Converge 9 in class for demonstrations.

There have been numerous indicators that mathematics ability decreases during the summer months. In order to mitigate this phenomena, I have listed some skills and examples for you to review prior to our first day of the new school year.

  • Be able to graph MANY types of functions (linear, quadratic, third order, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, root, and rational)
  • Be able to find the equation of a line given a point and a slope
  • Be able to find the equation of a line given two points
  • Be able to simplify exponential expressions
  • Be able to simplify rational expressions via factoring and long division
  • Be able to find areas or triangles, rectangles, circles and trapezoids
  • Be able to find volumes or cubes, cylinders, cones and spheres
  • Be able to identify odd and even functions
  • Be able to find sine, cosine, and tangent of 0, π/6, π/4, π/3, π/2, π

Do not worry if you have forgotten some of these mathematics skills. We will do some review of all the above. However, being comfortable with the above will provide a definite advantage when learning calculus. I have included some sample problems. Please attempt to complete them before our first class and bring them with you to class (use a separate sheet of paper if needed).

Sincerely,

Mr. Tintorer

  1. Write the equation of a line with a slope of 4 that passes through point (2,6)

[No Calculator]

  1. Write an equation of a line with a slope of 3.14 that passes through point (5.765, -0.125)

[Use Calculator]

  1. Graph a sketch of [attempt without a calculator first and then with a calculator]
  1. Graph a sketch of [attempt withouta calculator first and then with a calculator]
  1. Simplify
  1. Find the volume of a cone with height of 12cm and radius of 7cm
  1. Is y = x3 odd or even? Explain why.
  1. Find Sin(π/3)[No Calculator]

To the parents/guardians:

AP Calculus is a rigorous mathematics course taught at the college level in preparation for obtaining college credit. In order to succeed, students must make their best effort to attend every class and attempt every homework problem. Notes will be rarely checked, yet it is the expectation that students record diligent notes every class. Extra Credit may be given for exceptional notes (reproduction quality). Homework[1] will be assigned every class and checked a few times a week. Students should attempt all assignments, check their results with the answers at the back of the book and seek help when needed.

It is also recommended, but not required, that AP Calculus students volunteer to provide peer tutoring in Algebra 2 and Precalculus. Not only will this be of benefit to their peers, but will also improve their own skills in these areas.

Grading in AP Calculus will be determined primarily from Test and Quiz scores with a small percentage coming from homework and participation. Practice AP exams will be scaled to reflect 88-94 for AP 4 equivalent and 95-100 for AP 5 equivalent.

If there are any questions I can be contacted at .

Sincerely,

Marc Tintorer

[1] Homework assignments will be listed at and can also be reached via