A graphing calculator is required on two parts and not allowed on the other two. You may use it on the last 13 multiple-choice questions (Part B) and the first two free-response questions (Part A). Bluebook has a built-in Desmos graphing calculator, or you can bring an approved handheld. Use radian mode.
Multiple choice, Part A
29 questions, no calculator
Multiple choice, Part B
13 questions, graphing calculator required
Free response, Part A
Questions 1 and 2, graphing calculator required
Free response, Part B
Questions 3 and 4, no calculator
What the calculator must do
Calculate exponents, roots, trigonometric values and logarithms.
Graph functions, make a table of values, and find real zeros, intersections, and maximum and minimum values.
Solve equations in one variable numerically.
Find regression equations (linear, quadratic, cubic, quartic, exponential, logarithmic and sinusoidal) and plot residuals.
Using it well
Only some Part B questions truly need the calculator; do the quick ones by hand.
Store values instead of retyping rounded ones, so a final answer stays accurate to three decimal places.
Check radian mode before every session: a sine model in degrees gives the wrong value with no warning.
Practice the no-calculator parts without one, since 29 of the 42 multiple-choice questions allow none.
The calculator in this course
Every calculator question here opens a graphing calculator beside it. Its Regression tab fits linear, quadratic, cubic, quartic, exponential, logarithmic and sinusoidal models to a table, brings in the question's table in one tap, and evaluates the model at any x to three decimal places.
Try 2 questions
Question 1Graphing calculator
A table with two columns, t in days and A of t in square millimeters. For t equal to 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8, A of t is 12.1, 17.9, 26.8, 39.5 and 59.2.
t (days)
A(t) (mm2)
0
12.1
2
17.9
4
26.8
6
39.5
8
59.2
The table gives the area, in square millimeters, covered by a mold colony t days after it was first measured. An exponential regression A(t)=abt is used to model the data. What area does the model predict at t=10 days?
Question 2Graphing calculator
Weekly sales at two stores, in thousands of dollars, are modeled by A(t)=0.3t3−2t2+5t+10 and B(t)=2.5t+12, where t is the number of weeks after a sale begins, t≥0. For what value of t are the modeled sales at the two stores equal?
Can you use a calculator on the AP Precalculus exam?
On some parts. A graphing calculator is required on Part B of the multiple choice (13 questions) and Part A of the free response (Questions 1 and 2). It is not allowed on the other parts.
Is Desmos allowed on the AP Precalculus exam?
Yes. A built-in Desmos graphing calculator is available in Bluebook during the exam. Only that built-in version can be used, or an approved handheld graphing calculator.
Should my calculator be in degrees or radians?
Radians. Angle measures on the exam are in radians unless a question says otherwise.