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Exam Strategy

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Readiness Check

You are ready when you can:

  • Write standard forms for parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola.
  • Identify center/vertex, opening, and radii from equations.
  • Classify a conic from its equation or graph.
  • Move among graph, equation, and verbal description.

Course vs AP Exam

Course scope only (Unit 4 additional topic; not on the AP Exam). These skills still matter for Unit 4 coursework and readiness for 4.7.

Tactics (course assessments)

1. Complete the square or read (h, k) from standard form. 2. Sign pattern: plus (ellipse), minus one term (hyperbola), one square (parabola). 3. Label a, b, or opening before graphing. 4. For hyperbolas, state asymptote slopes when asked. 5. Use technology to confirm sketch (2.A, 2.B).

Common Traps

  • Hyperbola minus sign on wrong term.
  • Parabola opens opposite to sign of leading coefficient habit from quadratics.
  • Ellipse radii taken from denominators without square roots when needed.
  • Forgetting circle is ellipse with a = b.

Quick Checklist

  • [ ] Conic type identified
  • [ ] (h, k) center or vertex correct
  • [ ] Opening or radii stated
  • [ ] Standard form aligned with graph
  • [ ] Asymptotes noted for hyperbola if required

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