AP PRECALCULUS

Progress
Check
Answers
by Eva Yan

1
2
Exam Overview

Number of Exam
Section Questions Weighting Timing

I Multiple-choice questions

43.75% 80 minutes

12 18.75% 40 minutes

II Free-response questions

2 18.75% 30 minutes

2 18.75% 30 minutes

Course and Exam Description 3 | 145

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Exam Weighting for Skills

Practice 1:

1.A:

1.B: Express equivalent forms

1.C:

Practice 2:

2.A:

2.B:

Practice 3:

3.A:

3.B:

3.C:

Course and Exam Description 4 | 146

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How Student Learning Is
Assessed on the AP Exam

Section I: Multiple-Choice

should be in radian mode for the AP Exam. Only some of the Part B questions will
require the use of the graphing calculator. Refer to the “Technology Needs”
section on page 7 for a list of calculator capabilities that are necessary for the

involving modeling.

In addition, the various function types found in the AP Precalculus framework are

MCQ Section

Unit 1

Trigonometric and Polar Functions Unit 3

Course and Exam Description 5 | 147

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Section II: Free-Response

questions (Part A). Calculators should be in radian mode for the AP Exam. Refer to
the “Technology Needs” section on page 7 for a list of calculator capabilities that are
necessary for the AP Exam.

Real-World

FRQ 1: Function Concepts 1, 2 No

FRQ 2: Modeling a Non-Periodic 1, 2

FRQ 3:

FRQ 4: 2, 3 No

Section II: Free-Response Point Count by Skill

0 2 0 1 0 1
0 1 2 0 0 0 1 2
0 0 2 1
4 2

Course and Exam Description 6 | 148

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General Instructions

Questions

The following instructions will be provided to students for their AP Exam.

Teachers are encouraged to share and discuss these with students so that
students understand the requirements for the AP Exam.

Show all of your work. Your work will be scored on the correctness and
completeness of your responses, including your supporting work and
answers. Answers without supporting work may not receive credit in
cases where supporting work is requested.
During Part A, work only on questions 1 and 2. You are expected to use
your graphing calculator for tasks such as producing graphs and tables,
evaluating functions, solving equations, and performing computations.
For Part A, your calculator must be in radian mode. Avoid rounding

accurate to three places after the decimal point.

For Part A, it may be helpful to use your graphing calculator to store
information such as computed values for constants, functions you
are working with, solutions to equations, and any intermediate values.
Computations with the graphing calculator that use the stored information
help to maintain as much precision as possible and ensure the desired

During Part B, questions 3 and 4, no calculator is allowed. Carefully read

the instructions provided with the questions. You may continue to work on
questions 1 and 2 without the use of a calculator.
f is assumed to be
the set of all real numbers x for which f (x) is a real number.

Course and Exam Description 7 | 150

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Task Verbs Used

Questions

Construct/write a function/expression/equation/model: Develop an

analytical representation, with and without technology, that is consistent
with a scenario, data set, or other criteria.
Describe: Develop a verbal representation that is consistent with a
scenario, data set, function representation, or other criteria.
Determine/Find/Identify: Apply appropriate methods or processes for
answering a question.
Estimate/Compare:
values and/or compare results.
Explain/Give a reason/Provide a rationale/Justify: Use information from
the scenario or function representation to provide reasons or rationales
for solutions or conclusions.
Express/Indicate: Provide information or a result in a desired form or
include units as part of the answer to a question.
Interpret: Describe the connection between a mathematical expression
or solution and its meaning within the realistic context of a problem, often
including consideration of units.
Plot and label, sketch and label: Develop a graphical representation that
is consistent with a scenario, data set, or other criteria.
Rewrite:
analytical representations of an expression.
Solve:
equation or inequality.

Course and Exam Description 8 | 151

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 AP PRECALCULUS Scoring Guide

Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

1.

The graph of the function is shown. Over which of the following intervals is increasing?

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

2. The average rate of change of the function on the interval is negative. Which of the following could be
the graph of ?

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Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

3. A linear function is used to model the price, in dollars, of used cars as a function of their age , in years. It is
known that and . Based on this model, which of the following is true?

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Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

(A) For each year that a car ages, its price decreases by approximately .
(B) For each year that a car ages, its price decreases by approximately .
(C) For each year that a car ages, its price decreases by approximately .
(D) For each year that a car ages, its price decreases by approximately .

4. The function is given by . Which of the following statements is true and supports the claim that
is an odd function and not an even function?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

5.

The graph of a polynomial function is shown. Which of the following expressions could define ?
(A)
(B)
(C)

(D)

6. The polynomial function is given by . Which of the following describes the behavior of
as the input values decrease without bound?

(A) The output values decrease without bound.

(B) The output values increase without bound.
(C) The output values sometimes increase without bound and sometimes decrease without bound.
(D) The output values get closer to .

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Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

7. A student starts to drive to school from home in a straight line and quickly realizes they forgot their backpack. The
student stops the car and then drives back to their starting position at home. For this context, which of the following
graphs could model the velocity , in miles per hour, of the car as a function of time , in hours? (Assume driving
away from home involves positive velocity.)

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

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Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

8.

The graph of a function models the percentage of charge in a phone battery over a period of time , in hours.
Based on the graph, which of the following collections of statements about the function and scenario is accurate?
The function is sometimes decreasing and sometimes increasing. As time increases, the charge of the
(A)
battery is sometimes decreasing and sometimes increasing.
The function is sometimes decreasing and sometimes increasing. As time increases, the charge of the
(B)
battery is always decreasing. The charge is decreasing at different rates at different times.
The function is always decreasing. As time increases, the charge of the battery is always decreasing. The
(C)
charge is decreasing at the same rate at all times.
The function is always decreasing. As time increases, the charge of the battery is always decreasing. The
(D)
charge is decreasing at different rates at different times.

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Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

9.

The graph of the function is shown. What is the average rate of change of on the interval , if it
exists?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D) Undefined

10.

The table gives values for the function at selected values of . Which of the following conclusions with reason is
consistent with the values in the table?

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Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

The graph of is concave up because the average rate of change over consecutive equal-length intervals
(A)
is increasing.
The graph of is concave up because the average rate of change over consecutive equal-length intervals
(B)
is decreasing.
The graph of is concave down because the average rate of change over consecutive equal-length
(C)
intervals is increasing.
The graph of is concave down because the average rate of change over consecutive equal-length
(D)
intervals is decreasing.

11. The polynomial function is given by , where is an integer and is a positive integer. It is known
that and . Which of the following statements must be true?

The value of must be positive, because as increases without bound or decreases without bound, the
(A)
end behaviors of are the same.
The value of must be negative, because as increases without bound or decreases without bound, the
(B)
end behaviors of are different.
The value of must be even, because as increases without bound or decreases without bound, the end
(C)
behaviors of are the same.
The value of must be odd, because as increases without bound or decreases without bound, the end
(D)
behaviors of are different.

12.

The graph of the function is shown. On which of the following intervals is the graph of concave down?

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

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Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

13.

The graph of the function and a point labeled on the graph are shown. Which of the following statements about
the graph of at point is true?
(A) At point , the rate of change of is negative, and the graph of is concave down.
(B) At point , the rate of change of is negative, and the graph of is concave up.
(C) At point , the rate of change of is positive, and the graph of is concave down.
(D) At point , the rate of change of is positive, and the graph of is concave up.

14. The function is given by . Which of the following statements is true?

(A) has a global minimum between and .
(B) has a global maximum between and .
(C) has a global minimum between and .
(D) has a global maximum between and .

15. The polynomial function is given by , and the domain of is .

Which of the following is true about the graph of ?
(A) The graph of intersects the -axis at three points, has four local extrema, and has no global extrema.
The graph of intersects the -axis at three points, has two local extrema that are not also global
(B)
extrema, and has two global extrema.
The graph of intersects the -axis at three points, has no local extrema that are also global extrema,
(C)
and has two global extrema.
The graph of intersects the -axis at three points, has two local extrema that are not also global
(D)
extrema, and has no global extrema.

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Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

16. A new special attraction opened at a museum. The museum management tracked the number of people who
visited the attraction each day and created a function model for the number of people for each day after the
attraction opened. Each day they also calculated the rate of change of the number of people visiting the attraction.
They created a function model for the rate of change, in people per day, for each day after the attraction
opened. The function is given by . At which of the
following values of does the graph of have a point of inflection?
(A) only
(B) and only
(C) and
(D) , , and

17. The polynomial function is given by , where is an integer. For ,

which of the following statements is true about the multiplicity of the zero ?
(A) The multiplicity must be , because the exponent on the factor is .
The multiplicity can be , because the exponent on the factor is , and is a zero of
(B)
with multiplicity .
The multiplicity can be , because the exponent on the factor is , and is a zero of
(C)
with multiplicity .
The multiplicity can be , because the exponent on the factor is , and is a zero of
(D)
with multiplicity .

18. Which of the following functions has the end behaviors and ?

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

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 AP PRECALCULUS Scoring Guide

Unit 1 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

The function is given by .

1. Part A

On the closed interval , determine the absolute minimum output value of and the absolute maximum
output value of . Label your answers appropriately.

Part A

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• Absolute minimum output value with label

• Absolute maximum output value with label

Model Solution

On the closed interval , relative extrema for occur at the endpoints of the interval, or where switches
between decreasing and increasing.

Therefore, the absolute minimum output value of is , which occurs when the input value is .

The absolute maximum output value of is , which occurs when the input value is .

2. Part B

Find all real zeros of .

Part B

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

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Unit 1 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• Both real zeros

• No other zeros

Model Solution

The real zeros of are the real solutions to the equation (and also the -intercepts of the graph of ).

The solutions to are and .

Therefore, and are the real zeros of .

3. Part C

What is the maximum number of non-real zeros possible for the function ? Give a reason for your answer.

Part C

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• Maximum of two non-real zeros

• Reason that includes four as the total number of possible zeros, and that two real zeros are known

Model Solution

The degree of the polynomial function is . Therefore, the maximum possible number of distinct zeros of is four.
Because has two real zeros, can have at most two non-real zeros.

(Note: non-real zeros occur in conjugate pairs.)

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Unit 1 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

Directions:

• Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for
which is a real number.
• Solutions to equations must be real numbers. Determine the exact value of any expression that can be
obtained without a calculator.
• Unless otherwise specified, combine terms using algebraic methods and rules for exponents and
logarithms, where applicable. For example, , , and should be rewritten in equivalent
forms.
• For each part of the question, show the work that leads to your answers.

4. Part A

The functions and are given by

(i) Find all values of for which .

(ii) Find all values of for which .

Part A

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• All three values of for which

• All three values of for which

Model Solution

(i)

or or

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Unit 1 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

or or

Therefore, all values of for which are , , and .

(ii)

or or

or or

Therefore, all values of for which are , , and .

5. Part B

The function is given by . Find all values of for which .

Part B

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• Factored form of or identification of endpoints of intervals

• Correct intervals

Model Solution

or

or

These values of divide the real numbers into three intervals: , , and .

Because , on .
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Unit 1 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

Because is a quadratic function with two -intercepts and whose graph opens up, on the other two intervals
and .

6. Part C

The function is a polynomial function of degree . Zeros of include , , and . Write a possible
expression for .

Part C

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• is identified as a zero of , or is identified as a factor in an expression for

• Correct expression for

Model Solution

The real zeros of include and .

Because is a non-real zero of , the conjugate is also a non-real zero of .

Therefore, the four zeros of are , , , and .

Possible expressions for :

OR

OR

for nonzero

OR

for nonzero

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 AP PRECALCULUS Scoring Guide

Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

1. The function models the population of rabbits on a farm and is given by for , where is
measured in months since the start of the year. Which of the following describes the population of the rabbits as
time increases?
(A) The population decreases and approaches a value of rabbits.
(B) The population increases and approaches a value of rabbits.
(C) The population increases and approaches a value of rabbits.
(D) The rabbit population increases without bound.

2. The function is given by . What are all solutions to ?

(A)
(B) only
(C)

(D) and

3. The zeros of a rational function are and . Which of the following expressions could define ?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

4.

The graph of the rational function is shown. Which of the following tables could be used to describe the
asymptotic behavior of at and at ?

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Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

5. For the function , it is known that and . The function is given by .

Which of the following must be a solution to ?

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Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

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

6. Researchers are developing a mathematical function model to estimate the height of any tree, in meters, based on
the tree’s circumference , in meters, as measured at a height of one meter from base of the tree. Which of the
following statements is an assumption about what is consistent in this context?
Because the model applies to trees in general, trees should simultaneously grow in circumference and
(A)
height across different tree species.
Because the model should be used across different geographical environments, the domain of the
(B)
function is limited by environmental factors.
Because the model should be used across different geographical environments, the range of the function
(C)
is limited by atmospheric conditions.
Because the model should be as consistent as possible, the model must be limited to a single tree species
(D)
to be valuable.

7. Which of the following functions has the same end behavior as the rational function given by ?
(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

8. The rational function is given by , where and are polynomial functions. The degree of is less
than the degree of . Which of the following could be the graph of ?

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Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

9. The function is given by . At which of the following values of does the graph of have
an -intercept?

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Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

(A) and only

(B) and only
(C) , , and only
(D) , , , and

10. The rational function is given by . For which of the following values of does the
graph of have vertical asymptotes?
(A) and only
(B) and only
(C) , , and
(D) , , and

11. The graph of the rational function has vertical asymptotes at and . Which of the following could
define ?

(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

12. The graph of the rational function given by has one hole. What is the -value of the
location of the hole?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

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Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

13.

The graph of the rational function is shown with a hole at the point . Which of the following statements is
true?

(A) Neither nor is defined, because the graph of has a hole at .

Neither nor is defined, but is defined, because the graph of has a hole
(B)
at .
Both and are defined, but these limit values are not equal, because values from
(C)
the left are greater than and values from the right are less than .
Both and are defined, and these limit values are both equal to , which is
(D)
equal to .

14. The function is given by . Which of the following is equivalent to and displays values
that are solutions to ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

15. A balanced coin with one side heads ( ) and the other side tails ( ) is repeatedly flipped, and the results are
recorded. The coefficients in the expansion of give the number of ways to get a particular combination
of heads and tails for flips of the coin. For example, in the expansion of , the term means
there are ways to get exactly heads and tails when flipping a coin times. How many ways are there to get
exactly heads and tails when flipping a balanced coin times?

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Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

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

16. The domain of the function is . If the function is given by , what is the domain
of ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

17.
Tons of stone

Cost per ton

The table gives the cost per ton for a certain type of landscaping stone for orders from to tons. An order of
tons of stone would cost each for the first and second tons, each for the third and fourth tons, and for
the fifth ton. If the function models the cost for an order of tons of stone, which type of function is the best
choice to describe ?

(A) Piecewise linear

(B) Linear
(C) Quadratic
(D) Quartic

18. A model rocket is launched from a site on level ground. One second after the rocket is launched, it is at a height
of meters above the ground. One additional second later, it is at a height of meters above the ground. A
quadratic regression using the heights of the rocket at times , , and seconds is calculated to model
the rocket’s height above the ground, in meters, at time seconds. At what time seconds, does the model predict
that the rocket will land back on the ground?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

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Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

19. The rational function is given by . Which of the following input values corresponds to a hole in
the graph of ?

(A) only
(B) only
(C) and only
(D) , , and

20. The function is given by . In the -plane, the graph of has a slant asymptote. Which of the
following is an equation for the slant asymptote?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

21.

The graphs of the functions and are given. Which of the following defines in terms of ?
(A)
(B)

(C)

(D)

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Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

22.

Model type Predicted value at

The first table gives the coordinates of four points in the -plane. The second table gives different function model
types and the corresponding predicted value at for a best-fit function of that type. The graph of one of the
function models in the table passes through all four points. What is the predicted value at for this function?
(Note: , , , and represent different real numbers for each model type.)

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

23. liters of water and kilograms of sugar were added to an empty mixing tank to make sugar water. Starting at
time minutes, additional water is added to the tank at a rate of liters per minute, and additional sugar is
added to the tank at a rate of kilograms per minute. Which of the following gives an expression for , the
concentration of sugar water, in kilograms per liter, in the tank at time minutes?

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Unit 1 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

(A)
(B)
(C)

(D)

24. The function is a quartic polynomial of the form , where is a

real number and the values of are integers. It is known that the -intercepts of are and , the
-intercept of is , and has two real zeros each with multiplicity . Which of the following statements is
true?
There is sufficient information to define because the -intercepts and the multiplicity of zeros can
(A)
be used to determine the values, and the -intercept can be used to find .
There is sufficient information to define because the -intercept value can be factored into the
(B)
product of at least integers involving the -intercepts, and the multiplicity of zeros is known.
There is insufficient information to define because although the -intercepts and the multiplicity
(C) of zeros can be used to determine the values, the -intercept can only be used to find but not the
sign of .
There is insufficient information to define because only two of the -intercepts are known, and
(D) the -intercept and multiplicity of zeros do not provide enough information to determine the other two
values of or the value of .

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Unit 1 Progress Check: FRQ Part B

The rational function is given by . The function is graphed in the -plane.

1. Part A

Determine equations for all vertical asymptotes of the graph of , or state that no vertical asymptotes exist.

Part A

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• Equations and for the two vertical asymptotes

• No other asymptotes

Model Solution

Because and are real zeros of the polynomial in the denominator of and not real zeros of the polynomial in the
numerator of , the graph of has vertical asymptotes at and .

(Note: Because the multiplicity of the real zero in the numerator is equal to its multiplicity in the denominator, the graph
of has a hole at and does not have a vertical asymptote.)

2. Part B

Find all real zeros of , or state that no real zeros exist.

Part B

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• Real zeros of and

• No other zeros

Model Solution
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Unit 1 Progress Check: FRQ Part B

The real zeros of correspond to the real zeros of the numerator for values in the domain of .

The two real zeros are and .

Because the graph of has a hole at , is not in the domain of .

3. Part C

Determine if the graph of has any horizontal asymptotes or slant asymptotes. Write equations for those
asymptotes, or state that no horizontal asymptotes or slant asymptotes exist. Give a reason for your answer.

Part C

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• as the horizontal asymptote, and no others

• Reason that references the degrees of the polynomials in the numerator and denominator of

Model Solution

The degree of the polynomial in the numerator of is the same as the degree of the polynomial in the denominator of .
Therefore, for input values of large magnitude, the quotient of the leading terms of the polynomials is a constant. That
constant indicates the location of a horizontal asymptote.

is a horizontal asymptote of the graph of .

(Note: No slant asymptotes exist for the graph of because the degree of the polynomial in the numerator of is the same
as the degree of the polynomial in the denominator of .)

The polynomial functions and are given by and ,

respectively. The rational function is defined by .

4. Part A

The function is graphed in the -plane. Determine the coordinates of all local minima of and all local
maxima of , or state that has no local minima or no local maxima. Label your answers appropriately.

Part A

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

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Unit 1 Progress Check: FRQ Part B

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• Coordinates for location of local minimum with label, and no others

• Coordinates for location of local maximum with label, and no others

Model Solution

Where switches from decreasing to increasing is the location of a local minimum output value.

Where switches from increasing to decreasing is the location of a local maximum output value.

has a local minimum output value at the point with coordinates , and has a local maximum output
value at the point with coordinates .

5. Part B

In the -plane, the graph of has a hole at the point with coordinates . It is known that ,
and that there are consecutive integers and for which . What are the values of and ? Give a
reason for your answer.

Part B

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

0 1 2 3

The student response includes all three of these criteria.

• Values of and

• Reason that includes

• Use of an approximation or approximation method near

Model Solution

Because the multiplicity of the real zero in the numerator of is equal to its multiplicity in the denominator of , the
graph of has a hole at .

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Unit 1 Progress Check: FRQ Part B

By inspecting a table of values of or the graph of sufficiently close to , the value of can be
approximated to be .

is between consecutive integers and . Therefore, and .

6. Part C

Determine if the graph of has any horizontal asymptotes or slant asymptotes. Find the slopes for those
asymptotes, or state that no horizontal asymptotes or slant asymptotes exist.

Part C

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

0 1

The student response includes this criterion.

• Slope of and no other asymptotes

Model Solution

The degree of the polynomial in the numerator of is greater than the degree of the polynomial in the denominator of .
Therefore, for input values of large magnitude, the quotient of the leading terms of the polynomials is a nonconstant
polynomial.

Because this polynomial is linear, the graph of has a slant asymptote that is parallel to the graph of .

Therefore, the slope of the slant asymptote of the graph of is .

(Note: No horizontal asymptotes exist for the graph of because the degree of the polynomial in the numerator of is
greater than the degree of the polynomial in the denominator of .)

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

1. The first term of a geometric sequence is . The next three terms are , , and . What is the tenth term of
the sequence?
(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

2. Terms in a sequence are given by , for . Which of the following describes the
sequence?
(A) The sequence is geometric with an initial value of and a common ratio of .
(B) The sequence is geometric with an initial value of and a common ratio of .
(C) The sequence is arithmetic with an initial value of and a common difference of .
(D) The sequence is arithmetic with an initial value of and a common difference of .

3.

The table gives values of an arithmetic sequence for selected values of . Which of the following linear
functions is constructed from the initial value (with ) and common difference of the sequence?

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

4. The first term in a geometric sequence is . For , the terms of the geometric sequence are given by
. For which of the following functions is for positive integer values of ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

5. The function is given by . If , what is the value of ?

(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

6.

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

The graphs show the residual plots resulting from cubic, quadratic, and linear regressions calculated on the same
data set. Based on the plots, which of the following statements is best supported by the results?

(A) The cubic model should be used.

(B) The quadratic model should be used.
(C) The linear model should be used.
(D) A different regression should be calculated because none of the given three regressions is appropriate.

7. The function is given by . If , what is the value of ?

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

8.

The tables give values of the functions and for selected values of . What is the value of ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

9.

The graph of the function is given. Which of the following is the graph of ?

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

10. The number of bacteria in a dish is at time hours. The number of bacteria in the dish doubles every
hours. If the function gives the number of bacteria in the dish at time hours for , which of the following
could define ?

(A)

(B)
(C)

(D)

11. A ball is dropped from a height of feet. The ball repeatedly bounces, and the maximum height of the ball after
each bounce is less than the previous maximum height. Which of the following arguments is correct regarding
a sequence that can be used to model the successive maximum heights, in feet?
An arithmetic sequence is appropriate because each successive height would be found by subtracting
(A)
from the previous height.
An arithmetic sequence is appropriate because each successive height would be found by
(B)
multiplying the previous height by .
A geometric sequence is appropriate because each successive height would be found by subtracting
(C)
from the previous height.
A geometric sequence is appropriate because each successive height would be found by multiplying the
(D)
previous height by .

12. The fourth term of a geometric sequence is , the fifth term is , and the term is . The solution to which
of the following equations gives the value of ?
(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

13. The function is given by , where , , and is a real number. Which of the
following is true?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

14. A certain hobby shop wants to attract customers on slow sales days by offering a new discount. The shop offers
a discount on Wednesdays with an added bonus for repeat customers. For customers who make purchases on
successive Wednesdays, their discount is doubled from the previous Wednesday. For example, a certain customer
makes purchases on three successive Wednesdays and receives (week ), (week ), and (week )
discounts on those three Wednesdays. Based on this pattern, what is the first successive week that a customer’s
discount would exceed the purchase price of an item?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

15. The function is given by . The function can also be expressed as which of the following?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

16.

Year 2004 2008 2012 2016 2020

Population

(millions)

The table gives the population, in millions, of a certain region for selected years. An exponential regression of the
form is calculated for the five data points, where represents 2004 and represents
2008. Based on using the model to predict the future population, in what year will the population first reach
million?
(A) 2025
(B) 2030
(C) 2033
(D) 2037

17. A drop of water hits the surface of a lake and forms concentric circular ripples. The radius, in inches, of the circle
enclosed by the outer ripple increases as a function of time , in minutes, and is modeled by the function given by
. Which of the following gives the area of the circle enclosed by the outer ripple, in square
inches, as a function of time , in minutes? (Note: The area of a circle with radius is given by .)
(A)
(B)

(C)
(D)

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

18.

The graphs of and are given. What is the value of ?

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

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

19.

The graph of the function is given. If is the function given by , which of the following is the graph
of the composite function ?

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

20. In the -plane, the graphs of the linear function and the exponential function both pass through the points
and . The function is given by . What is the maximum value of ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

21. The function is given by , where and . Which of the following describes and its
graph in the -plane?

(A) is increasing, and the graph of is concave down.

(B) is increasing, and the graph of is concave up.
(C) is decreasing, and the graph of is concave down.
(D) is decreasing, and the graph of is concave up.

22.

The table gives five ordered pairs . Which of the following is true about the nature of the data?
The -values demonstrate a common ratio of because an exponential regression using the data
(A)
gives as a base value.
(B) A common ratio of the -values can be found as because .

(C) A common ratio of the -values can be found as after subtracting from each -value.
The -values do not have a common ratio, so an exponential function cannot be used in modeling the
(D)
data.

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

23.

Linear

Quadratic

Exponential

The first table gives selected coordinate pairs that are a part of a larger data set. Using the five data points,
three regressions were calculated, and the resulting linear, quadratic, and exponential equations are provided in the
second table. It is known that the resulting linear, quadratic, and exponential regressions fit these five data points
well. Which of the following additional pieces of information could help select a single best model?
(A) Knowing that as the -values increase, the -values increase without bound.
(B) Knowing that the minimum -value in the data set is less than .
(C) Knowing that when the -values are negative, the corresponding -values are always between and .
(D) Knowing that the -intercept is about .

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

24.

The table gives five coordinate pairs . The function is a model based on a linear regression of the
five pairs. The function is a model based on an exponential regression of the five pairs.
Because of the limited number of data points for the residual plots, it is difficult to determine if the residuals show a
pattern. As a result, both models and are being considered. The value represents the sum of the absolute
values of the errors (residuals) of the linear model . The value represents the sum of the absolute values of the
errors (residuals) of the exponential model . If the selection of an appropriate model is based on the errors
(residuals), which of the following is true?
(A) Because , the linear model is preferred.
(B) Because , the exponential model is preferred.
(C) Because , the linear model is preferred.
(D) Because , the exponential model is preferred.

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 AP PRECALCULUS Scoring Guide

Unit 2 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

A wind turbine uses the power of wind to generate electricity. The blades of the turbine make a noise that can be heard at
a distance from the turbine. At a distance of meters from the turbine, the noise level is decibels. At a distance
of meters from the turbine, the noise level is decibels.

The noise level can be modeled by the function given by , where is the noise level, in decibels, at a
distance of meters from the turbine.

1. Part A

(i) Use the given data to write two equations that can be used to find the values for constants and in the
expression for .

(ii) Find the values for and .

Part A

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• Two equations

• Values of and

Model Solution

(i) Because and , two equations to find and are

(ii)

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Unit 2 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

2. Part B

(i) Use the given data to find the average rate of change of the noise level, in decibels per meter, from to
meters. Express your answer as a decimal approximation. Show the computations that lead to your
answer.

(ii) Interpret the meaning of your answer from (i) in the context of the problem.

(iii) Use the average rate of change found in (i) to estimate the noise level, in decibels, at a distance of
meters. Show the work that leads to your answer.

Part B

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

0 1 2 3

The student response includes all three of these criteria.

• Correct average rate of change based on exponential from Part A

• Interpretation provided includes the idea that as distance increases, the noise level decreases at the correct rate

• Correct estimate using average rate of change

Model Solution

(i) decibels per meter

(ii) On average, as the distance from the turbine increases from to meters, the noise level decreases decibels
per meter.

(iii)

Estimates using the average rate of change are given by

OR

Both of these produce the same estimates.

For ,

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Unit 2 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

The noise level at a distance of meters is decibels.

3. Part C

Use the model to find the value of such that the noise level is decibels at a distance of meters from the
turbine.

Part C

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

0 1

The student response includes this criterion.

• Value of (a correct value rounded or truncated to a whole number of meters OR a correct value based on use
of the displayed exponential from Part A)

Model Solution

From Part A,

The noise level is decibels at a distance of meters from the turbine.

(Note: results from using a value of rounded to three places after the decimal point, and is also an acceptable
answer.)

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Unit 2 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

Time
(hours)

Area
(square centimeters)

A bacteria culture is grown in a petri dish. The table gives the area of the culture, in square centimeters, at various times,
in hours, since the beginning of an experiment. The area of the bacteria culture is proportional to the actual number of
bacteria in the culture.

The area of the bacteria culture can be modeled by the function given by , where is the area, in
square centimeters, at time hours since the beginning of the experiment.

4. Part A

(i) Use the given data to write two equations that can be used to find the values for constants and in the
expression for .

(ii) Find the values for and .

Part A

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• Two possible equations

• Values of and

Model Solution

(i) Because , , and , possible equations to find and are

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Unit 2 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

(ii)

5. Part B

(i) Use the given data to find the average rate of change of the area, in square centimeters per hour, from to
hours. Express your answer as a fraction or decimal. Show the computations that lead to your answer.

(ii) Interpret the meaning of your answer from (i) in the context of the problem.

(iii) Use the average rate of change found in (i) to estimate the area of the bacteria culture, in square centimeters,
at time hours. Show the work that leads to your answer.

Part B

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

0 1 2 3

The student response includes all three of these criteria.

• Correct average rate of change based on exponential from Part A

• Interpretation provided includes the idea that as time increases, the area increases at the correct rate

• Correct estimate using average rate of change

Model Solution

(i) square centimeter per hour

(ii) On average, as the time increases from to hours, the area of the bacteria culture increases square centimeter
per hour.

(iii)

Estimates using the average rate of change are given by

OR

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Unit 2 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

Both of these produce the same estimates.

For ,

The area of the bacteria culture at time hours is square centimeters.

6. Part C

Does the model found in Part A demonstrate exponential growth or exponential decay? Give a reason for your
answer.

Part C

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

0 1

The student response includes this criterion.

• Correct conclusion based on reasoning with correct values of and OR correct conclusion based on reasoning
with displayed exponential from Part A

Model Solution

From Part A,

Because and in the model , the model demonstrates exponential growth.

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

1.

The figure shows a base- logarithmic scale with point located at the geometric midpoint of the segment
between the tick mark labeled and the tick mark labeled . Which of the following statements is true about
the value at the location of point ?
(A) The value is the average of and .
(B) The value is the average of and .
(C) The logarithm base of the value is .

(D) The logarithm base of the value is greater than the logarithm base of .

2. The function is given by . If , for what value of does ?

(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

3. Students in a statistics class examined individual student test scores for a large group of students. Each test score is
paired with the reported time the student spent studying. The class observed that when study time doubled, test
scores generally increased by points. For example, a student who studied minutes generally scored points
higher than a student who studied minutes. For nonzero constants and , which of the following types of
functions is most useful in modeling test scores as a function of time studied, in minutes?

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

4.

The table gives values of a function for selected values of . Which of the following statements with reasons is
correct?
The function represents exponential growth because as input values change additively, output values
(A)
change multiplicatively.
The function represents exponential growth because as input values change multiplicatively, output
(B)
values change additively.
The function represents logarithmic growth because as input values change additively, output values
(C)
change multiplicatively.
The function represents logarithmic growth because as input values change multiplicatively, output
(D)
values change additively.

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

5.

The graph of a logarithmic function is given. For the function (not shown), it is known that for
all values of . Which of the following is true about and the graph of ?

(A) is increasing, and the graph of is concave up.

(B) is increasing, and the graph of is concave down.
(C) is decreasing, and the graph of is concave up.
(D) is decreasing, and the graph of is concave down.

6. Which of the following is the graph of an exponential function of the form , where the horizontal axis is a
standard scale and the vertical axis is a logarithmic scale?

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

7.

The graph of the function is given. Which of the following points is on the graph of ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

8. The function has the property that each time the output values increase by , the corresponding input value is
times greater. Which of the following could be the graph of ?

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

9. The function is given by . Which of the following limit statements describe the end
behaviors of ?

(A) and

(B) and

(C) and

(D) and

10. A decibel is a unit used to measure loudness of sound. The function defined by
gives the measure, in decibels, as a function of intensity , in watts per square meter ( ). The function defined
by is a different scale related to intensity, and the graph of is a translation of the graph of
. Which of the following gives the graphs of and ?

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

11. The function is given by . What are all values of for which ?
(A) only
(B) only
(C) and
(D) and

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

12. The expression is part of an equation involving other exponential expressions with base . Which of the
following is equivalent to and is therefore more useful in solving the equation?
(A)
(B)
(C)

(D)

13. A regression is calculated on a data set of coordinate pairs . The resulting regression model is
, where and . The same model can be expressed as .
What is the value of in terms of ?
(A)
(B)
(C)

(D)

14.

The table gives corresponding values of and . The data are modeled by the function , where . Which
of the following could define ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

15. In a certain nuclear chain reaction, the number of atoms increases. At time milliseconds since the start of
the reaction, there are about atoms, and at time milliseconds, there are about atoms. Using a
logarithmic regression, a model is constructed, where gives the time, in milliseconds, at
which there are atoms. Which of the following best approximates the number of milliseconds it will take for the
number of atoms to reach ?

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

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

16.

The graph shows a semi-log plot of an exponential function of the form and two labeled points. The
-axis has a standard scale, and the -axis has a logarithmic base scale. What are the values of and ?
(A) and
(B) and
(C) and

(D) and

17. If , where and , what is the value of ?

(A)
(B)

(C)
(D)

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

18.

The given equation represents the logarithmic form of Newton’s law of cooling, which states that the temperature
of an object at time satisfies the given equation, where is the temperature of the object at time , is
the object’s surrounding temperature, and is a positive constant that depends on characteristics of the object.

The temperature is measured in degrees Celsius ( ), and time is in minutes. When a certain object is removed
from an oven, it takes minutes for the object to cool from to when the surrounding temperature is
. How many minutes would it take the same object to cool from to when the surrounding
temperature is ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

19.

The table gives values of the function for selected values of , where , , , , and are real numbers,
, and . Which of the following conditions ensures that is a logarithmic function?
(A) , , and
(B) , , and
(C) , , and
(D) , , and

20. The function is given by . Of the following, solving which equation gives the solution to
?
(A)

(B)

(C)
(D)

21. The function is given by . Which of the following statements about is true?

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

(A) is increasing, the graph of is concave up, and .

(B) is increasing, the graph of is concave down, and .

(C) is decreasing, the graph of is concave up, and .

(D) is decreasing, the graph of is concave down, and .

22.

The table gives coordinates of five points . Based on these values, which of the following gives as a
function of ?
(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

23. The function defined by is graphed on a semi-log plot, where the -axis is a logarithmic
base scale. On the semi-log plot, the graph of is a line. The graph of the function is also a line on the same
semi-log plot. The slope of the graph of is the same as the slope of the graph of . The -intercept of the graph of
is . However, the -intercept of the graph of is . Of the following, which value is closest to
?

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Unit 2 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

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

24.

The figure is the graph of the function given by . Of the following, which is the best
explanation as to why the graph appears linear?
The horizontal axis has a logarithmic scale, and can be written as a linear expression of
(A)
with a constant rate of change of .
The horizontal axis has a logarithmic scale, and can be written as a linear expression of
(B)
with a constant rate of change of .
The vertical axis has a logarithmic scale, and can be written as a linear expression of with
(C)
a constant rate of change of .
The vertical axis has a logarithmic scale, and can be written as a linear expression of
(D)
with a constant rate of change of .

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Unit 2 Progress Check: FRQ Part B

The functions and are given by and , respectively.

1. Part A

(i) Determine the end behavior of as input values of increase without bound. Express your answer using the
mathematical notation of a limit.

(ii) Determine the end behavior of as input values of decrease without bound. Express your answer using the
mathematical notation of a limit.

Part A

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• End behavior on the right with limit notation

• End behavior on the left with limit notation

Model Solution

(i) As input values of increase without bound, the output values increase without bound.

Therefore, .

(ii) As input values of decrease without bound, the output values are arbitrarily close to .

Therefore, .

2. Part B

(i) Determine the end behavior of as input values of decrease without bound. Express your answer using the
mathematical notation of a limit.

(ii) Determine the end behavior of for input values of that are less than and sufficiently close to . Express
your answer using the mathematical notation of a limit.

Part B

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

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Unit 2 Progress Check: FRQ Part B

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• End behavior on the left with limit notation

• End behavior near with limit notation

Model Solution

(i) As input values of decrease without bound, the output values increase without bound.

Therefore, .

(ii) As input values of that are less than are sufficiently close to , the output values decrease without bound.

Therefore, .

3. Part C

Determine all values of for which .

Part C

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• when

• Interval of

Model Solution

In the -plane, the graphs of and intersect where .

when .

Because the domain of is all real numbers , and the domain of is all real numbers , examine the behavior of
and on the intervals and .
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Unit 2 Progress Check: FRQ Part B

on the interval only.

Directions:

• Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for
which is a real number.
• Solutions to equations must be real numbers. Determine the exact value of any expression that can be
obtained without a calculator. For example, can be evaluated without a calculator.
• Unless otherwise specified, combine terms using algebraic methods and rules for exponents and
logarithms, where applicable. For example, , , , and should be rewritten in
equivalent forms.
• For each part of the question, show the work that leads to your answers.

4. Part A

The functions and are given by

(i) Rewrite in the form , where is a constant.

(ii) Rewrite in the form , where and are constants.

Part A

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• Expression for

• Expression for

Model Solution

(i)

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Unit 2 Progress Check: FRQ Part B

(ii)

OR

5. Part B

The functions and are given by

(i) Solve for values of in the domain of .

(ii) Solve for values of in the domain of .

Part B

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

0 1 2

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Unit 2 Progress Check: FRQ Part B

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• Solution to

• Solution to

Model Solution

(i)

(ii)

6. Part C

The function is given by

Find all input values in the domain of that yield an output value of .

Part C

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

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Unit 2 Progress Check: FRQ Part B

• Both solutions to

• Supporting work with factoring of the quadratic form, with or without substitution shown

Model Solution

For , let .

Then,

or

or

Therefore, or .

or

Input values of and yield an output value of .

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

1. If the function has a period of , which of the following could be a portion of the graph of in the -plane?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

2.

negative positive

The table gives characteristics of a trigonometric function for selected intervals of . Which of the following
could define ?

(A) only
(B) only
(C) or
(D) Neither nor

3.

The figure shows a terminal ray of an angle of measure in standard position intersecting the unit circle at point
in the -plane. As increases from to , which of the following gives the graph of the displacement of
from the -axis as a function of ?

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

4. The periodic function has a period of . It is known that , and that is a

relative maximum of . Which of the following must also be true?
(A) The function must be increasing on and decreasing on .
(B) for all values of .
(C)
(D)

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

5.

The figure shows a circle in the -plane with center at the origin, an angle of measure in standard position, and
the intersection point of the terminal ray. What is the value of ?
(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

6. In the -plane, the terminal ray of an angle in standard position intersects the unit circle at point . Which of the
following is true about the cosine of the angle, as the angle measure increases from to ?
The cosine of the angle decreases then increases, because the horizontal displacement of from the
(A)
-axis decreases, then increases over the interval.
The cosine of the angle decreases, because the horizontal displacement of from the -axis decreases
(B)
over the entire interval.
The cosine of the angle increases, then decreases, because the vertical displacement of from the
(C)
-axis increases, then decreases over the interval.
The cosine of the angle decreases, because the vertical displacement of from the -axis decreases
(D)
over the entire interval.

7. In the -plane, the terminal ray of an angle of measure in standard position intersects the unit circle at point
. If the -coordinate of is times the -coordinate of , and , what is the value of ?

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

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

8.

The figure shows an angle of measure in standard position in the -plane. At point , the terminal ray of the
angle intersects a circle centered at the origin. If angle measures radians, what is the -coordinate of ?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

9.

The figure shows the terminal ray of an angle in standard position intersecting the unit circle at point in the
-plane. Segment is perpendicular to the -axis. A triangle is formed by the points at the origin, , and . The
function gives the area of the triangle, , based on the measure of the angle , in radians. What is the value
of ? (Note: The area of a triangle with base and height is .)

(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

10. The functions and are given by and . On the interval , how
many solutions exist to ?
(A) Zero
(B) One
(C) Two
(D) Infinitely many

11. The function is given by . If all of the other necessary conditions are met, which of the following
could be modeled by ?
(A) A scenario where the period is and the initial value for is
(B) A scenario where the frequency is and the initial value for is
(C) A scenario where the period is and the initial value for is

(D) A scenario where the frequency is and the initial value for is

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

12. The functions and are given by and , where is a constant. If the period of
is half the period of , then solving which of the following equations will give the correct value of ?
(A)

(B)

(C)
(D)

13. The function is defined by for constants and . If has a period of and an amplitude of ,
what are the values of and ?
(A) and
(B) and
(C) and

(D) and

14. The depth of water in a bay periodically increases and decreases with a period of hours. The depth of water, in
feet, at a point in the bay can be modeled by a sinusoidal function of time , measured in hours starting at .
The depth of water at the point is feet at time hours and feet at time hours. If these time-depth
pairs represent a maximum value and the first minimum value after the maximum, respectively, which of the
following could define ?

(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

15.

The table gives six ordered pairs. A sinusoidal regression is used to model these data with
a function . To the nearest tenth, what is the value of predicted by the sinusoidal function model using all of
these data?

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

16. The periodic function has a period of . The function is increasing on the input-value interval . Which of the
following is true?

(A) , because , , and .

(B) , because the values are on two different increasing intervals.

(C) , because is a multiple of .
(D) , because is a multiple of .

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

17. In the -plane, two angles in standard position have measures of and . If , which of the
following is true about and ?
(A)
(B)
(C) and
(D) and

18. The functions and are given by and . On which of the following intervals are both
and increasing?
(A)
(B)
(C)

(D)

19. A data set of coordinate pairs is modeled by the function . If the model is consistent with the data
set, which of the following should describe the dependent variable values on the interval ?
(A) The values should be decreasing at a decreasing rate on the interval.
(B) The values should be decreasing at an increasing rate on the interval.
(C) The values should be increasing at a decreasing rate on the interval.
(D) The values should be increasing at an increasing rate on the interval.

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

20.

The graph of the function is given. Which of the following could define ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

21. A pendulum swings back and forth, toward and away from a point on a wall. The motion of the pendulum is
periodic. The distance, in inches, from the point on the wall at time seconds is modeled by
. What is the least interval of time between the moments when the pendulum is farthest
from the point on the wall?
The least interval of time is the period of the function, which is second, because the coefficient of is
(A)
and the period is divided by this coefficient.
The least interval of time is the period of the function, which is seconds, because the coefficient of
(B)
is and the period is divided by this coefficient.
The least interval of time is the period of the function, which is seconds, because the coefficient of
(C)
is and the period is that coefficient.
The least interval of time is the period of the function, which is seconds, because the coefficient of
(D)
is and the period is times that coefficient.

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Unit 3 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

The planet Venus orbits the Sun every days. Because of its elliptical orbit, the distance between Venus and the Sun
periodically increases and decreases. The maximum distance of Venus from the Sun is million kilometers, and the
minimum distance of Venus from the Sun is million kilometers. The planet reaches each of its maximum distance
and minimum distance from the Sun once every days.

The sinusoidal function , given by , models the distance, in millions of kilometers, between
Venus and the Sun as a function of time , in days. Based on the function , Venus is at its maximum distance from the
Sun at time days.

1. Part A

Use the given information to find values of constants , , and in the expression for .

Part A

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

0 1 2 3

The student response includes all three of these criteria.

• Value for

• Value for

• Value for

Model Solution

The value of is the amplitude of the function, which is half the difference between the maximum distance and minimum
distance.

Therefore, .

Because the period of is and the period of is , the value of is found by .

Therefore, .

The value of is related to the midline of the function, where is halfway between the maximum distance and the
minimum distance.

Therefore, .

OR

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Unit 3 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

Based on horizontal shifts and reflections, there are other correct forms for .

2. Part B

Based on the function , Venus is at its minimum distance from the Sun at time days. Let
represent the time interval between when Venus is at its maximum distance from the Sun and when Venus is at its
minimum distance from the Sun.

(i) Use the given data to find the average rate of change of the distance, in millions of kilometers per day, over the
time interval . Express your answer as a decimal approximation. Show the computations that lead to your
answer.

(ii) Interpret the meaning of your answer from (i) in the context of the problem.

(iii) Use the average rate of change found in (i) to estimate the distance of Venus from the Sun, in millions of
kilometers, at time days. Show the work that leads to your answer.

Part B

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

0 1 2 3

The student response includes all three of these criteria.

• Correct average rate of change based on sinusoidal from Part A

• Interpretation provided includes the idea that as time increases, the distance decreases at the correct rate

• Correct estimate using average rate of change

Model Solution

(i)

The average rate of change is millions of kilometers per day.

(ii) On average, as the time increases from days to days, the distance between Venus and the Sun
decreases about million kilometers per day.

(iii)

Estimates using the average rate of change are given by

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Unit 3 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

OR

Both of these produce the same estimates.

For ,

The distance of Venus from the Sun at time days is million kilometers.

(Note: or result from using an average rate of change rounded to three places after the decimal point and
are acceptable answers.)

The blades of a windmill rotate in a clockwise direction and complete one rotation every seconds. Point is on the tip
of one of the windmill blades and is located directly above the center of the windmill at time seconds, as indicated
in the figure. Point is meters from the center of the windmill. The center of the windmill is meters above the
level ground. As the windmill blades rotate at a constant speed, the distance between and the ground periodically
decreases and increases.

The sinusoidal function models the distance between and the ground, in meters, as a function of time , in seconds.

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Unit 3 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

3. Part A

The graph of and its dashed midline for two full cycles is shown. Five points, , , , , and , are labeled on
the graph. No scale is indicated, and no axes are presented.

Determine possible coordinates for the five points: , , , , and .

Part A

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• -coordinates

• -coordinates

Model Solution

has coordinates .

has coordinates .

has coordinates .

has coordinates .

has coordinates .

Note: -coordinates will vary. A correct cycle of coordinates for one full cycle of as pictured is acceptable.

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Unit 3 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

4. Part B

The function can be written in the form . Find values of constants , , , and .

Part B

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• Values for and (vertical transformations)

• Values for and (horizontal transformations)

Model Solution

Note: Based on horizontal shifts and reflections, there are other correct forms for .

5. Part C

Refer to the graph of in part (A). The -coordinate of is , and the -coordinate of is .

(i) On the interval , which of the following is true about ?

1. is positive and increasing.

2. is positive and decreasing.
3. is negative and increasing.
4. is negative and decreasing.

(ii) Describe how the rate of change of is changing on the interval .

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Unit 3 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

Part C

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• Correct function behavior in (i)

• Correct change in rate of change in (ii)

Model Solution

(i) Choice b

(ii) Because the graph of is concave up on the interval , the rate of change of is increasing on the interval
.

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

1. The periodic function has a period of . Which of the following could define ?
(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

2. The function is given by . Which of the following is the graph of in the -plane?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

3.

The figure shows the graph of , where and are constants, in the -plane. The graph of
has two vertical asymptotes at and , and a point with coordinates given is on the graph of .
What are all solutions to ?
(A) only
(B) , where is any integer
(C) , where is any integer
(D) , where is any integer

4. The function is given by . Which of the following could also define ?

(A)

(B)

(C)
(D)

5. What are the rectangular coordinates that give the location of the point with polar coordinates
?

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

6. Which of the following is the graph of the polar function , where , in the -plane?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

7.

The graph of , where is a constant, is shown in the -plane. What is the value of ?

(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

8. The function is given by . Which of the following descriptions is true for the graph of ?
(A) All asymptotes of the graph of occur at input values , where is an integer.

(B) All asymptotes of the graph of occur at input values , where is an integer.

(C) All asymptotes of the graph of occur at input values , where is an integer.
(D) All asymptotes of the graph of occur at input values , where is an integer.

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

9. The function is defined by , and the domain of is . Which of the following is the
solution to ?
(A)
(B)
(C)

(D)

10. The functions and are given by and . For what values of on the interval
does ?
(A) only
(B) and

(C) and
(D) , , and

11. The function is given by . Which of the following is the graph of in the coordinate
plane?

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

12. The function is given by . Using the fact that , what is the value of ?

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

13. In the -plane, angle is an angle in standard position with its terminal ray in Quadrant I. If and
, what is the value of ?
(A)
(B)
(C)

(D)

14.

The figure shows point in the complex plane. Which of the following complex numbers corresponds to the
location of ?
(A)

(B)

(C)
(D)

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

15. Consider the polar functions and , where and .

Which of the following describes the relationship between the graphs of and in the polar
coordinate system for ?
(A) The graphs of and are identical in shape and location.
(B) The graph of is a reflection of the graph of over the positive -axis (polar axis).
(C) The graph of is a translation of the graph of .

(D) The graph of is a rotation of the graph of about the origin.

16. A microphone detects sound based on the distance and direction of the sound from the microphone. The location
of the microphone is considered the origin of the polar coordinate system. The microphone detects sound
horizontally, measured in feet (ft), within the graph of the polar function , where . For
, what is the maximum distance from the microphone that sound will be detected?
(A) ft
(B) ft
(C) ft
(D) ft

17. The polar function , where , is graphed in the polar coordinate system for the interval
. Which of the following statements is true about the maximum distance between the point with polar
coordinates and the origin?
(A) The maximum distance is and occurs when and .
(B) The maximum distance is and occurs when .
(C) The maximum distance is and occurs when and .
(D) The maximum distance is and occurs when .

18. The polar function , where , is graphed in the polar coordinate system on the interval
. Which of the following statements is true about the distance between the origin and the point on the
graph with polar coordinates ?

(A) The distance is increasing, because is positive and increasing on this interval.

(B) The distance is decreasing, because is positive and decreasing on this interval.
(C) The distance is increasing, because is negative and decreasing on this interval.
(D) The distance is decreasing, because is negative and increasing on this interval.

19. The function is given by , and the domain of is . Which of the following
defines ?

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

(A) on the interval

(B) on the interval

(C) on the interval

(D) on the interval

20. The function is given by . It is claimed that if , where and , then it is

always true that . Which of the following conclusions and its rationale are correct?
(A) The claim is true because sine and arcsine are inverse functions.
The claim is true because both and have infinitely many solutions that are
(B)
identical.
(C) The claim is false because if and , then .
The claim is false because has infinitely many solutions, but has only one
(D)
solution.

21. The average daily temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit , in a certain city can be modeled by the function
given by , where is the number of days since the beginning of the year
and is a constant. January corresponds to . On January ( ), the average temperature was
. Based on the model, what is the predicted average temperature on February ( )?

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

22. The function is given by . For what values of on does

?
(A) and only
(B) and only

(C) , , and

(D) , , , and

23. The complex number can also be expressed in the form . If and ,
which of the following is true?

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Unit 3 Progress Check: MCQ Part B

and indicates that the point corresponding to the complex number is above the real
(A)
axis and left of the imaginary axis in the complex plane. Therefore, and .
and indicates that the point corresponding to the complex number is below the real
(B)
axis and left of the imaginary axis in the complex plane. Therefore, and .
and indicates that the point corresponding to the complex number is above the real
(C)
axis and left of the imaginary axis in the complex plane. Therefore, and .
and indicates that the point corresponding to the complex number is below the real
(D)
axis and left of the imaginary axis in the complex plane. Therefore, and .

24.

Interval of Distance between point on graph of and the origin

decreasing

increasing

decreasing

increasing

Let be a polar function graphed in the polar coordinate system. The table gives intervals of and
descriptions of how the distance between a point on the graph and the origin are changing. Which of the
following could define ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

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Unit 3 Progress Check: FRQ Part B

Let be a polar function in the polar coordinate system, where . Let

be a function in the rectangular coordinate system, where . The domain of is
, and the domain of is .

1. Part A

On the closed interval , determine the coordinates of the absolute minimum value of and the
absolute maximum value of . Label your answers appropriately.

Part A

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• Coordinates for location of absolute minimum with label, and no others

• Coordinates for location of absolute maximum with label, and no others

Model Solution

On the closed interval , relative extrema for occur at the endpoints of the interval, or where switches
between decreasing and increasing.

Therefore, the absolute minimum value of is , which occurs when .

The absolute maximum value of is , which occurs when .

has an absolute minimum at the point with coordinates , and has an absolute maximum value at the point
with coordinates .

2. Part B

In the polar coordinate system, determine the point on the graph of that is farthest from the origin for
. Give a reason for your answer.

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Unit 3 Progress Check: FRQ Part B

Part B

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• Value of for point farthest from the origin

• Reasoning that reflects the greater value of for the two extrema

Model Solution

For , the graph of has extrema when and . These are the points
and .

The distance from the origin to the point is the absolute value of . Therefore, the point on the graph of that is
farthest from the origin is .

(Note: There is a connection between the extrema of in Part A and the extrema of in Part B.)

3. Part C

(i) Find the zeros of for .

(ii) In terms of the graph of in the polar coordinate system, interpret the meaning of the values of
found in part (i).

Part C

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• Both zeros (and no other zeros)

• Interpretation that connects the graph to the origin

Model Solution

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Unit 3 Progress Check: FRQ Part B

(i) The zeros of and the zeros of are the same.

and are zeros of .

Therefore, the zeros of are and .

(ii) The zeros of correspond to values of for which the graph of passes through the origin.

Directions:

• Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real numbers for which
is a real number. Angle measures for trigonometric functions are assumed to be in radians.
• Solutions to equations must be real numbers. Determine the exact value of any expression that can be obtained
without a calculator. For example, , , and can be evaluated without a calculator.
• Unless otherwise specified, combine terms using algebraic methods and rules for exponents and logarithms,
where applicable. For example, , , , and should be rewritten in equivalent
forms.
• For each part of the question, show the work that leads to your answers.

4. Part A

The functions and are given by

(i) Rewrite as an expression involving only one trigonometric function.

(ii) Rewrite as an expression involving only one trigonometric function.

Part A

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0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

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Unit 3 Progress Check: FRQ Part B

• Expression for

• Expression for

Model Solution

(i)

, ,

(ii)

(Note: Domain restrictions are not required.)

5. Part B

The functions and are given by

(i) Solve for values of in the interval .

(ii) Solve for values of in the domain of .

Part B

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

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Unit 3 Progress Check: FRQ Part B

• Solutions to

• Solution to

Model Solution

(i)

or

The solutions are and .

(ii)

The solution is .

(The domain of is .)

6. Part C

The function is given by

Find all input values in the domain of that yield an output value of .

Part C

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

0 1 2

The student response includes both of these criteria.

• Values of in with

• General solution expressions

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Unit 3 Progress Check: FRQ Part B

Model Solution

or

Therefore,

or , where is any integer.

Input values of and , where is any integer, yield an output value of .

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Answer Key and Question
Alignment to Course Framework
Multiple-
Learning Essential
Choice Answer Skill
Objective Knowledge
Question
1 B 3.A 1.6.A 1.6.A.3
2 A 2.A 1.1.B 1.1.B.4
3 A 1.C 1.11.A 1.11.A.1
4 C 3.A 1.5.B 1.5.B.2
5 C 3.A 1.11.A 1.11.A.1
6 C 2.B 1.5.A 1.5.A.5
7 D 2.A 1.12.A 1.12.A.5
8 B 1.B 2.12.A 2.12.A.1
9 A 2.B 2.1.B 2.1.B.2
10 B 2.A 2.7.A 2.7.A.2
11 A 3.C 2.6.B 2.6.B.1
12 D 1.C 2.5.B 2.5.B.1
13 D 1.B 2.5.B 2.5.B.2
14 C 1.A 2.13.A 2.13.A.2
15 C 1.A 3.10.A 3.10.A.1
16 B 2.A 3.6.A 3.6.A.6
17 D 2.B 3.14.A 3.14.A.1
18 D 1.A 3.10.A 3.10.A.1
19 C 3.A 3.15.A 3.15.A.2
20 D 1.A 1.14.C 1.14.C.1
21 A 3.B 2.5.A 2.5.A.5
22 A 3.B 3.5.A 3.5.A.5
23 B 3.C 3.9.A 3.9.A.2
24 B 1.C 3.7.A 3.7.A.1

Free-Response
Skills Learning Objectives
Question
1.A, 1.C, 2.A, 3.A, 1.7.A, 1.8.A, 1.13.A, 2.7.A, 2.8.A,
1
3.C 2.8.B
2 1.B, 1.C, 3.B, 3.C 1.2.A, 1.13.B, 1.14.C, 2.14.A
3 1.C, 2.A, 2.B, 3.A 1.1.A, 1.1.B, 1.14.C, 3.6.A, 3.7.A
2.12.A, 2.13.A, 3.10.A, 3.12.A,
4 1.A, 1.B
3.12.C

Course and Exam Description 109 | 170

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 AP PRECALCULUS

Scoring Guidelines

x 1 2 3 4 5
f (x ) −10 −5 4 17 34

Let f be an increasing function defined for x ≥ 0. The table gives values of f ( x ) at selected values of x. The function g is
x 3 − 14 x − 27
given by g ( x ) = .
x+2

Model Solution Scoring

(A) (i) The function h is defined by h( x ) = ( g ! f )( x ) = g ( f ( x )) . Find the value of h(5 ) as a
decimal approximation, or indicate that it is not defined.
(ii) Find the value of f −1 ( 4 ), or indicate that it is not defined.
( ) − ( )−
(i) ( ) = ( ( )) = ( ) = +
= Value
2.A

(ii) Because f is increasing on its domain, f −1 exists. From the table, Value
f −1( 4) = 3. 2.A

(B) (i) Find all values of x, as decimal approximations, for which g ( x ) = 3, or indicate there are
no such values.
(ii) Determine the end behavior of g as x decreases without bound. Express your answer
using the mathematical notation of a limit.
− −
( )= →
+
= Answer
1.A
x=

(ii) As x decreases without bound, eventually g(x) increases without End behavior with limit
notation 3.A
bound. Therefore,
→−∞
( ) = ∞.

Course and Exam Description 110 | 171

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(C) (i) Use the table of values of f ( x ) to determine if f is best modeled by a linear, quadratic,
exponential, or logarithmic function.
(ii) Give a reason for your answer based on the relationship between the change in the output
values of f and the change in the input values of f .
f is best modeled by a quadratic function. Answer
1.C

(ii) Because the 2nd differences in the output values are a constant Reason
3.C
model is best.

Total for Question 1

Course and Exam Description 111 | 172

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 Scoring Guidelines for Question 2: Modeling a Non-Periodic Context
6

Students who completed a class participated in a year-long study to see how much content from the class they retained over
the following year. At the end of the class, students completed an initial test to determine the group’s content knowledge.
At that time (t = 0), the group of students achieved a score of 75 out of 100 points. For the next 12 months, the group was
evaluated at the end of each month to track their retention of the content. After 3 months (t = 3), the group’s score was
70.84 points.
The group’s score can be modeled by the function R given by R(t ) = a + bln (t + 1), where R(t ) is the score, in points, for
month t, and t is the number of months since the initial test.

Model Solution Scoring

(A) (i) Use the given data to write two equations that can be used to find the values for constants
a and b in the expression for R(t ).
(ii) Find the values for a and b.
(i) Because R(0) = 75 and R(3) = a and b are
a + b ln(0 + 1) = 75 1.C

a + b ln(3 + 1) =

(ii) a = 75 Values of a and b

1.C
b=−
R(t) = 75 − 3.001 ln(t + 1)

(B) (i) Use the given data to find the average rate of change of the scores, in points per month,
from t = 0 to t = 3 months. Express your answer as a decimal approximation. Show the
computations that lead to your answer.
(ii) Interpret the meaning of your answer from (i) in the context of the problem.
(iii) Consider the average rates of change of R from t = 3 to t = p months, where p > 3. Are
these average rates of change less than or greater than the average rate of change from
t = 0 to t = 3 months found in (i)? Explain your reasoning.

1.B

Interpretation
month for the group’s score. 3.B

(iii) The average rates of change of R from t = 3 to t = p months are Answer with explanation
greater than the average rate of change from t = 0 to t = 3 months. 3.C
Because R is logarithmic and decreasing, its graph is concave up.
Therefore, the average rates of change, in points per month, are
t increases.

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(C) The leaders of the study decide to use model R to make predictions about the group’s score
beyond 12 months (1 year). For a given year, model R is an appropriate model if the group’s
predicted score at the end of the year is at least 1 point lower than the group’s predicted score
at the end of the previous year. Based on this information, for how many years is model R an
appropriate model? Give a reason for your answer. (Note: The end of a year occurs every 12
months from the initial evaluation—t = 12, t = 24, …)
| R(24) − R(12) | ≥ 1
3.C
| R(36) − R(24) | ≥ 1
|R − R(36) | < 1
R is decreasing, and the graph of R is concave up.
Therefore, year 4 is the first year for which the model is not

Model R is appropriate for the first 3 years (t = 0 to t = 36).

Total for Question 2

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 Scoring Guidelines for Question 3: Modeling a Periodic Context
6

The blades of an electric fan rotate in a clockwise direction and complete 5 rotations every second. Point B is on the
tip of one of the fan blades and is located directly above the center of the fan at time t = 0 seconds, as indicated in the
figure. Point B is 6 inches from the center of the fan. The center of the fan is 20 inches above a level table on which the
fan sits. As the fan blades rotate at a constant speed, the distance between B and the surface of the table periodically
decreases and increases.
The sinusoidal function h models the distance between B and the surface of the table, in inches, as a function of time t in
seconds.

Model Solution Scoring

(A) The graph of h and its dashed midline for two full cycles is shown. Five points, F, G, J , K , and
P are labeled on the graph. No scale is indicated, and no axes are presented.
Determine possible coordinates (t , h(t )) for the five points: F, G, J , K , and P.

F has coordinates (0, 26). h(t)

2.B
G has coordinates (0.05, 20).
J has coordinates (0.1, 14). t
K has coordinates (0.15, 20). 2.B

P has coordinates (0.2, 26).

Note: t
cycle of h

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(B) The function h can be written in the form h(t ) = a sin (b (t + c )) + d . Find values of constants
a, b, c, and d .
h(t) = asin(b(t + c)) + d Vertical transformations:
Values of a and d 1.C
a=6

Values of b and c 1.C

c = 0.05
d = 20
h(t) = 6sin( (t + 0.05)) + 20

correct forms for h(t).

(C) Refer to the graph of h in part (A). The t-coordinate of K is t1, and the t-coordinate of P is t 2 .
(i) On the interval (t1 , t 2 ), which of the following is true about h ?
a. h is positive and increasing.
b. h is positive and decreasing.
c. h is negative and increasing.
d. h is negative and decreasing.
(ii) Describe how the rate of change of h is changing on the interval (t1 , t 2 ).

2.A

(ii) Because the graph of h is concave down on the interval (t1, t2)
rate of change of h is decreasing on the interval (t1, t2) 3.A

Total for Question 3

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 6

Directions:

• Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function f is assumed to be the set of all real numbers x for which f ( x )
is a real number. Angle measures for trigonometric functions are assumed to be in radians.
• Solutions to equations must be real numbers. Determine the exact value of any expression that can be obtained

( )
without a calculator. For example, log 2 8, cos
π
2
, and sin −1 (1) can be evaluated without a calculator.
• Unless otherwise specified, combine terms using algebraic methods and rules for exponents and logarithms, where
x5
applicable. For example, 2 x + 3x , 52 ⋅ 53, 2 , and ln 3 + ln 5 should be rewritten in equivalent forms.
x
• For each part of the question, show the work that leads to your answers.

Model Solution Scoring

(A) The functions g and h are given by
1
g ( x ) = 3ln x − ln x
2
sin 2 x − 1
h( x ) = .
cos x
(i) Rewrite g ( x ) as a single natural logarithm without negative exponents in any part of the
expression. Your result should be of the form ln( expression ).
(ii) Rewrite h ( x ) as an expression in which cos x appears once and no other trigonometric
functions are involved.

(i) Expression for g(x)

1.B

,x>0

–OR–

,x>

Expression for h(x)

1.B

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(B) The functions j and k are given by
j( x ) = 2( sin x )( cos x ) − cos x
k( x ) = 8e(3 x ) − e.
π
(i) Solve j ( x ) = 0 for values of x in the interval 0,  .
 2
(ii) Solve k( x ) = 3e for values of x in the domain of k.
( x)( x) − =0 Solutions to j(x) = 0
1.A
x( x − 1) = 0
x= x−1=0
x = 0 or =

or

(ii) ( )− = Solution to k(x) = 3e

( )= 1.A

( )=

−
=

−
=

(C) The function m is given by

m( x ) = cos ( 2 x ) + 4.
9
Find all input values in the domain of m that yield an output value of .
2
Values of in
1.A
with

( )=
1.A

or

or , where n

Total for Question 4

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