The Complete Guide to AP Precalculus Exam [Updated for AP 2024 Exam]

• The AP Precalculus course covers the major concepts in precalculus, including functions, trigonometry, exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices, analytic geometry, sequences and series, and limits and continuity.
• The AP Precalculus exam is divided into two sections: Section I multiple-choice (40 questions, 2 hours) and Section II free-response (4 questions, 1 hour).
• With AP Precalculus, some majors that you could choose include mathematics, computer science, engineering, physics, and other STEM fields. Some of the career pathways that you could pursue include mathematician, engineer, computer scientist, data scientist, and physicist.

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AP Precalculus is a college-level mathematics course that prepares students for calculus and other advanced mathematics courses. It was launched in the fall of 2023 by the College Board.

The course covers a wide range of topics, including functions and their graphs, trigonometry, exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices, analytic geometry, sequences and series, and limits and continuity.

AP Precalculus is a challenging course, but it is also very rewarding. Students who take AP Precalculus develop strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in STEM fields. They also learn how to apply mathematics to real-world problems.

If you are interested in a career in mathematics, engineering, computer science, or other STEM fields, AP Precalculus is an excellent course to take. It will give you the foundation you need to succeed in these fields.

What is on the AP Precalculus exam?

The exam is divided into two sections: multiple-choice and free-response. The multiple-choice section contains 40 questions and is worth 63% of the total score. The free-response section contains 4 questions and is worth 37% of the total score.

The multiple-choice questions are designed to assess students’ understanding of the basic concepts of precalculus. The free-response questions are more challenging and require students to apply their knowledge to solve problems.

The AP Precalculus Exam format includes two sections as below:

Section	No. of questions	Time allocated to  each section	Weightage
Multiple-choice  questionsPart A	28 questions	1 hour 20minutes	44%
Part B	12 Questions	40 minutes	19%
Free Response Part A	2 questions	30 minutes	19%
Part B	2 questions	30 minutes	19%

Now let’s understand everything about the AP Precalculus exam like duration, structure, score distribution, etc.

How long is the AP Precalculus exam?

The AP Precalculus exam is 3 hours long and is divided into two sections:

• Section I: Multiple-choice (40 questions, 2 hours)
• Section II: Free-response (4 questions, 1 hour)

The AP Precalculus Exam will test your understanding of the precalculus concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to solve problems using mathematical modeling, algebra, trigonometry, and analytic geometry.

The multiple-choice section of the exam is worth 63% of your total score, and the free-response section is worth 37% of your total score.

The AP Precalculus Exam is a challenging but rewarding exam that can help you develop a deeper understanding of mathematics. If you are interested in mathematics, engineering, computer science, or other STEM fields, then AP Precalculus is a great course to consider.

How many questions does the AP Precalculus exam have?

The AP Precalculus exam has 44 questions in total divided into two major sections; 40 multiple-choice questions and 4 free-response questions.

Topics for AP Precalculus Reviews

AP Precalculus is a rigorous course that covers the core concepts, theories, and processes that shape the behavior of functions, trigonometric functions, and other mathematical concepts. Students will do hands-on activities and projects to investigate mathematical phenomena.

Unit	What’s included	Weight in exam
Unit 1: Polynomial and Rational Functions You’ll expand your understanding of polynomial and rational functions through the lenses of modeling and various rates of change.	-Describing how quantities change with respect to each other -Describing the end behavior of polynomial and rational functions -Identifying asymptotes of and holes in the graphs of rational functions -Modeling aspects of scenarios using polynomial and rational functions -Identifying assumptions and limitations of function models	30%–40%
Unit 2: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions You’ll deepen your understanding of inverses by exploring the relationship between exponential and logarithmic functions.	-Relating geometric sequences and exponential functions -Modeling data sets with exponential functions -Composing functions and finding inverses -Modeling scenarios with logarithmic functions -Validating a function model using a residual plot	27%–40%
Unit 3: Trigonometric and Polar Functions You’ll model and explore periodic phenomena using transformations of trigonometric functions.	-Relating right triangle trigonometry to the sine, cosine, and tangent functions -Modeling data and scenarios with sinusoidal functions -Using inverse trigonometric functions to solve trigonometric equations -Graphing functions using polar coordinates -Describing how angles and radii change with respect to each other in a polar graph	30%–35%
Unit 4: Functions Involving Parameters, Vectors, and Matrices You’ll expand your understanding of the function concept by exploring a variety of new function types.	-Describing how quantities change with respect to each other in a parametric function -Graphing conic sections using implicitly defined functions and parametric functions -Using vectors to describe motion of an object -Describing the impact of a transformation matrix on a graphical object -Modeling change in a context using matrices	Not Assessed on the AP Exam

For additional course resources such as classroom resources, formulae and equation sheet,s and lab manuals, refer to the College Board AP Precalculus course page.

How is the AP Precalculus exam scored?

The AP Precalculus exam is divided into two sections:

• Section I: Multiple-choice (40 questions, 2 hours)
• Section II: Free-response (4 questions, 1 hour)

After the exam, the raw scores for each section are converted into scaled scores ranging from 1 to 5, according to a method that considers the exam’s complexity. The final step is to sum the results to determine the student’s final AP Precalculus exam score.

Multiple-choice:

• You will get 1 point for each multiple-choice question you answer correctly. There are no point deductions for incorrect answers.

Free-response:

• Points are allotted for clearly and thoroughly answering each part of the question. The four free-response questions are each worth 12.5 points. Each free-response question has an equal bearing on your overall score.
• The multiple-choice and free-response sections are each worth 50% of your score.
• Your free-response score is scaled accordingly and added to your multiple-choice score to arrive at a scaled AP score that is then converted to a final score on the 1-5 AP scale.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about how the AP Precalculus exam is scored:

• The College Board does not release the exact conversion chart between raw scores and scaled scores. This is done to prevent students from gaming the system.
• The difficulty of the AP Precalculus exam can vary from year to year. This means that the same raw score may correspond to a different scaled score in different years.

When is the AP Precalculus exam in 2024?

The AP Precalculus exam for 2024 will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024 12:00 pm local time. The 2024 AP Exams will be held over two weeks in May: May 6–10 and May 13–17. 

For the most recent information on exam dates and registration deadlines, students can check with their institution or the College Board website.

How to prepare for the AP Precalculus exam?

• Pay attention to the graphs and charts in your textbook. These can be a great way to visualize the concepts that you’re learning.
• Learn the different functions and their graphs. This is an important part of AP Precalculus, and it will come up on the exam.
• Be familiar with the different trigonometric functions and their graphs. This is another important topic in AP Precalculus, and it will also come up on the exam.
• Practice answering multiple-choice questions. The AP Precalculus exam includes a multiple-choice section. Practicing answering multiple-choice questions will help you to improve your test-taking skills and prepare for the exam.
• Practice solving problems using a graphing calculator. The AP Precalculus exam allows you to use a graphing calculator, so it is important to be familiar with how to use it.
• Take practice exams. There are many practice exams available online and in books. Taking practice exams will help you to get used to the format of the exam and the types of questions that are asked.

How can Wiingy help with AP Precalculus exam prep?

The AP Precalculus exam is a rigorous exam that tests students on their knowledge of functions, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and other topics. It is important to prepare for the exam well if you want to score a high score.

While 3 is considered the unofficial passing rate, most elite universities, such as Harvard or Princeton, offer AP credit only if you score 5 or higher. 

Getting a 5 is possible if you have the right support in your high school, but that’s rarely the case.

Unlike tutor marketplaces, every Wiingy tutor is screened individually and undergoes a comprehensive assessment.

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Our tutors will work with you 1-on-1 to master the content and skills you need to succeed.

Experienced tutors can provide you with curriculum-specific guides and practice questions and familiarize you with the exam format to help you ace the test.

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Book a Free Trial Lesson with Wiingy AP Precalculus Tutor today and achieve your goal of scoring a 5 on your AP Test

Why take AP Precalculus?

Here are some reasons why taking the AP Precalculus exam can be beneficial for students:

• College credit: Depending on your score and the policies of the college you plan to attend, a high score on the AP Precalculus exam can earn you college credit. This can save you time and money on tuition costs, as you may be able to skip introductory precalculus courses in college. You can major in Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or other STEM fields.
• Advanced Placement: In addition to college credit, a high score on the AP Precalculus exam can also earn you advanced placement in higher-level precalculus courses in college. This can give you a head start and allow you to take more advanced courses earlier in your college career.
• Career prospects: Taking the AP Precalculus exam and earning a high score demonstrates to colleges and future employers that you have mastered college-level precalculus concepts and skills. This can be an impressive addition to your college application or resume if you are looking to make your career as a Mathematician, Engineer, Computer Scientist, or Data Scientist.
• Interest in precalculus: Finally, taking the AP Precalculus exam can be a way to pursue your interest in precalculus and deepen your understanding of mathematics. By exploring advanced precalculus concepts and practicing problem-solving skills, you can gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and power of mathematics.

Conclusion

Students who are interested in majoring in mathematics, computer science, engineering, or other STEM fields will find the skills learned in AP Precalculus to be essential. Additionally, the skills learned in this course can be applied to a wide range of careers, such as data science, finance, and research.

The AP Precalculus exam is divided into two sections: multiple-choice (40 questions, 2 hours) and free-response (4 questions, 1 hour).

The AP Precalculus exam is challenging, but it is also rewarding. By learning about the different functions and their graphs, and by applying your problem-solving skills, you can gain a deeper understanding of mathematics.