AP CALCULUS AB Scoring Guide

4.1 Interpreting the Meaning of the Derivative in Context

1. NO CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED FOR THIS QUESTION.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

A book in a popular book series goes on sale at time . The total number of books sold by time hours is
ⅆ
modeled by the function that satisfies the differential equation ⅆ with ,
where is measured in hundreds of books and .

(a) Write an equation for the line tangent to the graph of at . Use this equation to approximate the total
number of books sold by time .

(b) Find . Using correct units, interpret the meaning of in the context of the problem.

(c) Find an expression for . Based on this model, what is the total number of books sold by time ?

Part A

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

tangent line equation

approximation

Solution:

An equation for the line tangent to the graph of at is

AP Calculus AB Page 1 of 6
 Scoring Guide

4.1 Interpreting the Meaning of the Derivative in Context

The number of books sold by time is approximately 2550.

Part B

The third point requires (1) rate of (2) units of hundred books per hour per hour, and (3) reference to

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

interpretation

Solution:

At time the rate at which books are selling is changing at a rate of hundred books per hour per hour.

Part C

At most 1 out of 4 points earned [1-0-0-0] if no constant of integration.

The fourth point requires both an expression for and value for

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3 4

The student response accurately includes all four of the criteria below.

antiderivative
constant of integration

Page 2 of 6 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

4.1 Interpreting the Meaning of the Derivative in Context

uses initial conditions

and

Solution:

The number of books sold by time is 16,300.

2. NO CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED FOR THIS QUESTION.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

On a certain day at a diner, the total number of food orders taken by time is modeled by the function that
ⅆ
satisfies the differential equation ⅆ with , where is the number of hours since the diner
opened and .

(a) Write an equation for the line tangent to the graph of at . Use this equation to approximate the total
number of food orders taken by time .

(b) Find . Using correct units, interpret the meaning of in the context of the problem.

(c) Find an expression for . Based on this model, what is the total number of food orders taken by time
?

Part A

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

AP Calculus AB Page 3 of 6
 Scoring Guide

4.1 Interpreting the Meaning of the Derivative in Context

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

tangent line equation

approximation

Solution:

An equation for the line tangent to the graph of at is

By time the total number of food orders taken is approximately

Part B

The third point requires (1) rate of (2) units of orders per hour per hour, and (3) reference to

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

interpretation

Solution:

At time the rate at which food orders are taken is changing at a rate of orders per hour per hour.

Part C

Page 4 of 6 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

4.1 Interpreting the Meaning of the Derivative in Context

At most 1 out of 4 points earned [1-0-0-0] if no constant of integration.

The fourth point requires both an expression for and value for

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3 4

The student response accurately includes all four of the criteria below.

antiderivative
constant of integration
uses initial conditions
and

Solution:

The number of food orders taken by time is

3. The function models the time, in hours, for a sample of water to evaporate as a function of the size of
the sample, measured in milliliters. What are the units for ?
(A) hours per milliliter
(B) milliliters per hour
(C) hours per milliliter per milliliter
(D) milliliters per hour per hour

4. The function gives the production cost for a bakery to produce cakes of a certain type, where is the cost, in
dollars, to produce of the cakes. The function defined by gives the marginal
cost, in dollars, to produce cake number . Which of the following gives the best estimate for the marginal
cost, in dollars, to produce the 40th cake?
(A)

(B)

(C)
(D)

AP Calculus AB Page 5 of 6
 Scoring Guide

4.1 Interpreting the Meaning of the Derivative in Context

5.

The function defined above models the depth, in feet, of the water hours after 12 A.M. in a certain harbor.
Which of the following presents the method for finding the instantaneous rate of change of the depth of the water, in
feet per hour, at 6 A.M. ?
(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

6. The function models the time, in minutes, for a chemical reaction to occur as a function of the amount
of catalyst used, measured in milliliters. What are the units for ?
(A) minutes per milliliter
(B) milliliters per minute
(C) minutes per milliliter per milliliter
(D) milliliters per minute per minute

7. The function gives the cost, in dollars, to produce a particular product, where is the cost, in dollars, to
produce units of the product. The function defined by gives the marginal cost,
in dollars, to produce unit number . Which of the following gives the best estimate for the marginal cost, in
dollars, to produce the 57th unit of the product?
(A)

(B)

(C)
(D)

8.

The function defined above models the electric charge, measured in coulombs, inside a lightbulb seconds after
it is turned on. Which of the following presents the method for finding the instantaneous rate of change of the
lightbulb’s electric charge, in coulombs per second, at time ?
(A)
(B)

(C)
(D)

Page 6 of 6 AP Calculus AB
 AP CALCULUS AB Scoring Guide

1. A GRAPHING CALCULATOR IS REQUIRED FOR THIS QUESTION.

You are permitted to use your calculator to solve an equation, find the derivative of a function at a point, or
calculate the value of a definite integral. However, you must clearly indicate the setup of your question, namely
the equation, function, or integral you are using. If you use other built-in features or programs, you must show the
mathematical steps necessary to produce your results. Your work must be expressed in standard mathematical
notation rather than calculator syntax.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

Mary and Chance walk in the same direction along a straight path. For , Mary’s velocity at time is
given by and Chance’s velocity at time is given by . Both and
are positive for and are measured in meters per minute, and is measured in minutes. Mary is
12 meters ahead of Chance at time , and Mary remains ahead of Chance for .

(a) Find the value of ⅆ . Using correct units, interpret the meaning of ⅆ in the
context of the problem.

(b) At time , is Mary speeding up or slowing down? Give a reason for your answer.

(c) Is the distance between Mary and Chance at time increasing or decreasing? Give a reason for your
answer.

(d) What is the maximum distance between Mary and Chance over the time interval ? Justify your
answer.

Part A

For the second point, the response must include reference to average value over the correct time interval with correct
units.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

AP Calculus AB Page 1 of 11
 Scoring Guide

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

value
meaning

Solution:

Mary’s average velocity over the time interval is 54.409 meters per minute.

Part B

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

uses and
answer with reason

Solution:

and

At time since Mary has positive velocity and negative acceleration, she is slowing down.

Part C

For the point, is required with or without numerical values.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1

Page 2 of 11 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

The student response accurately includes a correct answer with reason.

Solution:

Mary’s velocity at time is Chance’s velocity at time is

Since the distance between Mary and Chance at time is increasing.

Part D

The third point is earned with correct use of the Candidates Test.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2 3 4

The student response accurately includes all four of the criteria below.

considers
and as candidates
justification
answer

Solution:

The distance between Mary and Chance at time is given by

The maximum distance between Mary and Chance is 365.527 meters.

AP Calculus AB Page 3 of 11
 Scoring Guide

2. A GRAPHING CALCULATOR IS REQUIRED FOR THIS QUESTION.

You are permitted to use your calculator to solve an equation, find the derivative of a function at a point, or
calculate the value of a definite integral. However, you must clearly indicate the setup of your question, namely
the equation, function, or integral you are using. If you use other built-in features or programs, you must show the
mathematical steps necessary to produce your results. Your work must be expressed in standard mathematical
notation rather than calculator syntax.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

Emma and Lily jog in the same direction along a straight track. For , Emma’s velocity at time is
given by and Lily’s velocity at time is given by . Both and
are positive for and are measured in meters per minute, and is measured in minutes. Emma is
meters ahead of Lily at time , and Emma remains ahead of Lily for .

(a) Find the value of ⅆ . Using correct units, interpret the meaning of ⅆ in the context
of the problem.

(b) At time , is Emma speeding up or slowing down? Give a reason for your answer.

(c) Is the distance between Emma and Lily at time increasing or decreasing? Give a reason for your
answer.

(d) What is the maximum distance between Emma and Lily over the time interval ? Justify your
answer.

Part A

For the second point, the response must include reference to average value over the correct time interval with correct
units.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

Page 4 of 11 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

value
meaning

Solution:

Emma’s average velocity over the time interval is 103.178 meters per minute.

Part B

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

uses and
answer with reason

Solution:

and

At time since Emma has positive velocity and negative acceleration, she is slowing down.

Part C

For the first point, is required with or without numerical values.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1

The student response accurately includes a correct answer with reason.

Solution:

Emma’s velocity at is

AP Calculus AB Page 5 of 11
 Scoring Guide

Lily’s velocity at time is

Since the distance between Emma and Lily at is decreasing.

Part D

The third point is earned with correct use of the Candidates Test.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2 3 4

The student response accurately includes all four of the criteria below.

considers
and as candidates
justification
answer

Solution:

The distance between Emma and Lily at time is given by

The maximum distance between Emma and Lily is 267 meters.

Page 6 of 11 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

3. NO CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED FOR THIS QUESTION.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

A particle moves along the -axis so that its position at time is given by for .

(a) Show that the velocity of the particle at time is given by for .

(b) At time , is the particle moving toward the origin or away from the origin? Give a reason for your
answer.

(c) The velocity of the particle at time can be written as for .

Find . Show the work that leads to your answer.

Part A

The first and second points require evidence of product rule and chain rule and no errors. At most 1 out of 2 points is
earned for partial communication of product rule and chain rule with a maximum of one computational error.

The third point is earned for a response that arrives at the given expression rather than an algebraically equivalent
expression.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

product rule
chain rule
verification

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 Scoring Guide

Solution:

Part B

For the first and second points, trigonometric function values do not need to be evaluated; however, the sign of the
expression must be determined correctly to earn the point.

The response is eligible for the third point if either of the first 2 points is earned and the answer with reason is consistent
with the previous results.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

answer with reason

Solution:

Because the particle is above the origin at time

Because the particle is moving up at time

Therefore, the particle is moving away from the origin at time

Part C

The first point does not require supporting work.

The second point requires showing that an indeterminate form is present in order to apply L’Hospital’s Rule. Any error
in mathematical communication (e.g., writing or not using limit notation) impacts the second point.

The third point does not require a simplified answer. Any differentiation or computation error impacts the third point.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

Page 8 of 11 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

application of L’Hospital’s Rule

answer

Solution:

By L’Hospital’s Rule,

Therefore,

4. A particle moves along the -axis so that at any time its position is given by , where is
a positive constant. For what values of is the particle moving to the right?
(A) The particle is moving to the right only if .
(B) The particle is moving to the right only if .
(C) The particle is moving to the right only if .
(D) The particle is not moving to the right.

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 Scoring Guide

5.

A particle traveling on the -axis has position at time . The graph of the particle’s velocity is shown
above for . Which of the following expressions gives the total distance traveled by the particle over the
time interval ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

6. An object moves along a straight line so that at any time , for , its position is given by
. For what value of is the object at rest?

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

7. A particle moves along the -axis so that at any time its position is given by , where is a
positive constant. At what time is the particle’s position farthest to the right?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D) There is no such value of .

Page 10 of 11 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

8.

A particle traveling on the -axis has position at time . The graph of the particle’s velocity is shown
above for . Which of the following expressions gives the total distance traveled by the particle over the
time interval ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

9. An object moves along a straight line so that at any time , , its position is given by
. For what value of is the object at rest?

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

AP Calculus AB Page 11 of 11
 AP CALCULUS AB Scoring Guide

4.4 Introduction to Related Rates

1. NO CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED FOR THIS QUESTION.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

A sculptor uses a constant volume of modeling clay to form a cylinder with a large height and a relatively small
radius. The clay is molded in such a way that the height of the clay increases as the radius decreases, but it retains
its cylindrical shape. At time , the height of the clay is 8 inches, the radius of the clay is 3 inches, and the
radius of the clay is decreasing at a rate of inch per minute.

(a) At time , at what rate is the area of the circular cross section of the clay decreasing with respect to time?
Show the computations that lead to your answer. Indicate units of measure.

(b) At time , at what rate is the height of the clay increasing with respect to time? Show the computations
that lead to your answer. Indicate units of measure. (The volume of a cylinder with radius and height is
given by .)

(c) Write an expression for the rate of change of the radius of the clay with respect to the height of the clay in
terms of height and radius .

Part A

The first point is earned with

The second point requires substitution of values without a simplified answer.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

chain rule
rate

AP Calculus AB Page 1 of 8
 Scoring Guide

4.4 Introduction to Related Rates

units

Solution:

At time and

At time the area of the circular surface of the dough is decreasing at a rate of square inches per minute.

Part B

The first and second points require evidence of product rule and chain rule and no errors. For the first 2 points, at most 1
out of 2 points is earned for partial communication of product rule and chain rule with a maximum of one computational
error.

The third point requires substitution of values without a simplified answer.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3 4

The student response accurately includes all four of the criteria below.

product rule
chain rule
rate
units

Solution:

Because is constant,

At time and

Page 2 of 8 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

4.4 Introduction to Related Rates

At time the height of the clay is increasing at a rate of inches per minute.

Part C

The first point requires a correct expression that demonstrates chain rule with in terms of and OR in
terms of and

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

chain rule
expression

Solution:

Because is constant,

Therefore,

—OR—

Because is constant, Therefore,

AP Calculus AB Page 3 of 8
 Scoring Guide

4.4 Introduction to Related Rates

2. NO CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED FOR THIS QUESTION.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

A constant volume of pizza dough is formed into a cylinder with a relatively small height and large radius. The
dough is spun and tossed into the air in such a way that the height of the dough decreases as the radius increases,
but it retains its cylindrical shape. At time , the height of the dough is inch, the radius of the dough is
inches, and the radius of the dough is increasing at a rate of inches per minute.

(a) At time , at what rate is the area of the circular surface of the dough increasing with respect to time?
Show the computations that lead to your answer. Indicate units of measure.

(b) At time , at what rate is the height of the dough decreasing with respect to time? Show the
computations that lead to your answer. Indicate units of measure. (The volume of a cylinder with radius and
height is given by .)

(c) Write an expression for the rate of change of the height of the dough with respect to the radius of the dough in
terms of height and radius .

Part A

The first point is earned with

The second point requires substitution of values without a simplified answer.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

chain rule
rate

Page 4 of 8 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

4.4 Introduction to Related Rates

units

Solution:

At time and

At time the area of the circular surface of the dough is increasing at a rate of square inches per minute.

Part B

The first and second points require evidence of product rule and chain rule and no errors. For the first 2 points, at most 1
out of 2 points is earned for partial communication of product rule and chain rule with a maximum of one computational
error.

The third point requires substitution of values without a simplified answer.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3 4

The student response accurately includes all four of the criteria below.

product rule
chain rule
rate
units

Solution:

Because is constant,

At time and

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 Scoring Guide

4.4 Introduction to Related Rates

At time the height of the dough is decreasing at a rate of inch per minute.

Part C

The first point requires a correct expression that demonstrates chain rule with in terms of and OR in
terms of and

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

chain rule
expression

Solution:

Because is constant, Therefore,

—OR—

Because is constant, Therefore,

3. A right triangle has base meters and height meters, where is constant and changes with respect to time ,
measured in seconds. The angle , measured in radians, is defined by . Which of the following best
describes the relationship between , the rate of change of with respect to time, and , the rate of change of
with respect to time?

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4.4 Introduction to Related Rates

(A) radians per second

(B) radians per second

(C) radians per second

(D) radians per second

4. In a certain factory, assume that the number of workers is constant. The number of minutes that it takes to make
a single unit of a product and the number of units of the product that are made per day satisfy the relationship
, where is a constant. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the rate of change,
with respect to time , of and the rate of change, with respect to time , of ?
(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

5. Let and be functions of time such that the sum of and twice is constant. Which of the following equations
describes the relationship between the rate of change of with respect to time and the rate of change of with
respect to time?
(A)

(B)

(C)
(D) , where is a function of

6. A right triangle has base feet and height feet, where is constant and changes with respect to time ,
measured in seconds. The angle , measured in radians, is defined by . Which of the following best
describes the relationship between , the rate of change of with respect to time, and , the rate of change of
with respect to time?

(A) radians per second

(B) radians per second

(C) radians per second

(D) radians per second

7. Boyle’s law states that if the temperature of an ideal gas is held constant, then the pressure of the gas and its
volume satisfy the relationship , where is a constant. Which of the following best describes the
relationship between the rate of change, with respect to time , of the pressure and the rate of change, with respect to
time , of the volume?

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4.4 Introduction to Related Rates

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

8. Let and be functions of time such that the sum of and is constant. Which of the following equations
describes the relationship between the rate of change of with respect to time and the rate of change of with
respect to time?
(A)

(B)

(C) , where is a function of

(D) , where is a function of

Page 8 of 8 AP Calculus AB
 AP CALCULUS AB Scoring Guide

4.5 Solving Related Rates Problems

1. A tube is being stretched while maintaining its cylindrical shape. The height is increasing at the rate of 2 millimeters
per second. At the instant that the radius of the tube is 6 millimeters, the volume is increasing at the rate of
cubic millimeters per second. Which of the following statements about the surface area of the tube is true at this
instant? (The volume of a cylinder with radius and height is . The surface area of a cylinder, not
including the top and bottom of the cylinder, is .)
(A) The surface area is increasing by square millimeters per second.
(B) The surface area is decreasing by square millimeters per second.
(C) The surface area is increasing by square millimeters per second.
(D) The surface area is decreasing by square millimeters per second.

2. A particle moves on the hyperbola for time seconds. At a certain instant, and .
Which of the following is true about at this instant?
(A) is decreasing by 4 units per second.
(B) is increasing by 4 units per second.
(C) is decreasing by 1 unit per second.
(D) is increasing by 1 unit per second.

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4.5 Solving Related Rates Problems

3.

The figure above shows a Ferris wheel with radius 5 meters as Jalen, whose eye level is at point , watches
his friend, Ashanti, ride in one of the cars as the wheel turns. Let denote the distance from Jalen to Ashanti’s car.
The diagram indicates the center of the Ferris wheel at the point and the position of Ashanti’s car at the
point . If and are functions of time , in seconds, what is the rate of change of when , ,
and ? (The equation of a circle with radius and center is .)

(A) , so Ashanti is moving toward Jalen at a rate of approximately 0.47 meter per second.

(B) , so Ashanti is moving away from Jalen at a rate of approximately 0.36 meter per second.

(C) , so Ashanti is moving away from Jalen at a rate of approximately 0.47 meter per second.

(D) , so Ashanti is moving away from Jalen at a rate of 13.5 meters per second.

4. A piece of rubber tubing maintains a cylindrical shape as it is stretched. At the instant that the inner radius of the
tube is 2 millimeters and the height is 20 millimeters, the inner radius is decreasing at the rate of 0.1 millimeter per
second and the height is increasing at the rate of 3 millimeters per second. Which of the following statements about
the volume of the tube is true at this instant? (The volume of a cylinder with radius and height is
.)
(A) The volume is increasing by cubic millimeters per second.
(B) The volume is decreasing by cubic millimeters per second.
(C) The volume is increasing by cubic millimeters per second.
(D) The volume is decreasing by cubic millimeters per second.

Page 2 of 12 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

4.5 Solving Related Rates Problems

5. A particle moves on the hyperbola for time seconds. At a certain instant, and .
Which of the following is true about at this instant?

(A) is decreasing by 10 units per second.

(B) is increasing by 10 units per second.
(C) is decreasing by 5 units per second.
(D) is increasing by 5 units per second.

6.

A model car travels around a circular track with radius 5 feet. Let denote the distance between the model car
and a fixed point that is 20 feet to the left of the center of the circular track. The diagram above indicates the fixed
point at the origin, the center of the circular track at the point , and the position of the car at the point .
is the length of the line segment from the origin to the point . If and are functions of time , in seconds,
what is the rate of change of when , , and ? (The equation of a circle with radius and
center is .)
(A) , so the distance between the model car and the fixed point is constant.
, so the model car is moving away from the fixed point at a rate of approximately 1.7 feet
(B)
per second.
, so the model car is moving toward the fixed point at a rate of approximately 1.7 feet per
(C)
second.
(D) , so the model car is moving away from the fixed point at a rate of 80 feet per second.

AP Calculus AB Page 3 of 12
 Scoring Guide

4.5 Solving Related Rates Problems

9. NO CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED FOR THIS QUESTION.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

Particle moves along the -axis so that its position at time is given by for all times . A
second particle, particle , moves along the -axis so that its position at time is given by for all
times .

(a) As time approaches 2, what is the limit of the position of particle ? Show the work that leads to your
answer.

(b) Show that the velocity of particle is given by for all times .

(c) Find the rate of change of the distance between particle and particle at time . Show the work that
leads to your answer.

Part A

The first point requires showing that an indeterminate form is present in order to apply L’Hospital’s Rule. Any error in
mathematical communication (e.g., writing “ " or not using limit notation) impacts the second point.

The second point does not require a simplified answer. Trigonometric function values do not need to be evaluated. Any
differentiation or computation error impacts this point.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

application of L’Hospital’s Rule

answer

Page 10 of 12 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

4.5 Solving Related Rates Problems

Solution:

By L’Hospital’s Rule,

Part B

The first and second points require evidence of quotient rule and chain rule and no errors. At most 1 out of 2 points is
earned for partial communication of quotient rule and chain rule with a maximum of one computational error.

The third point is earned for a response that arrives at the given expression rather than an algebraically equivalent
expression.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

quotient rule
chain rule
verification

Solution:

Part C

For the second point, trigonometric function values do not need to be evaluated.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3 4

The student response accurately includes all four of the criteria below.

AP Calculus AB Page 11 of 12
 Scoring Guide

4.5 Solving Related Rates Problems

related rates equation

answer

At time , particle has position and velocity

At time , particle has position and velocity

Let represent the distance between particle and particle Using the Pythagorean Theorem,

Therefore,

At time

The distance between the particles is increasing at a rate of

Page 12 of 12 AP Calculus AB
 AP CALCULUS AB Scoring Guide

1. A GRAPHING CALCULATOR IS REQUIRED FOR THIS QUESTION.

You are permitted to use your calculator to solve an equation, find the derivative of a function at a point, or
calculate the value of a definite integral. However, you must clearly indicate the setup of your question, namely
the equation, function, or integral you are using. If you use other built-in features or programs, you must show the
mathematical steps necessary to produce your results. Your work must be expressed in standard mathematical
notation rather than calculator syntax.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

Let be a twice-differentiable function with . The derivative of is given by

for .

(a) Find all values of in the interval at which has a critical point. Classify each as the location of
a relative minimum, a relative maximum, or neither. Justify your answers.

(b) Use the line tangent to the graph of at to approximate .

On the interval , and . Is the approximation found in part (b) an

overestimate or an underestimate for ? Give a reason for your answer.

Using the Mean Value Theorem, explain why the average rate of change of over the interval cannot
equal 6.5.

Part A

Note: Sign charts are a useful tool to investigate and summarize the behavior of a function. By itself a sign chart for
or is not a sufficient response for a justification.

A maximum of 1 out of 3 points is earned for reference to and the three critical points without identification
and/or justification, and no incorrect critical points are included.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2 3

AP Calculus AB Page 1 of 36
 Scoring Guide

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

neither at with justification

relative minimum at with justification
relative maximum at with justification

Solution:

has neither a relative minimum nor a relative maximum at because does not change sign there.

has a relative minimum at because changes from negative to positive there.

has a relative maximum at because changes from positive to negative there.

Part B

A response of or earns both points.

The second point requires substitution of values without a simplified answer. Trigonometric function values do not need
to be evaluated.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

form of tangent line approximation

answer

Solution:

Part C

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

Page 2 of 36 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

answer
reason

Solution:

Because for the graph of is concave up for

Therefore, the tangent line approximation from part (b) is an underestimate for

Part D

The first point is earned for using to conclude that there should be a number for such that
equals the average rate of change of over the interval The second point is earned for showing that this is
not possible.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

uses Mean Value Theorem to determine there should be a such that equals the average rate of
change of
explanation using Mean Value Theorem

Solution:

is differentiable for is continuous for

Because the Mean Value Theorem can be applied to on the interval there should be a number for
such that equals the average rate of change of over the interval

However, because the equation has no solution on the interval there can be no number such
that Therefore, the average rate of change cannot equal 6.5.

AP Calculus AB Page 3 of 36
 Scoring Guide

2. A GRAPHING CALCULATOR IS REQUIRED FOR THIS QUESTION.

You are permitted to use your calculator to solve an equation, find the derivative of a function at a point, or
calculate the value of a definite integral. However, you must clearly indicate the setup of your question, namely
the equation, function, or integral you are using. If you use other built-in features or programs, you must show the
mathematical steps necessary to produce your results. Your work must be expressed in standard mathematical
notation rather than calculator syntax.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

Let be a twice-differentiable function with . The derivative of is given by

for .

(a) Find all values of in the interval at which has a critical point. Classify each as the location
of a relative minimum, a relative maximum, or neither. Justify your answers.

(b) Use the line tangent to the graph of at to approximate .

(c) On the interval , and . Is the approximation found in part (b) an

overestimate or an underestimate for ? Give a reason for your answer.

(d) Using the Mean Value Theorem, explain why the average rate of change of over the interval
cannot equal .

Part A

Note: Sign charts are a useful tool to investigate and summarize the behavior of a function. By itself a sign chart for
or is not a sufficient response for a justification.

A maximum of 1 out of 3 points is earned for reference to and the three critical points without identification
and/or justification, and no incorrect critical points are included.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2 3

Page 4 of 36 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

relative maximum at with justification

relative minimum at with justification
neither at with justification

Solution:

has a relative maximum at because changes from positive to negative there.

has a relative minimum at because changes from negative to positive there.

has neither a relative minimum nor a relative maximum at because does not change sign there.

Part B

A response of or earns both points.

The second point requires substitution of values without a simplified answer. Trigonometric function values do not need
to be evaluated.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

form of tangent line approximation

answer

Solution:

Part C

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

AP Calculus AB Page 5 of 36
 Scoring Guide

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

answer
reason

Solution:

Because for the graph of is concave down for

Therefore, the tangent line approximation from part (b) is an overestimate for

Part D

One point is earned for using to conclude that there should be a number for such that equals
the average rate of change of over the interval Two points are earned for showing that this is not
possible.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes a correct explanation.

Solution:

is differentiable for

is continuous for

Because the Mean Value Theorem can be applied to on the interval there should be a number for
such that equals the average rate of change of over the interval

However, since there can be no number such that Therefore, the average rate of
change cannot equal 1.25.

Page 6 of 36 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

3. NO CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED FOR THIS QUESTION.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

ⅆ
Consider the differential equation ⅆ
. Let be the particular solution to the differential
equation with the initial condition .

(a) Write an equation for the line tangent to the graph of at . Use the tangent line to
approximate .

ⅆ
(b) Find the value of ⅆ at the point . Is the graph of concave up or concave down at the point
? Give a reason for your answer.

(c) Find , the particular solution to the differential equation with the initial condition .

(d) For the particular solution found in part (c), find .

Part A

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

tangent line equation

approximation

Solution:

AP Calculus AB Page 7 of 36
 Scoring Guide

An equation for the line tangent to the graph of at is

Part B

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

concave down with reason

Solution:

Because and is continuous, the graph of is concave down at the point

Part C

Zero out of 4 points earned if no separation of variables.

At most 2 out of 4 points earned [1-1-0-0] if no constant of integration.

The fourth point requires an expression for

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2 3 4

The student response accurately includes all four of the criteria below.

separation of variables
antiderivative
constant of integration and uses initial condition

Page 8 of 36 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

solves for

Solution:

Since the solution curve includes the point

Part D

No supporting work is required to earn the point.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1

The student response accurately includes a correct value.

Solution:

AP Calculus AB Page 9 of 36
 Scoring Guide

4. NO CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED FOR THIS QUESTION.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

ⅆ
Consider the differential equation ⅆ
.

(a) On the axes provided, sketch a slope field for the given differential equation at the nine points indicated.

(b) Let be the particular solution to the given differential equation with the initial condition
. Write an equation for the line tangent to the graph of at . Use the equation to approximate the
value of .

(c) Find the particular solution to the given differential equation with the initial condition .

Page 10 of 36 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

Part A

The first point is earned for having all 3 correct segments of zero slope.

The second point is earned for having all 6 correct segments for the other slopes.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

zero slopes
other slopes

Solution:

Part B

The tangent line equation is not required to be in slope-intercept form.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

AP Calculus AB Page 11 of 36
 Scoring Guide

tangent line equation

approximation

Solution:

An equation for the line tangent to the graph of at is

Part C

Zero out of 5 points earned if no separation of variables.

At most 2 out of 5 points earned [1-1-0-0-0] if no constant of integration.

If response has only one correct antiderivative, the second point is not earned. The response is eligible for the third,
fourth, and fifth points if the antiderivative error is carried through the rest of the problem consistently and correctly.

The fifth point requires an expression for The domain is included with the solution; this is not a requirement to earn the
fifth point.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2 3 4 5

The student response accurately includes all five of the criteria below.

separation of variables
both antiderivatives
constant of integration
uses initial condition
solves for

Solution:

Since the solution curve includes the point

Page 12 of 36 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

Note: This solution is valid for

AP Calculus AB Page 13 of 36
 Scoring Guide

5. NO CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED FOR THIS QUESTION.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

ⅆ
Consider the differential equation ⅆ
.

(a) On the axes provided, sketch a slope field for the given differential equation at the nine points indicated.

Page 14 of 36 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

(b) Let be the particular solution to the given differential equation with the initial condition
. Write an equation for the line tangent to the graph of at . Use the equation to approximate the
value of .

(c) Find the particular solution to the given differential equation with the initial condition .

Part A

The first point is earned for having all 3 correct segments of zero slope.

The second point is earned for having all 6 correct segments for the other slopes.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

zero slopes
other slopes

Solution:

AP Calculus AB Page 15 of 36
 Scoring Guide

Part B

The tangent line equation is not required to be in slope-intercept form.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

tangent line equation

approximation

Solution:

An equation for the line tangent to the graph of at is

Page 16 of 36 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

Part C

Zero out of 5 points earned if no separation of variables.

At most 2 out of 5 points earned [1-1-0-0-0] if no constant of integration.

The fifth point requires an expression for The domain is included with the solution; this is not a requirement to earn the
fifth point.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2 3 4 5

The student response accurately includes all five of the criteria below.

separation of variables
both antiderivatives
constant of integration
uses initial condition
solves for

Solution:

Since the solution curve includes the point

1Note: This solution is valid for

AP Calculus AB Page 17 of 36
 Scoring Guide

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

tangent line equation

approximation

Solution:

An equation for the line tangent to the graph of at is

By time the total number of food orders taken is approximately

Part B

The third point requires (1) rate of (2) units of orders per hour per hour, and (3) reference to

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

interpretation

Solution:

At time the rate at which food orders are taken is changing at a rate of orders per hour per hour.

Part C

AP Calculus AB Page 21 of 36
 Scoring Guide

At most 1 out of 4 points earned [1-0-0-0] if no constant of integration.

The fourth point requires both an expression for and value for

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3 4

The student response accurately includes all four of the criteria below.

antiderivative
constant of integration
uses initial conditions
and

Solution:

The number of food orders taken by time is

Page 22 of 36 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

8. NO CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED FOR THIS QUESTION.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

The length of a vine during a 12-hour period is given by a twice-differentiable function , where is
measured in feet and is measured in weeks for . The graph of is concave down on the interval
. Selected values of the derivative of , , are given in the table above. At time , the length
of the vine is 5 feet.

(a) Use the tangent line approximation for at time to estimate , the length of the vine at time
. Is the approximation an overestimate or an underestimate for ? Give a reason for your answer.

(b) Use a left Riemann sum with the four subintervals indicated by the data in the table to approximate
ⅆ . Indicate units of measure.

(c) Is the approximation in part (b) an overestimate or an underestimate for ⅆ ? Give a reason for
your answer.

(d) The sum is a right Riemann sum with subintervals of equal length. The limit of this

sum as goes to infinity can be interpreted as a definite integral. Express the limit as a definite integral.

Part A

For the first point, the approximation must show the form of a correct tangent line equation and evaluation of that
equation at Numerical answers do not need to be simplified, and units are not required to earn the approximation
point.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

AP Calculus AB Page 23 of 36
 Scoring Guide

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

approximation
underestimate with reason

Solution:

feet

Since the graph of is concave down on the tangent line lies above the graph of on this interval.
Therefore, the approximation is an overestimate for

Part B

To earn the first point, the response must present the form of a left Riemann sum. To earn the second point, values for
must be substituted into the sum. Therefore, earns the first and second points.
Numerical answers do not need to be simplified for the second point.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

left Riemann sum

approximation
units

Solution:

Part C

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

Page 24 of 36 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

0 1

The student response accurately includes overestimate with reason that references the behavior of

Solution:

Since the graph of is concave down on is decreasing on Therefore, the left Riemann

sum approximation is an overestimate for

Part D

The first point may be earned as presented in the solution or by using that information to determine that the interval of
integration is of length 10. A response that produces the correct definite integral earns all 3 points.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

limits of integration
integrand

Solution:

For this Riemann sum, Thus, the integral is over an interval of length 10. This interval can be taken to be

The right endpoints of the subintervals used in the Riemann sum would be of the form for from 1 to

Therefore,

Note: The limit of the Riemann sum can be written as any definite integral of the form

AP Calculus AB Page 25 of 36
 Scoring Guide

9. NO CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED FOR THIS QUESTION.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

The height of water in a storage tank during a -hour period is given by a twice-differentiable function , where
is measured in feet and is measured in hours since midnight for . The graph of is concave up
on the interval . Selected values of the derivative of , , are given in the table above. At time
, the height of the water is feet.

(a) Use the tangent line approximation for at time to estimate , the height of the water at time
. Is the approximation an overestimate or an underestimate for ? Give a reason for your answer.

(b) Use a right Riemann sum with the five subintervals indicated by the data in the table to approximate
ⅆ . Indicate units of measure.

(c) Is the approximation in part (b) an overestimate or underestimate for ⅆ ? Give a reason for your
answer.

(d) The sum is a left Riemann sum with subintervals of equal length. The limit of

this sum as goes to infinity can be interpreted as a definite integral. Express the limit as a definite integral.

Part A

For the first point, the approximation must show the form of a correct tangent line equation and evaluation of that
equation at

Numerical answers do not need to be simplified, and units are not required to earn the approximation point.

Page 26 of 36 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

approximation
underestimate with reason

Solution:

feet

Since the graph of is concave up on the tangent line lies under the graph of on this interval. Therefore,
the approximation is an underestimate for

Part B

To earn the first point, the response must present the form of a right Riemann sum.

To earn the second point, values for must be substituted into the sum. Therefore,
earns the first and second points.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

right Riemann sum

approximation
units

Solution:

Part C

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

AP Calculus AB Page 27 of 36
 Scoring Guide

0 1

The student response accurately includes the criteria below.

overestimate with reason that references the behavior of

Solution:

Since the graph of is concave up on is increasing on Therefore, the right Riemann sum

approximation is an overestimate for

Part D

The first point may be earned as presented in the solution or by using that information to determine that the interval of
integration is of length 15. A response that produces the correct definite integral earns all 3 points.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

limits of integration
integrand

Solution:

For this Riemann sum,

Thus, the integral is over an interval of length This interval can be taken to be

The left endpoints of the subintervals used in the Riemann sum would be of the form for from 1 to

Therefore,

Note: The limit of the Riemann sum can be written as any definite integral of the form

Page 28 of 36 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

10. NO CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED FOR THIS QUESTION.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

A gasoline storage tank is filled by a pipeline from a refinery. At the same time, gasoline flows from the tank into
trucks that will make deliveries to gasoline stations. The amount of gasoline in the storage tank at time is given
by the twice-differentiable function , where is measured in hours and . Values of , in
thousands of gallons, at selected times are given in the table above. It is known that for
.

(a) Use the data in the table to estimate the rate of change of the amount of gasoline in the storage tank at time
hours. Show the computations that lead to your answer. Indicate units of measure.

(b) For , is there a time at which is increasing at a rate of 0.2 thousand gallons per hour?
Justify your answer.

(c) It is known that . Use the locally linear approximation for at time to approximate the
amount of gasoline in the storage tank at time . Is this approximation an overestimate or an underestimate
for the actual amount of gasoline in the storage tank at time ? Give a reason for your answer.

(d) The rate at which gasoline flows out of the storage tank into trucks at time can be modeled by the function
defined by , where is measured in hours, and is measured in thousands of gallons. Based
on the model, at what time , for , is the rate at which gasoline flows out of the storage tank an
absolute maximum? Justify your answer.

Part A

Substitution of function values is required. The answer does not need to be simplified.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1

AP Calculus AB Page 29 of 36
 Scoring Guide

The student response accurately includes a correct approximation with units.

Solution:

thousand gallons per hour (which is equivalent to 250 gallons per hour)

Part B

The first point requires identification of the difference quotient. The substitution of function values and conclusion
impacts the second point.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

justification using Mean Value Theorem

Solution:

is twice differentiable. is differentiable. is continuous.

thousand gallons per hour (which is equivalent to 200 gallons per hour)

Therefore, by the Mean Value Theorem, there is a time for at which

Part C

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

approximation of
underestimate with reason

Solution:

thousand gallons

Page 30 of 36 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

for and so the graph of is concave up for Therefore, the approximation for
using the locally linear approximation for at time is an underestimate for the actual amount.

Part D

Note: Sign charts are a useful tool to investigate and summarize the behavior of a function. By itself a sign chart for
or is not a sufficient response for a justification.

The response is eligible for additional points based on consistent answers using an incorrect with a maximum of
one computational error.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2 3 4

The student response accurately includes all four of the criteria below.

sets
identifies as a candidate
answer with justification

Solution:

Because changes from positive to negative at has a relative maximum at is increasing on

and is decreasing on Since is the only critical point of on the interval
that is the location of a relative maximum, it is also the location of the absolute maximum of on the interval

AP Calculus AB Page 31 of 36
 Scoring Guide

11. NO CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED FOR THIS QUESTION.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

The number of gallons of olive oil in a tank at time is given by the twice-differentiable function , where is
measured in hours and . Values of at selected times are given in the table above.

(a) Use the data in the table to estimate the rate at which the number of gallons of olive oil in the tank is changing
at time hours. Show the computations that lead to your answer. Indicate units of measure.

(b) For , is there a time at which ? Justify your answer.

(c) The number of gallons of olive oil in the tank at time is also modeled by the function defined by
, where is measured in hours and . Based on the model, at what
time , for , is the number of gallons of olive oil in the tank an absolute maximum? Justify your
answer.

(d) For the function defined in part (c), the locally linear approximation near is used to approximate
. Is this approximation an overestimate or an underestimate for the value of ? Give a reason for your
answer.

Part A

Substitution of function values is required. The answer does not need to be simplified.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1

The student response accurately includes the criteria below.

Page 32 of 36 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

approximation with units

Solution:

gallons per hour

Part B

The first point requires identification of the difference quotient. The substitution of function values and conclusion
impacts the second point.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

justification using Mean Value Theorem

Solution:

is twice differentiable. is differentiable. is continuous.

Therefore, by the Mean Value Theorem, there is a time for at which

Part C

Note: Sign charts are a useful tool to investigate and summarize the behavior of a function. By itself a sign chart for
or is not a sufficient response for a justification.

The response is eligible for additional points based on consistent answers using an incorrect with a maximum of
one computational error.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2 3 4

The student response accurately includes all four of the criteria below.

AP Calculus AB Page 33 of 36
 Scoring Guide

sets
identifies as a candidate
answer with justification

Solution:

Because changes from positive to negative at has a relative maximum at

Since is the only critical point of on the interval that is the location of a relative maximum, it is
also the location of the absolute maximum of on the interval

Part D

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

overestimate with reason

Solution:

for and so the graph of is concave down for Therefore, the approximation of
using the locally linear approximation of near is an overestimate.

12. Let be a function such that at each point on the graph of , the slope is given by . The graph
of passes through the point and is concave down on the interval . Let be the approximation
for found by using the locally linear approximation of at . Which of the following statements about
is true?
(A) and is an overestimate for .
(B) and is an underestimate for .

(C) and is an overestimate for .

(D) and is an underestimate for .

Page 34 of 36 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

13.

Selected values of the derivative of the function are given in the table above. It is known that . What is
the approximation for found using the line tangent to the graph of at ?

(A) 12.44
(B) 12.40
(C) 12.36
(D) 11.60

14. Let be a differentiable function such that and . The graph of is concave down on the
interval . Which of the following is true about the approximation for found using the line tangent to
the graph of at ?
(A) and this approximation is an overestimate of the value of .
(B) and this approximation is an underestimate of the value of .

(C) and this approximation is an overestimate of the value of .

(D) and this approximation is an underestimate of the value of .

15.

Selected values of the derivative of the function are given in the table above. It is known that . What is
the approximation for found using the line tangent to the graph of at ?

(A) 16.76
(B) 16.80
(C) 16.84
(D) 17.40

16. Let be a differentiable function such that and . The graph of is concave up on the interval
. Which of the following is true about the approximation for found using the line tangent to the graph
of at ?
(A) and this approximation is an overestimate of the value of .

(B) and this approximation is an underestimate of the value of .

(C) and this approximation is an overestimate of the value of .

(D) and this approximation is an underestimate of the value of .

AP Calculus AB Page 35 of 36
 Scoring Guide

17. Let be a function such that at each point on the graph of , the slope is given by .
The graph of passes through the point and is concave up on the interval . Let be the
approximation for found by using the locally linear approximation of at . Which of the following
statements about is true?
(A) and is an underestimate for .
(B) and is an overestimate for .

(C) and is an underestimate for .

(D) and is an overestimate for .

Page 36 of 36 AP Calculus AB
 AP CALCULUS AB Scoring Guide

1. NO CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED FOR THIS QUESTION.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

The graph of the function on the closed interval consists of six line segments and the point ,
as shown in the figure above. The function is given by . It is known that

ⅆ and ⅆ .

(a) Find the value of ⅆ , or explain why the integral does not exist.

(b)

(i) Find the value of ⅆ . Show the work that leads to your answer.

(ii) Find the value of ⅆ . Show the work that leads to your answer.

AP Calculus AB Page 1 of 11
 Scoring Guide

(c) Let . Find the value of for which ⅆ .

(d) Find . Show the work that leads to your answer.

Part A

The response should include supporting work for the numerical answer of 3.5.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1

The student response accurately includes the value of the integral.

Solution:

The integral exists since is continuous on the interval except for a removable discontinuity at and a jump
discontinuity at

Using areas,

Part B

Answers without supporting work do not earn any points.

A response that includes a sign error in an attempt to find is eligible for the second and third points. A

response that includes a sign error in an attempt to find is eligible for the second point and not eligible for
the third point.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

Page 2 of 11 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

uses integral properties

answer

Solution:

(i)

(ii) Using areas,

Part C

The evaluation of the definite integrals is assessed in the second point.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

uses integral properties

answer

Solution:

Using properties of integrals,

Part D

AP Calculus AB Page 3 of 11
 Scoring Guide

For the first point, a response must show that and and present an attempt at a limit
of a ratio of derivatives. Use of in an equality statement with an expression or value is incorrect and results in the point
not being earned.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

L’Hospital’s Rule

answer

Solution:

and

Using L’Hospital’s Rule,

2. Let be the function defined by , and let be a differentiable function with derivative given
by . It is known that . The value of is

(A) 0
(B)
(C) 1
(D) nonexistent

3.

(A)
(B) 0
(C)
(D) 1

Page 4 of 11 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

4. is

(A)
(B) 0
(C)
(D) nonexistent

5. Let be the function defined by , and let be a differentiable function with derivative given
by . It is known that . The value of is

(A) 0
(B)
(C) 1
(D) nonexistent

6.

(A) 2
(B) 4
(C) 9
(D) 18

7. is

(A)
(B) 0
(C)
(D) nonexistent

AP Calculus AB Page 5 of 11
 Scoring Guide

9. NO CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED FOR THIS QUESTION.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you give mathematical reasons,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
applied. Your work will be scored on the correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number.

A particle moves along the -axis so that its position at time is given by for .

(a) Show that the velocity of the particle at time is given by for .

(b) At time , is the particle moving toward the origin or away from the origin? Give a reason for your
answer.

(c) The velocity of the particle at time can be written as for .

Find . Show the work that leads to your answer.

Part A

The first and second points require evidence of product rule and chain rule and no errors. At most 1 out of 2 points is
earned for partial communication of product rule and chain rule with a maximum of one computational error.

The third point is earned for a response that arrives at the given expression rather than an algebraically equivalent
expression.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

product rule
chain rule
verification

AP Calculus AB Page 9 of 11
 Scoring Guide

Solution:

Part B

For the first and second points, trigonometric function values do not need to be evaluated; however, the sign of the
expression must be determined correctly to earn the point.

The response is eligible for the third point if either of the first 2 points is earned and the answer with reason is consistent
with the previous results.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

answer with reason

Solution:

Because the particle is above the origin at time

Because the particle is moving up at time

Therefore, the particle is moving away from the origin at time

Part C

The first point does not require supporting work.

The second point requires showing that an indeterminate form is present in order to apply L’Hospital’s Rule. Any error
in mathematical communication (e.g., writing or not using limit notation) impacts the second point.

The third point does not require a simplified answer. Any differentiation or computation error impacts the third point.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

Page 10 of 11 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

application of L’Hospital’s Rule

answer

Solution:

By L’Hospital’s Rule,

Therefore,

AP Calculus AB Page 11 of 11