elf4EVA

Would it be possible to self-study BC without taking AB? I am planning on it this year because I already know almost all of what is being taught in Honors Precalc right now, and I consider myself to be one of the stronger math students at my school. I'm not asking if it will be easy, because I know it won't be. I actually want to learn the material and not just get a 5 on the AP exam. Thoughts? By the way, this guide is so helpful! I will definitely follow it, even if I'm not taking AB.

Equilibrium

Well, anything is doable, as long as you set your mind on it

Of course, it will be very challenging. To give you an estimate, BC usually takes 100 hours total (depending on your background), and I estimate AB to take 150+ hours total.

The total is about 250 hours, and possibly more if you truly wish to master the material. Can you put in this time commitment w/o overwhelming yourself? How important for you is it to finish Calc BC this year? Do you have any other commitments that may interfere with this goal? Self-studying BC and AB will be challenging, but is definitely doable. At the end, however, do you think it will be worth it?

Good luck with your decision - let me know if you have any other questions.

Equilibrium

Another possibly helpful link:
Math 1106 Home page (try the old exams)

Also, if any of you have questions, please make a post AND message me (I don't check my account regularly anymore, but a message shows up on my email)

AngelJess

Hey can I self study calculas BC even without talking Calculas AB at school?

Equilibrium

Of course it is doable. However, you will not only have to learn all of the BC material but also the AB material at the same time, which will require a massive effort. I'd only recommend doing it if it's your only option (ie your school doesn't offer AB or BC) - otherwise, I'd consider any possible alternatives, such as doing AB only this year or doing BC next year. Doing both AB and BC by yourself will take a massive amount of work, so you should only do it if you have enough free time.

Equilibrium

Bump - hope you self-studiers are doing well so far! If you're interested, it's still not too late!

mapletree7

The binomial series IS covered on AP BC Calculus.

cookiemonster11

Hi guys!

So we're registering for AP exams now, and I'm in IB HL math, and our teacher says that we will cover all the AB topics in our IB HL math course, but no BC at all, and that we have the option of self-studying the BC portion but he doesn't really recommend it to anyone. Do you think I should do it? I'm pretty interested in math and I'm currently doing well in IB HL, although we just started calculus.

What do you think I should do?

Equilibrium

Agreed - if you're not sure just go for it

It depends on the organization / schedule of your class - if your class finishes integration by March/April, then you'll have sufficient time to learn the BC-related integration topics (which are very important). If your class doesn't get to these topics until April/May-ish, then you'll have to learn integration in advance from your teacher, a textbook, or internet resources. It won't be too difficult, but will require roughly an extra 10-15 hours of work.

Either way, I'd say most people start self-studying for BC around early December, and spend roughly 5 hours/week, and then 8+ hours/week during April and May. Of course, this depends on how much you enjoy math. If you find AP calc to be very easy right now, then you probably won't need to spend as much time. If you're still unsure, think about how your current schedule is like and how you're liking AP calc so far. If you're breezing through AP calc and think you can add another honors-level math class to your schedule, then go for it! However, if you're currently swamped and aren't enjoying AP calc too much, then don't bother. IB HL Math is perfectly fine, and you can always learn calc II some other time.

100174one6

Thanks so much for this! I have one question, though: I want to self study the AP Calculus AB or BC exam because I would like to take Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra next year (I am currently a junior). I am in an Honors Algebra II class right now, and my average is 95%; if I manage to maintain it, I can get into AP Calculus AB next year. But I also want to take Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra simultaneously, and I need at least a 3 on the AP exam to do so (and an 80% in physics, but I already have that). The thing is, I can take either exam. Should I take the AB or BC one? Which one is harder? I am also starting my self-study a bit late (although I have covered some derivative and integral calculus topics over the summer), so which one is easier to learn? Any feedback will be much appreciated! Thanks!
-Zara.

Equilibrium

AB is obviously easier. BC involves a lot of material on advanced integration and power series solutions, so it'll be a lot more time-consuming to study for that.

However, multivariable does involve some calc 2 concepts. if you're sure that your school will allow you to do multivariable with only calc ab, then go for it. If you end up doing only AB, you might want to learn some basic power series and some more advanced integration techniques, such as integration by parts and partial fractions. In addition, it'll be good to know parametric and polar equations, and how to take their derivatives and integrate them.

100174one6

Thanks a lot for your efforts on helping us high schoolers out! I'd imagine it would be quite a chore to reply to every single one of them. I also have another option, to do AB and get a 4 or higher, and get into BC next year. However, I think I would benefit with learning the material first and worrying about the placement later. I will definitely keep your suggestions in mind, they seem much more genuine than my math teacher's.

2200andbeyondXD

I am a junior in the middle of the year now.. my school suxs! we are in the beginning of Algebra 2 now!!! I am willing to do all it takes, do whatever u tell me to do... can i self study ap calc???!!! plz say yes! i mean i'll do ANYTHING! any advice?? plz say i have a chance at a 5... .. wat about bio ap???! this really suxs...

Equilibrium

@100174one6: No problem, good luck!

@2200andbeyondXD: No, you shouldn't if you are still learning Algebra 2. If you really wanted to, you could try watching some of the videos I posted earlier to learn the basics, but I strongly would not recommend taking the AP exam. I am sure you still have time, so don't worry about rushing to learn AP calc.

mapletree7

The binomial series and Simpson's rule are on the exam. You should also note that hyperbolic functions don't have much to do with trigonometry, except in complex analysis.