By now, you've probably covered basic differentiation of a function y in terms of a single variable x. This is called 

 on the other hand, is differentiating a variable 

. We're not just taking the derivative of 

 anymore, we're taking the derivative of whole equations like 

Need a quick review on taking and finding derivatives, make sure you watch this 🎥 

video introducing and explaining derivatives

So how do you do implicit differentiation? 

We can even simplify further to solve for 

Implicit differentiation is useful in solving differential equations, where you'll need to solve for 

. Some applications include optimization, e.g. finding the rate of change of volume with respect to the rate of change of time. 

For more examples and help watch this video about 

implicit differentiation and derivatives.

AP Calculus AB/BC

"The limit does not exist." In unit 1 of AP Calc AB/BC, we cover everything you need to know about limits and continuity: limit notation, estimating and calculating limits, L'Hopital's Rule, squeeze theorem, theories of continuity, infinite limits, limits at infinity, and the intermediate value theorem. 

Unit 1 – Limits & Continuity

In unit 2 of AP Calc AB/BC, we introduce the derivative—definitions of the derivative, derivative rules (power rule, quotient rule, product rule, and trig rules), and differentiability of a function. With these resources, you will become a master of differentiation!

Unit 2 – Fundamentals of Differentiation

In unit 3 of AP Calc AB/BC, we dive deeper into derviatives! We will cover the derivatives of composite, implicit, and inverse functions, including inverse trigonometric functions. We'll delve into higher order derivatives, chain rule, and how to select a procedure to calculate derivatives. 

Unit 3 – Composite, Implicit, & Inverse Functions

In unit 4 of AP Calc AB/BC, we'll cover derivatives as they relate to position/velocity/acceleration, rates of change, and related rates. You'll learn the contextual meaning of derivatives, approximating values using linearization, and finding limits with L'Hopital's Rule. You'll understand the real-life applications of differentiation!

Unit 4 – Contextual Applications of Differentiation

In unit 5 of AP Calc AB/BC, we talk about mean value theorem, Rolle's theorem, extreme value theorem, global & local extrema, functions increasing & decreasing, first derivative test, concavity, second derivative test, and optimization problems. You'll be ready to analyze all types of graphs using the fundamentals of differentiation!

Unit 5 – Analytical Applications of Differentiation

In unit 6 of AP Calc AB/BC, we wil cover accumulation change with definite integrals, Riemann sums, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, u-substitution, antiderivatives, indefinite integrals, and properties of integrals, integration by parts, and partial fraction decomposition. You'll understand the fundamentals of integration and its applications!

Unit 6 – Integration & Accumulation of Change

In unit 7 of AP Calc AB/BC, we delve into differential equations, slope fields, Euler's method, finding particular solutions using initial conditions & separation of variables, and logistic models for exponential growth and decay. With these resources, you'll develop a deeper understanding of differential equations as mathematical models.

Unit 7 – Differential Equations

In unit 8 of AP Calc, we dive into integration as it relates to the average value of a function, net changes, particle motion (position/velocity/acceleration), areas between curves, and volumes (with cross sections, disc method, & washer method). You'll develop a solid understanding of integration and its applications in real life!

Unit 8 – Applications of Integration

In unit 9 of AP Calc BC, we review parametric equations, arc lengths, polar coordinates, vector-valued functions, and areas under polar curves. With these resources, you'll ace the AP Calc BC exam!

Unit 9 – Parametric Equations, Polar Coordinates, & Vector-Valued Functions (BC Only)

Let's learn about series in unit 10 of AP Calc BC. We cover infinite sequences and series, including all the divergence and convergence tests: nth term test, integral test, comparison tests, alternating series tests, and Taylor polynomials. 

Unit 10 – Infinite Sequences & Series (BC Only)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Previous Exam Prep

Study Tools

Exam Skills

Introduction to Calculus

1.1 Introducing Calculus: Can Change Occur at an Instant?

1.2 Defining Limits and Using Limit Notation

1.3 Estimating from Graphs

1.4 Estimating from Tables

1.5 Using Algebraic Properties of Limits

1.6 Using Algebraic Manipulations

1.8 Squeeze Theorem

1.10 Exploring Types of Discontinuities

1.11 Defining Continuity at a Point

1.12 Confirming Continuity Over an Interval

1.13 Removing Discontinuities

1.14 & 1.15 Asymptotes

1.16 Working with the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT)

Unit 1 Overview: Limits and Continuity

Limits

Introducing Calculus: Can Change Occur at An Instant?

Discontinuities

Jump Discontinuity ↔

Point Discontinuity 🕳

Essential Discontinuity ♾️

Removable Discontinuity 🚫

Exploring Types of Discontinuities

How to Determine Continuity at a Point

Examples

Defining Continuity at a Point

Confirming Continuity Over an Open Interval

Confirming Continuity Over a Closed Interval 

Confirming Continuity over an Interval

How to Remove Discontinuities

Removing Discontinuities

Connecting Infinite Limits and Vertical Asymptotes

Limits at Infinity

Objectives:

Essential Knowledge:

Looking Further

Connecting Limits at Infinity and Horizontal Asymptotes

Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT)

Overview:

Examples:

     Summary

Working with the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT Calc)

Defining Limits and Using Limit Notation

Estimating a Limit Value: Step by Step 

Estimating Limit Values from Graphs

Example Problem ❓

Estimating Limit Values from Tables

Example Problem: Using the Sum Rule to Determine a Limit ➕

Example Problem: Using the Constant Multiple Rule to Determine a Limit ➡

Example Problem: Using the Product Rule to Determine a Limit ✖️

Example Problem: Using the Exponent/Power Rule to Determine a Limit 💥

Determining Limits Using Algebraic Properties of Limits

Example Problem: Determining a Limit Using Factoring 

Example Problem: Determining a Limit Using Alternate Forms of Trigonometric Functions 

Determining Limits Using Algebraic Manipulation

Selecting Procedures for Determining Limits

The Squeeze Theorem 

Determining Limits Using the Squeeze Theorem

Connecting Multiple Representations of Limits

What is a derivative? 

Computing Derivatives

Unit 2 Overview: Differentiation

What is a Derivative? 🤔

Defining Average and Instantaneous Rates of Change at a Point

Derivatives of Special Functions, Continued!


Example Problems:


Finding the Derivatives of Tangent, Cotangent, Secant, and/or Cosecant Functions

Derivatives Defined

Defining the Derivative of a Function and Using Derivative Notation

Estimating Derivatives

Understanding the Definition of an Estimated Derivative:


Exploring the Estimated Derivative through Different Methods:


Example Problems:

Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point

Differentiability and Continuity


Defining Differentiability and Continuity:


Connecting Differentiability and Continuity:


Connecting Differentiability and Continuity: Determining When Derivatives Do and Do Not Exist

The Power Rule

Applying the Power Rule

Derivative Rules

Derivative Rules: Constant, Sum, Difference, and Constant Multiple

Derivatives of Special Functions 💭

Derivatives of cos x, sinx, e^x, and ln x

The Product Rule

The Quotient Rule

Developing Understanding of Differentiation

Building Mathematical Practices

Preparing for the AP Exam

Exam Weighting ⚖

Developing Understanding 🧠

Main Topics and Sections:

Unit 3 Overview: Differentiation: Composite, Implicit, and Inverse Functions

What is the Chain Rule? 🔗

When to Use the Chain Rule 📆

How to Apply the Chain Rule 🤔

Chain Rule Practice 📝

Answers 📝

The Chain Rule

What is Implicit Differentiation?

How to Differentiate Implicitly 🕵

Implicit Differentiation Practice 📝

Implicit Differentiation

What are Inverse Functions? 🙃

How to Differentiate Inverse Functions 🕵

Differentiating Inverse Functions Practice 📝

Differentiating Inverse Functions

What is an Inverse Trigonometric Function? 🤠

How to Differentiate Inverse Trigonometric Functions 🕵

Differentiating Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Calculating Derivatives Practice 📝

Selecting Procedures for Calculating Derivatives

What is a Higher-Order Derivative? 😵

How to Calculate Higher-Order Derivatives 🕵

Calculating Higher-Order Derivatives Practice 📝


Answers 📝

Calculating Higher-Order Derivatives

🔍 Prerequisite Information 

Unit 4 Overview: Contextual Applications of Differentiation

Review: Implicit Differentiation ✔️

Interpreting the Meaning of the Derivative in Context

Position and Velocity

Acceleration

Straight-Line Motion: Connecting Position, Velocity, and Acceleration

🔍 Examples

📓 Practice

Rates of Change in Applied Contexts other than Motion

What are Related Rates?

The Process 📠

Example Problem:

Draw a Picture

Equation to Relate

Plugging In And Solving

Intro to Related Rates

Special Example: Volume of a Cone 🍦

Solving Related Rates Problems

Linearization

Under and Overestimates

Linearization and Point-Slope

Approximating Values of a Function Using Local Linearity and Linearization

Indeterminate Forms

L'Hopital's Rule

When You Can Use L'Hopitals

Using L'Hopitals Rule for Determining Limits in Indeterminate Forms

Graphical Analysis 

5.1 Using the Mean Value Theorem

5.2 Extreme Value Theorem, Global vs. Local Extrema, and Critical Points

5.3 Determining Intervals on Which a Function is Increasing or Decreasing

5.4 Using the First Derivative Test to Determine Relative (Local) Extrema

5.5 Using the Candidates Test to Determine Absolute (Global) Extrema

5.6 Determining Concavity of Functions Over Their Domains

5.7 Using the Second Derivative Test to Determine Extrema

5.8 Sketching Graphs of Functions and Their Derivatives

5.9 Connecting a Function, Its First Derivative, and Its Second Derivative

5.10 & 5.11 Introduction to & Solving Optimization Problems

Unit 5 Overview: Analytical Applications of Differentiation

Okay, let’s break this down: 🔍

Rolle's Theorem

Using the Mean Value Theorem

add H2 here

Introduction to Optimization Problems

Example Problem 

Solving Optimization Problems

What is implicit differentiation and how do I do it?

What is implicit differentiation and how do I do it?

Explicit vs. Implicit Differentiation

Explicit Differentiation

Implicit Differentiation

What is implicit differentiation and how do I do it?

Explicit vs. Implicit Differentiation

Explicit Differentiation

Implicit Differentiation

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