2008 Summer AP Calculus

AP Calculus AB

To:  All students enrolled in AP Calculus AB for the school year 2008-2009
From:  Mr. Topel

            Going into AP calculus, there are certain skills that have been taught to you over the previous years that are assumed that you have mastered.  If you do not have these skills, you will find that you will consistently get problems incorrect next year, even though you understand the calculus concepts.  It is frustrating for students when they are tripped up by the algebra and not the calculus.  This summer packet is intended for you to brush up and possibly relearn these topics.

            It is assumed that you have basic skills in algebra.  Being able to solve equations, work with algebraic expressions, and basic factoring, for example, should now be a part of you.  If not, you would not be going into AP calculus.  The topics covered in the packet are skills that are used continually in AP calculus.

            The attached summer packet is for all students enrolled in AP Calculus AB in the fall.  This packet will be collected on the first day of school and you will be tested on its contents.  Show all work and check your solutions so that you can focus on refreshing the skills that you are lacking.  Use the listed websites if and when you are unsure of how to work out any problems.  Don’t fake your way through these problems.  As stated, students are notoriously weak in them, even students who have achieved well prior to AP calculus.  Use the websites.

            This packet is intended to get you off to a good start in AP calculus, and as stated earlier, you will be tested on this material at the start of the course in the fall.  Spend some quality time with this packet this summer.  Do not rely on a calculator.  Half of the AP exam is done without a calculator.  It is a mistake to complete this immediately after school lets out for the summer.  Let it go until midsummer.  The idea is that these techniques are fresh in your mind at the start of the course in the fall.  Likewise, it is a mistake to wait until the last minute to complete this as well.  These problems do take time.

            If you have questions about any of these problems or techniques used in solving them, you may contact Mr. Topel at btopel@kusd.edu

Have a great summer!

Summer Assignment Word Document: AP Calculus Summer Assignment 2008.doc

Summer Assignment PDF Document: AP Calculus Summer Assignment 2008.pdf

Summer Answer Sheet PDF Document: AP Calculus Summer Answer Sheet 2008.pdf