AP CALCULUS AB Scoring Guide

2.1 Defining Average and Instantaneous Rates of Change at a Point

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 and a table of selected values of are shown above. The graph of has a
horizontal tangent line at , is concave up for , and is linear for .

(a) Approximate the value of using data from the table. Show the computations that lead to your answer.

(b) Is there a value of , for , such that ? Give a reason for your answer.

AP Calculus AB Page 1 of 11
 Scoring Guide

2.1 Defining Average and Instantaneous Rates of Change at a Point

(c) For each of the following limits, find the value or explain why it does not exist.
(i)

(ii)

(iii)

Part A

The first point is earned for a correct difference quotient over a subinterval of that contains A
response using as the right endpoint earns only 1 point for knowing to use a difference quotient; this response is
not eligible for the second point because is not in the relevant portion of the domain. The second point is earned
for a correct expression that substitutes correct values from the table. The expression 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 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

difference quotient
approximation

Solution:

Part B

The first point is for recognizing that the given expression is the derivative of The second point is for the correct
answer (there is a value of for ) and communicating the connection between the derivative and the slope of
the tangent line at

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.

Page 2 of 11 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

2.1 Defining Average and Instantaneous Rates of Change at a Point

answer with reason

Solution:

at a point where the line tangent to the graph of has slope 0. Since the graph of has a horizontal tangent at
there is a value of for such that

Part C

To earn the first point, the response must report the slope of the linear section of the graph. To earn the second point, the
response must explain that the difference in the numerator of the expression will approach 3 as approaches 0.

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.

does not exist with explanation

does not exist with explanation

Solution:

does not exist because the numerator approaches 3 as the denominator approaches 0.

does not exist because the left-hand limit in (ii) does not exist.

—OR—

Because is not continuous at due to a jump discontinuity, is not differentiable at Since

is the definition of the derivative of at does not exist.

AP Calculus AB Page 3 of 11
 Scoring Guide

2.1 Defining Average and Instantaneous Rates of Change at a Point

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.

At an excavation site, the amount of dirt that has been removed, in cubic meters, is modeled by the function
defined above, where is a differentiable function and is measured in hours. Values of at selected values of
are given in the table above.

(a) According to the model , what is the average rate of change of the amount of dirt removed over the time
interval hours?

(b) Use the data in the table to approximate , the instantaneous rate of change in the amount of dirt
removed, in cubic meters per hour, at time hours. Show the computations that lead to your answer.

(c) Is continuous for ? Justify your answer.

(d) Find , the instantaneous rate of change in the amount of dirt removed, in cubic meters per hour, at time
hours.

Part A

The point is earned for a correct expression that substitutes both correct values from the table, with or without
simplification.

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

0 1

Page 4 of 11 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

2.1 Defining Average and Instantaneous Rates of Change at a Point

The student response accurately includes a correct average rate of change.

Solution:

The average rate of change of the amount of dirt removed over the time interval hours is 28 cubic meters per
hour.

Part B

The point is earned for a correct expression that substitutes both correct values from the table, with or without
simplification.

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 approximation of .

Solution:

Part C

The response must explicitly connect differentiability and continuity to earn the first point and use the fact that is a
polynomial for to explain why is continuous on that interval to earn the second point. The third point is for
continuity at

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.

is continuous for
differentiability of implies continuity

Solution:

Because is a polynomial function for is continuous for

AP Calculus AB Page 5 of 11
 Scoring Guide

2.1 Defining Average and Instantaneous Rates of Change at a Point

Because is differentiable, is continuous on for

Because is continuous at

Thus, is continuous for

Part D

The first point is earned for demonstration of a correct derivative for and does not require a separate statement of
so earns both points. The derivative and evaluation of the derivative can be expressed in one
line to earn both points.

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.

Solution:

for

for

The instantaneous rate of change in the amount of dirt removed at hours is 51 cubic meters per hour.

Page 6 of 11 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

2.1 Defining Average and Instantaneous Rates of Change at a Point

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.

The temperature of a room, in degrees Fahrenheit, on a certain day is modeled by the function defined above,
where is a differentiable function and is measured in hours. Values of at selected values of are given in
the table above.

(a) According to the model , what is the average rate of change of the temperature of the room over the time
interval hours?

(b) Use the data in the table to approximate , the instantaneous rate of change in the temperature of the
room, in degrees Fahrenheit per hour, at time hours. Show the computations that lead to your answer.

(c) Is continuous for ? Justify your answer.

(d) Find , the instantaneous rate of change in the temperature of the room, in degrees Fahrenheit per
hour, at time hours.

Part A

The point is earned for a correct expression that substitutes both correct values from the table, with or without
simplification.

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

0 1

AP Calculus AB Page 7 of 11
 Scoring Guide

2.1 Defining Average and Instantaneous Rates of Change at a Point

The student response accurately includes a correct average rate of change.

Solution:

The average rate of change of the temperature of the room over the time interval hours is degrees
Fahrenheit per hour

Part B

The second point is earned for a correct expression that substitutes both correct values from the table, with or without
simplification.

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 approximation of

Solution:

Part C

The response must explicitly connect differentiability and continuity to earn the first point and use the fact that is a
polynomial on to explain why is continuous on that interval to earn the second point. The third point is
for continuity at

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.

differentiability of implies continuity

is continuous on

Solution:

Because is differentiable, is continuous on for

Page 8 of 11 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

2.1 Defining Average and Instantaneous Rates of Change at a Point

Because is a polynomial function on is continuous on

Because is continuous at

Thus, is continuous on

Part D

The first point is earned for demonstration of a correct derivative for and does not require a separate statement of
The derivative and evaluation of the derivative can be expressed in one line to earn both points.

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.

Solution:

The instantaneous rate of change in the temperature of the room at hours is 2 degrees Fahrenheit per hour.

4.

Selected values of a function are shown in the table above. What is the average rate of change of over the
interval ?

AP Calculus AB Page 9 of 11
 Scoring Guide

2.1 Defining Average and Instantaneous Rates of Change at a Point

(A)

(B)

(C)
(D)

5. Let be the function defined by . The average rate of change of over the interval
is 0.05, where . Which of the following is an equation that could be used to find the value of ?
(A)
(B)
(C)

(D)

6. Let be the function defined by . Which of the following expressions is the average rate of
change of over the interval ?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

7.

Selected values of a function are shown in the table above. What is the average rate of change of over the
interval ?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

8. Let be the function defined by . The average rate of change of over the interval is 20, where
. Which of the following is an equation that could be used to find the value of ?

Page 10 of 11 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

2.1 Defining Average and Instantaneous Rates of Change at a Point

(A)
(B)
(C)

(D)

9. Let be the function defined by . Which of the following expressions is the average rate of
change of on the interval ?
(A)

(B)

(C)
(D)

AP Calculus AB Page 11 of 11
 Scoring Guide

Notation
2.
-Derivative
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 and a table of selected values of are shown above. The graph of has a
horizontal tangent line at , is concave down for , and is linear for .

(a) Approximate the value of using data from the table. Show the computations that lead to your
answer.

Page 4 of 25 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

(b) Is there a value of , for , such that ? Give a reason for your answer.

(c) For each of the following limits, find the value or explain why it does not exist.

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

Part A

The first point is earned for a correct difference quotient over a subinterval of that contains A
response using as the right endpoint earns only 1 point for knowing to use a difference quotient; this response is
not eligible for the second point because is not in the relevant portion of the domain. The second point is earned
for a correct expression that substitutes correct values from the table. The expression 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 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

difference quotient
approximation

Solution:

Part B

The first point is for recognizing that the given expression is the derivative of The second point is for the correct
answer (there is a value of for ) and communicating the connection between the derivative and the slope of
the tangent line at

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 25
 Scoring Guide

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

answer with reason

Solution:

at a point where the line tangent to the graph of has slope 0. Since the graph of has a horizontal tangent at
there is a value of for such that

Part C

To earn the first point, the response must report the slope of the linear section of the graph. To earn the second point, the
response must explain that the difference in the numerator of the expression will approach 2 as approaches 0.

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.

does not exist with explanation

does not exist with explanation

Solution:

(i)

(ii) does not exist because the numerator approaches 2 as the denominator approaches 0.

(iii) does not exist because the left-hand limit in (ii) does not exist.

—OR—

Because is not continuous at due to a jump discontinuity, is not differentiable at Since

Page 6 of 25 AP Calculus AB
 '

A) f- (a)
"
=
Cosatu) + n
"
+61 b) At a- 0,4=(1-1×1) =

( 3) ( fast
"
f- Isin 1-3-14 4ns y =
-
= -
+
3
y
=
=
Isin C- 31T)
-
+
4C 3)
- Scoring Guide

is the definition of the derivative of at does not exist.

= -1Tsin (-3-11)+41-27) '
-2
f- Ge)
'

Y' '
f- (n)) f- (a)
'

⇐g
- -

y ffn))
' =
=

Isin ( -31T)
-

108
= '
( f- ( xD
- -

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
( Eng)
¥-
Y'that you use.atJustifications
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects a-◦ 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.
slope
Answers without supporting work will usually not receive credit.
Equation
4=2--3-4
=

a
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 an increasing function with . The derivative of is given by .

(a) Find .

(b) Write an equation for the line tangent to the graph of at .

(c) Let be the function defined by . Find .

(d) Let be the inverse function of . Find .

Part A

The second point cannot be earned without the first point. The second point does not require 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.

chain rule
answer

Solution:

AP Calculus AB Page 7 of 25
 Scoring Guide

Part B

The second point may be earned based on a derivative expression that includes application of power rule and chain rule
with a maximum of one computational error. Trigonometric function values do not need to be evaluated.The third point
may be earned if response contains a slope that is consistent with the derivative 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 does not accurately include any of the criteria below.

slope
equation for tangent line

Solution:

At

An equation for the tangent line is y equals,

Part C

The first and second points require evidence of applying the chain rule twice and no errors. At most 1 out of 3 points is
earned for partial communication of chain rule with a maximum of one computational error. Substitution of function
values is required. Trigonometric function values do not need to be evaluated. A simplified answer is not required.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.

chain rule (2 points for full credit)

answer

Page 8 of 25 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

Solution:

Part D

Substitution of function values is required. Trigonometric function values do not need to be evaluated.Select a point value
to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1

The student response accurately includes the criteria below.

answer

Solution:

Because

AP Calculus AB Page 9 of 25
 f- (a) =y
'

cost -21T) = Cos ( 2K) R= f- (y )

y=MN+b
Scoring Guide

4. NO CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED FOR THIS QUESTION.

→ b

a) f- (a)
" of your work,) even
Show allltcoslltx -12k b) At
though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly label any
Justifications require1-2
functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use.n=0,Y=¥◦
=
=

that you give mathematical reasons,

,
and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are
(2) (-21-4+21-2) F' K)
"

'(¥n '=yif(
f- applied.IT
-2
Yourcoswork will be scored on the correctness and completeness of '
your f- (n))
methods as wellf- your answers.
as (a)
= ' -

y
_

xD
=
= -

Answers without supporting work will usually not receive , credit.

=
IT -4 ( f- ( xD
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.
I

(
-
Y' At "◦
'
f.(a) f- ( o)
'

¥↳gµp
=

y {
-

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-
=
-

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

Equation
( ) ÷
y
g- za
- -

÷
- -

= = -

Let be an increasing function with . The derivative of is given by .

(a) Find .

(b) Write an equation for the line tangent to the graph of at .

+⊕
(f-
f¥Ñ
=

(c) Let be the function defined by . Find .

(d) Let be the inverse function of . Find .

h=fÉxj
Part A d) f- (01--2
Opposite
c) Theglad
?
f-( 3rd
cannot be earned without the first point. The412)
=
-14
second point second point does not require a simplified answer;
trigonometric function values do not need to be evaluated. "

)
"

h (2)
g' (2) f- (31212+4) ( pithy
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Fat -14 to §
= =
=
=
•

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

✓
↳
f-(Fb) f'(4) • 6N f- ¥)
23×2+4
0 1 2

+b⑧
19
£
= •
,

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

=
51
chain rule 2
answer

Solution:

Page 10 of 25 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

Part B

The second point may be earned based on a derivative expression that includes application of power rule and chain rule
with a maximum of one computational error.

The third point may be earned if response contains a slope that is consistent with the derivative 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.

slope
equation for tangent line

Solution:

At

An equation for the tangent line is

Part C

The first and second points require evidence of applying the chain rule twice and no errors. At most 1 out of 3 points is
earned for partial communication of chain rule with a maximum of one computational error. Substitution of function
values is required. A simplified answer is not required.

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.

chain rule (2 points for full credit)

AP Calculus AB Page 11 of 25
 Scoring Guide

answer

Solution:

Part D

Substitution of function values is required.

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 value of

Solution:

Because

Page 12 of 25 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

5. NO CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED FOR THIS QUESTION.

hy juy"-zas] s[27 isslope.

a) 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
I my?-2n=2
Answers dy
applied. Your work will be scored on the at
without supporting work will
(1.2) ->
correctness
usually not receive credit. 6(02-22=6.4:8
and completeness of your methods as well as your answers.

xzyy'=y2 -6n 8 =

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your answer is given as a
decimal approximation, it should be
2xyy'=bye"-y2 y correct
No: to (2-40)
Mthree
-
places after the decimal point.

= (2-1) is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which

x 2of a function

Gary
y': Unless otherwise specified, the domain
-
=

is a real number.
1 (a-1)
2 +
y =

Consider the curve defined by for .

(a) Show that .

(b) Write an equation for the line tangent to the curve at the point .

(c) Find the -coordinate of the point at which the line tangent to the curve at is horizontal.

(d) Find the value of at the point .

2) Part
If the
A
line tangent to the curve at 4 is horizontal, dy= O

62 == 0
The first point-yis earned for or equivalent. The second point is earned for a response
Because my"-2n=2, 62
that arrives at the given expression rather than
criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.
-

(s+2)
an algebraically equivalent
Oexpression. Select a point value to view scoring
=

60"-R2) 0
0
=

64-2e=1
=

1
x 42 =

2
f
a =

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

implicit differentiation
verification

Solution:

AP Calculus AB Page 13 of 25
 Scoring Guide

Part B

The second point may be earned if response contains an incorrect value for slope based on one computational error.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.

slope
equation for tangent line

Solution:

An equation for the tangent line is

Part C

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

0 1 2

The student response does not accurately include any of the criteria below.

-coordinate

Solution:

If the line tangent to the curve at is horizontal,

Therefore,

Page 14 of 25 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

Because ,

Part D

At most 1 out of 2 implicit differentiation points is earned for correct implicit differentiation with a correct application of
the quotient rule and chain rule with a maximum of one computational error.

The third point requires substitution of values with correct or consistent use of the value from part (b). A simplified
answer is not required.

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.

implicit differentiation (2 points for full credit)

answer

Solution:

AP Calculus AB Page 15 of 25
 Scoring Guide

6. 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.

Consider the curve defined by for .

(a) Show that .

(b) Write an equation for the line tangent to the curve at the point .

(c) Show that there is a point with -coordinate 0 at which the line tangent to the curve at is horizontal.
Find the -coordinate of .

(d) Find the value of at the point found in part (c).

Part A

The first point is earned for or equivalent.

The second 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

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

implicit differentiation
verification

Solution:

Page 16 of 25 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

Part B

The second point may be earned if response contains an incorrect value for slope based on one computational error.

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.

slope
equation for tangent line

Solution:

An equation for the tangent line is

Part C

The second point may be earned if response contains an incorrect value for the coordinate based on one computational
error.

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.

coordinate
verification

Solution:

AP Calculus AB Page 17 of 25
 Scoring Guide

At the point with it follows that

Therefore, the line tangent to the curve at is horizontal.

Part D

At most 1 out of 2 implicit differentiation points is earned for correct implicit differentiation with a correct application of
the quotient rule and chain rule with a maximum of one computational error.

The third point requires substitution of values with a consistent use of the coordinate from part (c). A simplified answer
is not required although the expression should simplify to 1 regardless of the coordinate value.

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.

implicit differentiation (2 points for full credit)

answer

Solution:

Page 18 of 25 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

8.

Let be a differentiable function with . The graph of , the derivative of , is shown above. Which of
the following statements is true about the line tangent to the graph of at ?

(A) The tangent line has slope 2 and passes through the point .

(B) The tangent line has slope 2 and passes through the point .
(C) The tangent line has slope 0 and passes through the point .
(D) The tangent line has slope 0 and passes through the point .

9. An equation for the line tangent to the graph of the differentiable function at is . Which of the
following statements must be true?

I.
II.
III.
(A) None
(B) I and II only
(C) II and III only
(D) I, II, and III

Page 22 of 25 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

10.

Shown above is the graph of the differentiable function along with the line tangent to the graph of at .
What is the value of ?

(A)
(B)
(C) 4
(D)

AP Calculus AB Page 23 of 25
 Scoring Guide

11.

Let be a differentiable function with . The graph of , the derivative of , is shown above. Which of
the following statements is true about the line tangent to the graph of at ?

(A) The tangent line has slope and passes through the point .

(B) The tangent line has slope and passes through the point .
(C) The tangent line has slope 0 and passes through the point .
(D) The tangent line has slope 0 and passes through the point .

12. An equation for the line tangent to the graph of the differentiable function at is . Which of
the following statements must be true?

I.
II.
III.
(A) None
(B) I and II only
(C) II and III only
(D) I, II, and III

Page 24 of 25 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

13.

Shown above is the graph of the differentiable function , along with the line tangent to the graph of at .
What is the value of ?

(A)
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4

AP Calculus AB Page 25 of 25
 AP CALCULUS AB Scoring Guide

2.3 Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point

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.

The table above gives values of the differentiable function and its derivative at selected values of . Let be
the function defined by .

(a) Using values of from the table, estimate . Show the work that leads to your answer.

(b) Let be the function defined by . Find .

(c) Let be the function defined by . Find .

(d) Let be the function defined by . Find .

Part A

The point is earned for a correct expression that substitutes correct values from the table. The expression does not need to
be simplified. If simplified, there are no errors. A response that presents an incorrect expression, makes an error in
substituting values from the table, or makes an error in simplification does not earn the point.

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

AP Calculus AB Page 1 of 22
 Scoring Guide

2.3 Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point

0 1

The student response accurately includes a correct estimate of

Solution:

Part B

The first point is earned for correctly presenting the rule for derivative of a sum, either by writing
or or OR for the correct answer
accompanied by and

To be eligible for the second point, the response must have earned the first point or made a maximum of one sign error
with either term and correctly evaluated the expression. An answer without supporting work does not earn any points. An
unsimplified final answer such as earns 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.

answer

Solution:

from the table.

from the calculator.

Part C

The first point is earned for correctly presenting the product rule for derivatives, either by writing
or or

Page 2 of 22 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

2.3 Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point

To be eligible for the second point, the response must have earned the first point or made a maximum of one sign error
with either term and correctly evaluated the expression. An answer without supporting work does not earn any points. An
unsimplified final answer such as earns 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.

answer

Solution:

and from the table.

and from the calculator.

Part D

The first point is earned for correctly presenting the quotient rule for derivatives, either by writing
or or

To be eligible for the second point, the response must have earned the first point or made a maximum of one sign error
with either term in the numerator and correctly evaluated the expression. An answer without supporting work does not
earn any points. An unsimplified final answer such as earns 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.

answer

Solution:

AP Calculus AB Page 3 of 22
 Scoring Guide

2.3 Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point

and from the table.

and from the calculator.

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.

The table above gives values of the differentiable function and its derivative at selected values of . Let be
the function defined by .

(a) Using values of from the table, estimate . Show the work that leads to your answer.

(b) Let be the function defined by . Find .

(c) Let be the function defined by . Find .

(d) Let be the function defined by . Find .

Part A

Page 4 of 22 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

2.3 Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point

The point is earned for a correct expression that substitutes correct values from the table. The expression does not need to
be simplified. If simplified, there are no errors. A response that presents an incorrect expression, makes an error in
substituting values from the table, or makes an error in simplification does not 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 estimate of

Solution:

Part B

The first point is earned for correctly presenting the rule for derivative of a difference, either by writing
or or OR for the correct answer
accompanied by and

To be eligible for the second point, the response must have earned the first point or made a maximum of one sign error
with either term and correctly evaluated the expression. An answer without supporting work does not earn any points. An
unsimplified final answer such as earns 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.

answer

Solution:

from the calculator.

from the table.

Part C

AP Calculus AB Page 5 of 22
 Scoring Guide

2.3 Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point

The first point is earned for correctly presenting the product rule for derivatives, either by writing
or or

To be eligible for the second point, the response must have earned the first point or made a maximum of one sign error
with either term and correctly evaluated the expression. An answer without supporting work does not earn any points. An
unsimplified final answer such as

earns 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.

answer

Solution:

and from the calculator.

and from the table.

Part D

The first point is earned for correctly presenting the quotient rule for derivatives, either by writing
or or

To be eligible for the second point, the response must have earned the first point or made a maximum of one sign error
with either term in the numerator and correctly evaluated the expression. An answer without supporting work does not
earn any points. An unsimplified final answer such as

earns the second point.

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

Page 6 of 22 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

2.3 Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

answer

Solution:

and

from the calculator.

and from the table.

AP Calculus AB Page 7 of 22
 Scoring Guide

2.3 Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point

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.

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

Page 14 of 22 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

2.3 Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point

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

AP Calculus AB Page 15 of 22
 Scoring Guide

2.3 Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point

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

Page 16 of 22 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

2.3 Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point

6. 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.

AP Calculus AB Page 17 of 22
 Scoring Guide

2.3 Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point

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.

Page 18 of 22 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

2.3 Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point

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.

AP Calculus AB Page 19 of 22
 Scoring Guide

2.3 Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point

7.

The graph of a function with is shown above for . The derivative of exists for all in
the interval except . For how many values of , for , does
?
(A) Zero
(B) Two
(C) Three
(D) Four

Page 20 of 22 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

2.3 Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point

8.

The graph of a function with is shown above for . The derivative of exists for all in
the interval except . For how many values of , for , does
?
(A) Zero
(B) Two
(C) Three
(D) Four

9. Let be the function given by . Of the following values of , at which

does the line tangent to the graph of have the greatest slope?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

10. Let be the function given by . What is the value of ?

(A) is undefined.
(B)
(C)
(D) 0

AP Calculus AB Page 21 of 22
 Scoring Guide

2.3 Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point

11. Let be the function given by . Of the following values of , at

which does the line tangent to the graph of have the greatest slope?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

12. Let be the function given by . What is the value of ?

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

Page 22 of 22 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

2.9 The Quotient Rule

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.

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 8 of 11 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

2.9 The Quotient Rule

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 9 of 11
 Scoring Guide

2.9 The Quotient Rule

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

4.

The table above gives values of the differentiable functions and and their derivatives at . If
, then

(A) 15
(B) 3
(C) 2
(D)

5. Let be a differentiable function such that and . If is the function defined by ,

what is the value of ?

Page 10 of 11 AP Calculus AB
 Scoring Guide

2.9 The Quotient Rule

(A)

(B)
(C)
(D) 60

6. If , then

(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

7.

The table above gives values of the differentiable functions and and their derivatives at . If
, then

(A)
(B)
(C) 1
(D) 5

8. Let be a differentiable function such that and . If is the function defined by

, what is the value of ?

(A) 2

(B)
(C)
(D) 42

9. If , then
(A)

(B)

(C)
(D)

AP Calculus AB Page 11 of 11