AP Calculus AB FRQ Form B Solutions: A Comprehensive Guide
The AP Calculus AB Free Response Questions (FRQ) Form B is a challenging exam that tests students' knowledge and understanding of calculus concepts. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to solving the 2004 AP Calculus AB FRQ Form B, including step-by-step solutions and explanations.
Understanding the Exam Format
The AP Calculus AB FRQ Form B exam consists of six questions, each designed to test different aspects of calculus. The exam is divided into two sections: Section I, which contains four questions, and Section II, which contains two questions. Students have 90 minutes to complete the exam.
Section I: Multiple-Choice Questions
Section I consists of four multiple-choice questions, each worth 3 points. The questions cover a range of topics, including limits, derivatives, and integrals.
Solution to Question 1
Question 1: If f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 3, find f'(2).
Step-by-step solution:
- Use the power rule to find the derivative of f(x). f'(x) = d/dx (x^2 - 4x + 3) = 2x - 4
- Evaluate f'(2) by substituting x = 2 into the derivative. f'(2) = 2(2) - 4 = 0
Solution to Question 2
Question 2: Find the area under the curve y = x^2 from x = 0 to x = 4.
Step-by-step solution:
- Use the definite integral to find the area under the curve. ∫[0,4] x^2 dx = (1/3)x^3 | [0,4] = (1/3)(4^3) - (1/3)(0^3) = 64/3
- Evaluate the definite integral to find the final answer. The area under the curve is 64/3.
Solution to Question 3
Question 3: Find the equation of the tangent line to the curve y = x^3 at the point (2, 8).
Step-by-step solution:
- Use the point-slope form to find the equation of the tangent line. y - 8 = m(x - 2)
- Find the slope of the tangent line by finding the derivative of y = x^3. dy/dx = 3x^2
- Evaluate the derivative at x = 2 to find the slope. m = 3(2)^2 = 12
- Substitute the slope into the point-slope form to find the equation of the tangent line. y - 8 = 12(x - 2)
Solution to Question 4
Question 4: Find the limit as x approaches infinity of (2x^2 + 3x) / (x^2 + 1).
Step-by-step solution:
- Use the limit laws to simplify the expression. lim (x→∞) (2x^2 + 3x) / (x^2 + 1) = lim (x→∞) (2 + 3/x) / (1 + 1/x^2)
- Evaluate the limit by substituting x = ∞ into the simplified expression. lim (x→∞) (2 + 3/x) / (1 + 1/x^2) = 2 / 1 = 2
Section II: Free-Response Questions
Section II consists of two free-response questions, each worth 9 points. The questions cover a range of topics, including optimization problems and parametric equations.
Question 5
Question 5: A cylindrical can is to be designed to hold 1000 cubic centimeters of volume. Find the dimensions of the can that will minimize the surface area.
Step-by-step solution:
- Use the volume formula to express the height of the can in terms of the radius. V = πr^2h 1000 = πr^2h h = 1000 / (πr^2)
- Use the surface area formula to express the surface area in terms of the radius. A = 2πrh + 2πr^2 A = 2πr(1000 / (πr^2)) + 2πr^2 A = 2000/r + 2πr^2
- Find the critical points of the surface area function by taking the derivative and setting it equal to zero. dA/dr = -2000/r^2 + 4πr 0 = -2000/r^2 + 4πr 2000/r^2 = 4πr r^3 = 500 / π r = (500 / π)^(1/3)
- Evaluate the second derivative to determine the nature of the critical point. d^2A/dr^2 = 4000/r^3 + 4π
0 for r = (500 / π)^(1/3) The critical point corresponds to a minimum.
Solution to Question 6
Question 6: A particle moves along the x-axis according to the equation x(t) = t^3 - 2t^2 + t + 1, where x is the position of the particle at time t. Find the velocity and acceleration of the particle at time t = 2.
Step-by-step solution:
- Use the definition of velocity to find the velocity function. v(t) = dx/dt = d/dt (t^3 - 2t^2 + t + 1) = 3t^2 - 4t + 1
- Evaluate the velocity function at t = 2 to find the velocity. v(2) = 3(2)^2 - 4(2) + 1 = 12 - 8 + 1 = 5
- Use the definition of acceleration to find the acceleration function. a(t) = dv/dt = d/dt (3t^2 - 4t + 1) = 6t - 4
- Evaluate the acceleration function at t = 2 to find the acceleration. a(2) = 6(2) - 4 = 12 - 4 = 8
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2004 AP Calculus AB FRQ Form B exam requires students to apply their knowledge of calculus concepts to solve a variety of problems. By following the step-by-step solutions provided in this guide, students can improve their understanding of the material and develop the skills needed to succeed on the exam.
What is the AP Calculus AB FRQ Form B exam?
+The AP Calculus AB FRQ Form B exam is a free-response exam that tests students' knowledge of calculus concepts, including limits, derivatives, and integrals.
What is the format of the AP Calculus AB FRQ Form B exam?
+The exam consists of six questions, divided into two sections: Section I, which contains four multiple-choice questions, and Section II, which contains two free-response questions.
How can I prepare for the AP Calculus AB FRQ Form B exam?
+To prepare for the exam, students should review the calculus concepts covered on the exam, practice solving problems, and use study guides and online resources to help them prepare.