AP Calculus BC

AP Calculus BC is a full-year single-period Advanced Placement course that teaches the calculus of functions of a single variable, typically learned in the first year of college. The course material includes all of the topics taught in AP Calculus AB along with other topics, one of the largest being series.

Curriculum
The curriculum begins with a discussion of functions and graphs, specifically in regard to limits and continuity. Students are then presented with the concept of the derivative at a point and the derivative as a function as well as techniques and rules for calculating derivatives. Applications of the derivative are then explained. The anti-derivatives and integral are introduced along with various methods for obtaining numerical approximations for integrals. Properties and applications of the integral are discussed, with a large discussion of its use for finding volumes of figures formed by rotating curves about the x and y axes. After volume, the derivatives and anti-derivatives of ex and the natural logarithm are introduced and used with concepts students have already learned.

The spring term begins with more techniques of integration. Differentials are further discussed after their previous brief mention. The last topic, and the one found most difficult due to its counterintuitiveness, is series. Students are taught how to discern convergent and divergent series. Taylor series and polynomial approximations by using series are the last topic before the AP exam. After the students take the AP exam in May, hyperbolic functions are discussed.

Ms. Avigdor
Ms. Avigdor's class and teaching style are efficient and structured. There isn't a single idle moment during class time. Each session will consist of a do-now, lesson, and thorough review of homework. The lessons are relatively straightforward, consistent, and traditional. Most students call her class challenging but fair.

Grading policy
Grade is determined by dividing the total number of points you have earned by the total possible points and multiplying by 100. The possible points for each kind of assessment are listed as follows: Participation and extra credit assignments also contribute.
 * Tests &mdash; 100 points
 * Final &mdash; 100 points, counting as one or two exams
 * Quests &mdash; 20–25 points
 * Quizzes &mdash; 10–25 points
 * Group work &mdash; 10–30 points

Mr. Cocoros
Mr. Jim Cocoros is generally considered both an informative and fun teacher. He often uses mnemonic devices and self invented terminology (i.e. "pothole" to refer to a discontinuity), rather than traditional mathematical terminology. Many students benefit from this style of teaching and find his tests relatively easy.

Mr. Cocoros often begins the lesson with a do now, during which he often plays a topical song from his iPod. He also generally has an aim, which is usually a pun on the day's lesson. He usually then goes into a more traditional lecture on the day's topic, though he punctuates it with questions for the class, practice problems, and his trademark humor. Homework is assigned practically nightly, and is relatively substantial (about 10-20 problems a night). Homework is collected before class in boxes placed outside the math office. This allows him to check the homework and return it during class, which is helpful when homework is reviewed during class.

Mr. Cocoros is known for covering the AP curriculum more slowly than other teachers. He often finishes the material on the day before the AP test. He recognizes this fact and often jokes about it. This is in part caused by his choice to cover a number of proofs not on the AP curriculum. He also takes a number of days off in the fall to write college recommendations, delaying the curriculum.

Ms. Pascu
Ms. Pascu is currently on a leave of absence.

AP exam
Students who take AP Calculus BC are expected to take the AP exam in May. The topics and skills tested on the exam are outlined on the CollegeBoard course topic outline site:

The test consists of two sections. Section I contains two sets of multiple choice questions: Part A consists of 28 questions in 55 minutes, during which calculators aren't allowed, and Part B consists of 17 questions in 50 minutes, in which calculators are allowed. Section II contains two sets of free-response questions: Part A contains 3 questions to be done in 45 minutes with a graphing calculator; Part B also contains 3 questions to be done in 45 minutes, but without a calculator. During Part B, you may go back to Part A, but you may not use your calculator. Approximately 60% of the questions are shared between the AP Calculus BC exam and the AP Calculus AB exam.