Introduction: Why the Multiple Choice Section Matters
The AP Calculus AB and BC multiple choice section makes up 50% of your exam score. With 45 questions in 105 minutes, it tests not only your knowledge of calculus concepts but also your speed, accuracy, and endurance.
Many students struggle here—not because they don’t know the math, but because they waste time, fall for traps, or panic under pressure. This guide shows you how to approach multiple choice questions effectively, with strategies to maximize your score and practice resources from RevisionDojo to ensure you’re prepared.
Structure of the AP Calculus Multiple Choice Section
- Part A: 30 questions, no calculator, 60 minutes.
- Part B: 15 questions, calculator allowed, 45 minutes.
Every question is worth the same, but the approach changes depending on whether you have a calculator.
Core Strategies for Multiple Choice Success
1. Master Time Management
- Spend no more than 2 minutes per question.
- If stuck, mark and move on—you can come back later.
- Remember: unanswered = wrong, so guess if needed.
2. Read the Entire Question Carefully
AP loves to hide small details like “value of the derivative at x = 2” vs “slope of tangent at x = 2.” Always underline what is being asked.
3. Eliminate Wrong Answers Strategically
Even if you don’t know the full solution, eliminate obviously wrong choices. This raises your odds when guessing.
4. Be Calculator Smart
In Part B, don’t just plug into the calculator blindly. Use it as a tool for approximation and graphing, not a crutch.
5. Prioritize Easy Points
Not all questions are equally hard. Don’t get stuck on a problem worth the same as an easier one. Sweep up the easy wins first.
Types of Multiple Choice Questions and How to Handle Them
Derivatives and Tangents
- Common task: Find slope of tangent or rate of change.
- Strategy: Differentiate quickly, plug in, simplify.
- Trap: Forgetting the chain rule.
Integrals and Areas
- Common task: Evaluate definite integrals.
- Strategy: Set up correctly; if no calculator, look for substitution.
- Trap: Dropping the constant of integration (not needed in definite integrals).
Limits and Continuity
- Common task: Evaluate tricky limits.
- Strategy: Try substitution → simplify algebraically → apply L’Hôpital’s rule if needed.
- Trap: Forgetting one-sided limits when piecewise functions are involved.
Series and Sequences (BC only)
- Common task: Convergence/divergence, Taylor series.
- Strategy: Identify test (Ratio, Alternating Series, etc.) fast.
- Trap: Confusing absolute vs conditional convergence.
Parametric, Polar, and Vector Questions
- Common task: Slope, arc length, or area.
- Strategy: Recall the correct formula immediately.
- Trap: Using the wrong arc length formula (parametric vs polar).
Practice Problem Walkthroughs
Problem 1
If f(x) = x³ - 6x² + 9x, what is the slope of the tangent line at x = 3?
Solution:
- Differentiate:
f’(x) = 3x² - 12x + 9. - Plug in
x = 3:f’(3) = 27 - 36 + 9 = 0. - Answer: slope = 0.
Problem 2
Evaluate ∫₀^2 (3x² + 4x) dx.
Solution:
- Antiderivative:
x³ + 2x². - Plug in limits:
(8 + 8) - (0) = 16. - Answer: 16.
Problem 3 (BC)
Does the series ∑ (1/n²) converge?
Solution:
Yes, by the p-test with p = 2 > 1.
- Answer: Converges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing through easy questions and misreading.
- Forgetting calculator restrictions in Part A.
- Not checking units in rate problems.
- Overthinking instead of trusting basic calculus skills.
The Best Way to Prepare: RevisionDojo
The most effective prep comes from practicing realistic AP-style multiple choice questions. That’s where RevisionDojo comes in.
- Exam-like multiple choice sets for both AB and BC.
- Timed practice tools to train speed and accuracy.
- Step-by-step explanations so you learn from mistakes.
- Topic breakdowns so you can focus on weak spots.
RevisionDojo is built specifically for students aiming for a 5—without wasting hours on low-quality resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Should I guess if I don’t know the answer?
Yes—there’s no penalty for wrong answers. Always guess.
Q2: How many questions should I aim to get right for a 5?
Roughly 65–70% overall, but aim higher for safety.
Q3: Which part is harder: no calculator or calculator?
Most students find Part A (no calculator) harder because it tests algebraic manipulation.
Q4: Should I memorize derivative/integral rules?
Absolutely. The more automatic your recall, the faster you’ll solve.
Q5: Where can I get the best practice questions?
RevisionDojo offers curated AP Calculus multiple choice sets designed to mirror the exam.
Conclusion: Your Path to Multiple Choice Success
Mastering the AP Calculus multiple choice section isn’t just about math—it’s about strategy, time management, and smart practice.
By learning how to:
- Eliminate answers,
- Manage time effectively,
- Recognize common problem types,
—you’ll give yourself the best chance to maximize your score.
And the best way to practice is with RevisionDojo’s AP Calculus multiple choice prep, which gives you the tools, strategies, and confidence to crush this section and move one step closer to a 5 on the exam.
