CalculusAB
Bacharach, 2013-14
Tests: 50%
Usually one at the end of each chapter though sometimes two during a longer chapter. Each semester, your lowest test score will be replaced by the average of that score with the final exam.
Quizzes: 15%
Usually one or two per chapter. Some will be announced, some unannounced (if I forget to announce them).
Homework: 10%/15% (sem.1/sem.2)
Complete homework using a pencil. Please put name, date, class, and period in the upper right-hand corner and the specific assignment at the top. Homework will be corrected each class period but checked in packets of assignments, usually on test days. Each assignment is worth 0, 1, or 2 points.
Projects: 5%
The project consists of an oral presentation to the class on a mathematical topic of your choice (which must be cleared with me) as well as a visual representation of the material such as a PowerPoint presentation, poster, or video. I will give out a more detailed rubric later in the semester. Presentations occur before Thanksgiving and after AP tests.
Final Exam: 20%/15% (sem.1/sem.2)
The finals are comprehensive. Set aside ample time to study. We will dedicate two or three class days to preparation.
Course Overview
CalculusAB is at the same time the synthesis and end of all high school mathematics and the beginning and gateway to most higher mathematics. Before getting into calculus we will spend a few days reviewing some key math analysis topics. We then go on to some introductory calculus topics concerning limits and differentiation, the building blocks of calculus, before we proceed to integration. A clear understanding of the material will not come about through only either a symbolic, mechanical, graphical, or numerical mastering of the concepts - you will need to be proficient in all these ways in order to achieve the most success out of the course. You will also need to be adept at using your graphing calculator; that instruction is not covered in the book, so you must ask me or a classmate if there is an operation you do not understand.
Class time will consist mostly of lecture, group work, and individual work. Your contribution to a positive learning environment is welcome and necessary. Counter-productive behavior is not. Come to class prepared to ask intelligent questions. Read the sections that we will cover before arriving so that the material is familiar to you. I encourage you to work with your classmates outside of class to study for tests and complete problem sets.
A Word of Warning
This is an honors level course (and college level course), and the first honors level math course for many of you. I will expect a more consistent and rigorous effort than almost all of you are accustomed to. I don’t design the course specifically to be difficult; I design the course to help you pass the AP test, which is a difficult, comprehensive test.
Make no mistake about it: your taking and passing the AP test is VERY important to me; I expect everyone to place the same emphasis on it as I do.
Please no food or drink except water, and take a pass and ask me before you leave the room during class.
I will be available for help every day during support period. There are also tutoring programs in M-10 and at the library. Ask at those places for open hours.
Webpage
From my webpage ( you can find many resources, including recorded lectures of most lessons, course notes, hand outs, homework assignments, extra credit worksheets, access to grades, as well as other items.
Materials
TI-84, 83, or 82 graphing calculator (TI-89 may not be allowed on some tests), spiral notebook for notes and in-class work, textbook, pencils, computer with internet access, a printer, MS Word, MS Excel, and Adobe Reader
Absences
If your absence is excused, you should make up any work as soon as you can upon your return. If the absence is unexcused, you will receive no credit for work missed. If you miss a quiz, I will either count others more in your grades or have you make it up.
CalculusAB Syllabus
Math Analysis Review
Limits and an Introduction to Calculus
Introduction to limits and how to evaluate them
The tangent line problem; limits at infinity and limits of sequences; the area problem
Differentiation and all the rules that go with it
Applications of Differentiation
Derivatives and curve sketching
Differentials and error analysis
Optimization
Integration
Antiderivatives and Indefinite Integrals
Area and Riemann Sums
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
Integration by Substitution and Numerical Integration
Logarithmic, Exponential, and Other Functions
Differentiation
Integration
Differential Equations
Inverse Trig Functions
Applications of Integration
Area between Two Curves
Solids of Revolutions