Exam Strategy
Calculus AB · AP · Differentiation — Definition and Fundamental Properties
CED focus
Applying the Power Rule
This topic is assessed on the AP Exam.
Multiple-choice tips
- Identify whether the stem tests a definition, rule, or application.
- Separate average rate vs instantaneous rate in the stem.
- Eliminate derivative rules misapplied to products/quotients.
- Check units on rate answers in context MC.
- Use difference quotient structure when a definition is tested.
Free-response tips
- Label f′(a) meaning in context; show the rule that justifies each step.
- Show the limit definition when asked, then connect to a shortcut rule.
- Label what f′(a) means in context (velocity, marginal cost, slope).
- Show each differentiation rule step; do not skip the chain rule inner derivative.
- State units on derivative answers in applied FRQs.
Common traps
- Mixing average rate over an interval with instantaneous rate at a point
- Confusing average and instantaneous rate
- Forgetting +C only when it is an indefinite integral (not here)
- Applying the power rule to a product without product rule
Quick checklist
- [ ] Can state the derivative as a limit in words
- [ ] Can compute f′(a) with correct notation
- [ ] Can interpret a derivative in context with units