The second section of the AB exam is tougher and will take more time than the first section. The second section is usually devoted to problems based on real life situations. This means that you need to think fast when presented with a real world problem and make the best possible solution. It also means that your calculator will need to be working at all times. Here are some tips for succeeding in the second section of the AB exam.
Before starting on any problem set, make sure that the calculator is powered off. Most graphing calculators that are used for calculus will need to be turned off. Turn the power on before beginning so that the calculator can do its homework. Doing so will allow the calculator to warm up and get accustomed to the time it will be using during the section.
Most graphing calculators that are used for calculus will have pre-load settings. These settings will let you run through a section without having to key in your exact key. This is very helpful to those who test early because they don’t want to spend the time inputting their answers. However, if you find that you need to key in your answer, you might have to reset the pre-load setting. Take a few minutes to learn and practice entering your key without pressing the numbers too quickly.
During section one, you will start with the quadratic formula. This formula analyzes the solutions of a cubic equation. It has a little twist to it, though. The solution of a quadratic equation can be graphically expressed as a function of x and y. This is something that students will need to memorize when doing problems for the test. Spend a few minutes breaking down the formula so that you know how it works.
Section two consists of ninety multiple-choice problems. The format for these problems is to choose the appropriate category to fill in. You’ll have ten sets of ten questions and you’ll need to select all of them. Spend a few moments trying to memorize the answer to each question and then work on a new question that you think you may fail.
After the second section, you’ll have three more sets of problems. Spend some more time working through the problems in these three sections. Remember that these are timed and you’ll have to complete them within a specific amount of time. Try to work through these quickly so that you don’t waste time watching the clock. Then it’s time to run over to the calculator and do your actual test.
The third and final section of the test consists of a multiple-choice examination. You’ll do just two questions here and then have to click through to the next section. The format of this exam is the same as the other exams. Just spend some more time doing your dry run before you start doing your real practice tests. Then you should be ready to take the actual test.
You’ll find that you’re given about 30 minutes to complete each section. You’ll also find that the problem types are different depending on the section. Some of these include graph problems, quadratic equations, polynomial equations, etc. Keep up your pace as you complete each section. Then you’ll be ready for the final section.
Here you’ll do a multiple-choice section. Remember that each part of the test has at least one correct answer and any incorrect answers will earn you a failing mark. Choose the multiple-choice questions that you think you’ll do well on. Then, select those that apply to your textbook and practice tests. Spend a few minutes answering these questions before you move on to the next part of the test. If you get all of the questions right, you’ll earn a passing grade.
Once you complete the test, you’ll receive your official results in the mail. There might be some small questions on the test that you’ll have to answer individually. Follow the directions provided by your calculus instructor. Then you can start doing your assignments. Keep your time frame in mind when it comes to doing your homework. Stay organized and you’ll soon be on your way to a better grade than the average student!
