AP Precalculus
Learn all about the course and exam, launching in 2023-24.
Learn all about the course and exam, launching in 2023-24.
Go to AP Central for resources for teachers, administrators, and coordinators.
Taking AP Precalculus prepares you for other college-level mathematics and science courses. During the course, you’ll explore everyday situations using mathematical tools and lenses. You’ll also develop an understanding of modeling and functions, and examine scenarios through multiple representations. The course framework outlines content and skills needed for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health science, social science, and data science.
The first administration of the AP Precalculus Exam will be in May 2024. The 2024 AP Exam schedule will be available later this year.
Algebraically manipulating functions, equations, and expressions
Translating mathematical information between representations
Communicating with precise language, and providing rationales for conclusions
A college precalculus course or a college algebra with trigonometry course.
You should have successfully completed introductory algebra and geometry courses. In particular, you should be able to demonstrate proficiency with linear functions, polynomial addition and multiplication, factoring quadratic trinomials, using the quadratic formula, solving right triangle problems involving trigonometry, solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, algebraic manipulation of linear equations and expressions, and solving systems of equations in two and three variables. You should also be familiar with piecewise-defined functions, exponential functions and rules for exponents, radicals (e.g., square roots, cube roots), and complex numbers.
The course content outlined below is organized into commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. Your teacher may choose to organize the course content differently based on local priorities and preferences.
You’ll expand your understanding of polynomial and rational functions through the lenses of modeling and various rates of change.
Topics may include:
30%–40% of multiple-choice section score
You’ll deepen your understanding of inverses by exploring the relationship between exponential and logarithmic functions.
Topics may include:
27%–40% of multiple-choice section score
You’ll model and explore periodic phenomena using transformations of trigonometric functions.
Topics may include:
30%–35% of multiple-choice section score
You’ll expand your understanding of the function concept by exploring a variety of new function types.
Topics may include:
Not Assessed on the AP Exam
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AP Precalculus Course and Exam Description
This is the core document for the course. It clearly lays out the course content and describes the exam and AP Program in general.
AP Precalculus can lead to a wide range of careers and college majors