BC Exam Strategies

Part 1 of 7 — Exam Structure & Time Management

AP Calculus BC Format

Time Strategy

• MC: ~2 min per question (skip and return)
• FRQ: ~15 min each (show ALL work)
• No penalty for guessing on MC

Exam Format 🎯

Key Takeaways — Part 1

Know the format. Time yourself. Show all work on FRQs.

BC Exam Strategies

Part 2 of 7 — BC-Only Topics

Topics Unique to BC (not on AB)

1. Series: Taylor, Maclaurin, Lagrange, convergence tests
2. Integration: By parts, partial fractions, improper integrals
3. Parametric/Polar/Vector: Curves, areas, arc length
4. Euler's Method (extended)
5. Logistic Growth

Scoring

BC students also receive an AB Subscore. ~60% of BC exam is AB content.

BC Topics 🎯

Key Takeaways — Part 2

Series is the biggest BC-only topic. Master AB content first—it is 60% of BC.

BC Exam Strategies

Part 3 of 7 — FRQ Strategies

The 6 FRQs Usually Cover

1. Rate/accumulation (with table or graph)
2. Particle motion or related rates
3. Area/volume
4. Differential equation (often Euler + separation)
5. Series (Taylor polynomial, error bound, interval)
6. Parametric/polar or mixed topic

Earning Points

• Show setup AND answer separately
• Label all integrals/derivatives
• Include units when given
• "Since..." justification format

FRQ Tips 🎯

Key Takeaways — Part 3

Show ALL work. Setup and answer are scored separately.

BC Exam Strategies

Part 4 of 7 — Series FRQ Strategy

Common Series FRQ Parts

(a) Write the first 4 terms and general term of the Taylor series for $f$ centered at $a$.

(b) Find the radius of convergence.

(c) Use the series to approximate $f(c)$ and bound the error.

(d) Write a new series (derivative, integral, or composition of the original).

Key: Show the Pattern

Write at least 3-4 nonzero terms AND the general term with summation notation.

Series FRQ 🎯

Key Takeaways — Part 4

Series FRQ: write terms clearly, include general term, state convergence.

BC Exam Strategies

Part 5 of 7 — Parametric & Polar FRQs

Parametric FRQ Checklist

• $dy/dx = (dy/dt)/(dx/dt)$
• Speed: $sqrt{(dx/dt)^2 + (dy/dt)^2}$
• Arc length: $int sqrt{(dx/dt)^2 + (dy/dt)^2},dt$
• Total distance vs. displacement

Polar FRQ Checklist

• Area: A = rac{1}{2}int r^2,d heta
• Find intersection: set $r_1 = r_2$ (and check pole)
• Slope: dy/dx = rac{r'sin heta + rcos heta}{r'cos heta - rsin heta}

Param/Polar 🎯

Key Takeaways — Part 5

Parametric: use $dy/dt$ and $dx/dt$. Polar: area is $(1/2)\int r^2\,d\theta$.

BC Exam Strategies

Part 6 of 7 — Common Mistakes to Avoid

Top BC Mistakes

1. Forgetting +C on indefinite integrals
2. Wrong limits on definite integrals
3. Mixing up convergence tests (apply the right test!)
4. Not checking endpoints for power series
5. Using wrong formula for polar area vs. parametric arc length
6. Not justifying over/underestimate claims
7. Dropping negative signs in alternating series

Common Mistakes 🎯

Key Takeaways — Part 6

Check signs, check endpoints, justify everything. Read questions carefully!

BC Exam Strategies — Review

Part 7 of 7 — Final Tips

Day-of Checklist

1. Bring: pencils, erasers, approved calculator (charged!)
2. Read each question FULLY before starting
3. If stuck, SKIP and return (no penalty for MC guessing)
4. FRQ: write "something" for every part—partial credit is real
5. Check your work if time permits

Final Tips 🎯

BC Exam Strategies — Complete! ✅