AP® Calc BC Tests & Practice Question Bank (QBank)
Access Includes
- 1800+ AP Calc BC Practice Questions
- Customizable Quiz Generator
- Realistic Timed Practice Exam Simulation
- Colorful Visual Explanations
- Step-by-Step Solutions
- Adjustable Smart Study Planner
- Progress Dashboard
- Smart Flashcards
Try Free AP Calculus BC Practice Questions
Question
At time t, the position of a particle moving in the xy-plane is given by the parametric equations x(t) and y(t), where and . Which of the following gives the total distance traveled by the particle over the time interval ?
A. | |
B. | |
C. | |
D. |
Explanation
The total distance traveled by a particle moving along a parametric curve on an interval is equal to the length of the parametric curve on the interval. The derivative functions are given, so substitute , , and the endpoints of the interval into the arc length formula to get = = .
Question
Which of the following gives the length of the curve defined by the parametric equations x(t) = sin t and y(t) = e2t from t = 0 to t = 3 ?
A. | |
B. | |
C. | |
D. |
Explanation
To find the integral that gives the length of the curve defined by the given parametric equations, first differentiate the given functions to find expressions for and .
The function for y is a composite function of the form eu, where u = 2t, so apply the chain rule to differentiate.
x(t) = sin t | Given parametric functions | y(t) = e2t |
Differentiate | ||
Rewrite |
Substitute the endpoints of the interval and the resulting derivatives into the arc length formula and simplify.
Parametric arc length | |
Substitute derivatives and limits of integration | |
Square terms: (e2t)2 = e2t ⋅ 2 |
Therefore, the length of the curve defined parametrically by x(t) = sin t and y(t) = e2t from t = 0 to t = 3 is given by .
Question
A particle moves in the xy-plane so that its position for is given by the parametric equations x(t) = and y(t) = . Find the total distance traveled by the particle over the time interval .
A. 0.983 | |
B. 1.517 | |
C. 1.918 | |
D. 2.089 |
Explanation
The total distance traveled by a particle moving along a parametric curve described by x(t) and y(t) on an interval is equal to the length of the parametric curve (arc length) on that interval.
The integrand in the arc length formula contains the derivatives of the parametric equations x(t) and y(t), so differentiate each given parametric equation.
The equations for x(t) and y(t) are both composite functions of the form sin u and cos u, respectively, so use the chain rule to differentiate.
Given equations | ||
Use chain rule to differentiate | ||
Simplify |
Now substitute and and the endpoints of the given interval of time and into the parametric curve length formula. Then evaluate the resulting definite integral.
Length of a parametric curve | |
Substitute derivatives and limits of integration | |
2.089 | Evaluate |
Therefore, the total distance traveled by the particle over the time interval 0 ≤ t ≤ 1 is 2.089.
(Choice A) 0.983 may result from using x(t) and y(t), instead of their derivatives, in the formula for the length of a parametric curve.
(Choice B) 1.517 may result from not squaring and in the formula for the length of a parametric curve.
(Choice C) 1.918 may result from mistakenly using the formula for the length of a non-parametric function , but the given function is parametric.
Things to remember:
The length of a parametric curve defined by x(t) and y(t) from
to
is given by:
Question
Which of the following is the result of applying the nth term test to the series ?
A. The series converges. | |
B. The series diverges. | |
C. The test is inconclusive. |
Explanation
The nth term test cannot determine if a series converges, so eliminate Choice A.
Take the limit as n approaches infinity of the general term of the given series. If the limit does not equal 0, then the series diverges. If the limit equals 0, then the test is inconclusive.
Given series | |
Take limit at ∞ of general term |
The limit at infinity of a rational function is equal to the limit of the ratio of the highest-degree terms (largest powers of n) in the numerator and denominator.
The limit of the simplified function is equal to the limit of the original function, so evaluate and determine the result of the nth term test.
Resulting limit | |
Cancel factors of n | |
1 | Evaluate limit of constant |
The limit at infinity of the general term of the given series does not equal 0, so the nth term test shows that the given series diverges.
Question
The series converges for which of the following values of p?
- p = 1
- p = 2
- p = 3
A. I only | |
B. III only | |
C. I and II | |
D. II and III |
Explanation
The given series is a p-series with exponent . A p-series converges when its exponent is greater than 1, so plug in the given values of p to determine which converge.
Of the given values, only p = 3 results in an exponent (1.5) greater than 1. Therefore, the given series converges for Equation III only.
Question
The series converges.
A. True | |
B. False |
Explanation
The terms in the given infinite series increase by 1 as n increases by 1. Therefore, the partial sums increase without bound, so the series diverges.
To verify, examine the partial sums to find a general expression for k terms and take the limit as k approaches infinity.
The partial sum of the given series for k terms is Sk = k. Calculate the limit as k approaches infinity to find the sum of the series.
Sum of series equals infinite limit of partial sums | ||
Substitute Sk = k | ||
Evaluate limit |
The sum of the given series is infinite, so it diverges.
Learn by Doing with 1800+ AP Calculus BC Exam-Like Questions
Prepare for AP Calculus BC with our realistic exam-style questions from our Question Bank (QBank) and earn college credit on your schedule and budget. Comprehensive explanations and educational images enhance your mastery. Organized for continuous learning throughout the year.
Make the Exam Feel Like Practice
Our AP Calculus BC practice problems are just like the exam and make you think critically. They’ll help you spot trick answers and boost your confidence for test day!
Create Custom Quizzes
Simulate Exam Conditions
Boost Your Study Methods
Score Higher with Quality Learning Tools
Exceptional Content
Understand the “why” with our simplified breakdowns of how to approach each question and topic. Our clear question explanations and vivid visuals help you spot and avoid trick answers so you’ll ace the AP Calculus BC exam. Our exclusive technique, backed by cognitive learning principles, maximizes learning and retention.
Digital Flashcards & Notebook
Smart flashcards boost your memory with spaced repetition, and the My Notebook feature helps you take notes to grasp key concepts better. With the click of a button, easily transfer content from our AP Calculus BC question explanations to your flashcard or notebook for the best learning experience.
Performance Tracking
Turn your challenges into strengths by targeting specific topics and skills. Enhance your understanding and track your progress with our advanced analytics dashboard, which saves you study time. See how well you understand each AP Calculus BC topic so you know exactly where to focus your study efforts.
Choose How You Study and Save
Choose How You Study and Save
AP Calculus BC
Question Bank
Starting at $39
1800+ Exam-Level Questions
Generate Custom Practice Tests
Progress Tracking Dashboard
Choose Your Topics
Smart Study Planner
1800+ Exam-Level Questions
Generate Custom Practice Tests
Progress Tracking Dashboard
Choose Your Topics
Print and Digital Study Guide
200+ Check-for-Understanding Questions
Smart Study Planner
Expert-led Video Lessons
Hear From Our AP QBank Students
UWorlds multiple choice questions are similar to the ones on the official AP exam and allowed me to time myself for each question. This was very helpful for me as I was able to answer questions faster and could finish the questions on the actual exam. The explanations for each question went in-depth and gave important details pertaining to events in the timeline. Through this, I was able to gain important skills for the exam and get a 5.
See MoreBefore, I had a hard time studying and staying focused because it was just boring, but now with UWorld, not only can I focus, but I actually feel motivated to learn!
The explanations were clear and I could practice the question based on units. I got a 5 in the end!! So, I think it’s very helpful and I’ll be using it to study for my future exams 🙂 You guys provide so many different functions to help students like me, and I really appreciate it, it’s really worth the money.
See MoreFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who writes UWorld AP Calculus BC practice questions and explanations?
How often is the UWorld AP Calc BC question bank updated?
Do UWorld AP Calc BC practice tests reflect the actual exam?
Will this practice question bank cover everything necessary to get a top score on AP Calculus BC?
How many practice tests are included in the UWorld product?
Can I take practice tests multiple times?
How long should I spend on each AP Calculus BC practice test question to simulate the real exam experience?
How can a UWorld QBank help you succeed on the exam?
How is UWorld different from other AP Calc BC question banks?
Can I use UWorld for AP Calc BC midterm exam practice?
Yes. In addition to AP exam practice, students can use UWorld’s AP Calculus BC practice tests and practice questions for midterms, finals and throughout the school year.