Welcome to AP Precalculus!

You're probably here wondering: what makes AP Precalculus different from our old Honors Precalculus? Our biggest difference is going to be an increased emphasis on free response questions (as, like AP Calculus and Statistics, half of the exam is a free response section), critical thinking, and covariation. There are not many new topics, but we'll be diving into our topics a little more deeply than we did in honors precalculus.

This course is intended for both students planning to go on to AP Calculus BC and those who are merely interested in a challenge and some college credit (note that the AP exam will give students the same credit as dual enrollment offers, but cheaper! Hamilton also offers regular precalculus dual enrollment for those interested in that)

And even if you aren't interested in college credit or future AP classes, this course should help you deepen your understanding of mathematics, strengthen your problem-solving skills, and see uses for math all around you.

Materials Needed

You probably came to this page wondering what materials you need for class. You'll need to bring:

1. A notebook specifically for our class, or with a designated space for us. You need to be able to quickly access your daily homework in order as needed (so you might need to be able to display homework from two days ago, and then back to the current homework quickly).'
2. A graphing calculator. If you already have one you should be fine to keep using it, but I strongly recommend a TI calculator. If you are buying a new calculator, I would recommend a TI-Nspire CX (from ebay, where you should be able to get one between $50-70). The TI-Nspire CX has a few advantages if you are using it on future AP exams, and the CX is usable on the ACT as well. Don't buy the TI-Nspire CAS as it is not usable on the ACT and therefore not recommended at Hamilton. We will have a few TI-84's in class if you forget your calculator, but ideally have your own so that you can use it at home too.
3. Writing utensils: pencils or dark colored pens and red or other colored pens (for corrections).
4. You! Come prepared to think, talk, and maybe even occasionally smile.

Grades

The second most common question asked is about grades. First answer: you will indeed get them. You will regularly receive grades and should be able to see them at all times on infinite campus. Each quarter will be made up of:

• 15% Assignments
• 85% Assessments

Office Hours.

Weekday mornings, 6:45 - 7:20 am or by appointment. Everyone is encouraged to come to office hours to seek help with homework problems or discuss concepts from class—remember, math is cumulative so be sure that if you need help to get it as soon as possible! No appointments are necessary for this time, simply drop by room M5 and I'll be here.

What to Expect When You're Expecting (an AP Test).

The last thing people tend to come to websites for: information about what to do once the AP day arrives (and when is the AP day for this test again?). Our test will be in the morning on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

What to bring.

1. Two sharpened #2 pencils (for the multiple choice).
2. Two pens with dark blue or black ink (for the free response).
3. Graphing calculator.
   • You may also bring a second calculator, such as a scientific calculator if you are faster with that for basic computations.
   • Charge it the night before or bring extra batteries (just in case!)
4. Current photo ID (school or drivers license both work).
5. A bagged snack. Sustenance is important to doing your best!

When to check in.

Please be at the testing site (most likely the church across from our school) at 7:30am on May 13. This is a good time to quiz each other one last time and check your notes (but make sure all materials are left outside the exam room!) before the exam begins. Proctors will check your ID and calculator as you enter.

Do not bring anything else with you

including book bags, personal electronics, etc. None of them can enter the test room. You can leave them with me ahead of time and I'll keep them in my classroom, or they have to sit outside the test room because they cannot enter.

Good luck!