Exam Strategy
Readiness Check
You are ready when you can:
- Solve sin/cos/tan equations on a given interval.
- Solve basic trig inequalities on an interval.
- Use inverse trig and adjust with period/symmetry.
- Filter solutions using context and interpret results.
On the AP Exam
- MCQ: count solutions, pick correct set on interval, inequality intervals.
- FRQ: solve with justification; contextual domain and interpretation (skills 1.A, 2.A, 3.B).
Tactics
1. State the interval or contextual domain first. 2. Isolate the trig function; find principal angle with inverse trig if needed. 3. Use unit circle symmetry for all values in one period. 4. For inequalities, mark boundary angles and test a sample point. 5. For context, reject mathematical solutions outside the realistic window.
Common Traps
- Only one solution when two exist on [0, 2 pi).
- Wrong inequality interval endpoints.
- Forgetting to modify inverse-trig-based angles.
- Extrapolating periodic answers outside context.
Quick Checklist
- [ ] Interval/domain stated
- [ ] All in-period solutions found
- [ ] General k form if required
- [ ] Context filter applied
- [ ] Answer interpreted with units if needed