AP Precalculus
A rigorous preparation for calculus centered on functions: polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric function families and their modeling applications.
Difficulty
Challenging
Popularity
76%
Past questions
3
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May, annually
3 hours
1–5 scale
3 = qualified | 4–5 = well qualified for college credit
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section I — Multiple Choice | 2 hours | 40 questionsPart A no calculator (28 Qs); Part B graphing calculator (12 Qs) | 62.5% |
| Section II — Free Response | 1 hour | 4 questions2 with calculator, 2 without | 37.5% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Demanding
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
After solving a problem, check your answer by substitution or estimation to catch sign and arithmetic errors.
- 2
Do practice problems every day — math is learned by doing, not by re-reading notes.
- 3
Keep an error log: write down every mistake, why it happened, and redo the problem a week later.
- 4
Use the free official past FRQs on the College Board website and score yourself with the actual rubrics.
- 5
Pace the multiple-choice section: flag hard questions and return later — every question is worth the same point.
Past Exam Questions
Define the key terms involved in Polynomial & Rational Functions and state any formula or rule you would use, explaining what each symbol represents.
A problem involves Exponential & Logarithmic Functions. Set it up carefully, solve it showing every step of your working, and check that your answer is reasonable.
Prove or justify a general result relating to Trigonometric & Polar Functions, then apply it to a specific case and interpret what the result means in context.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Skipping steps in working, which throws away method marks when the final answer is wrong.
- ✕
Not sanity-checking answers for reasonableness (wrong units, impossible magnitudes, extraneous solutions).
- ✕
Dropping negative signs and misapplying the order of operations under time pressure.
Official Resources
Free, official study material for AP Precalculus — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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