Building enduring mathematical understanding requires students to understand the why and how of mathematics in addition to mastering the necessary procedures and skills.

To foster this deeper level of learning, AP® Calculus is designed to develop mathematical knowledge conceptually, guiding students to connect topics and representations throughout each course and to apply strategies and techniques to accurately solve diverse types of problems.

AP Calculus includes two courses, AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC, which were developed in collaboration with college faculty. The curriculum for AP Calculus AB is equivalent to that of a first-semester college calculus course, while AP Calculus BC is equivalent to a first-semester college calculus course and the subsequent single-variable calculus course. Calculus BC is an extension of Calculus AB rather than an enhancement; common topics require a similar depth of understanding. Both courses are intended to be challenging and demanding, and each is designed to be taught over a full academic year

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