Exam Strategy
Readiness Check
You are ready when you can:
- Verify a parametrization by substitution.
- Build (t, f(t)) from y = f(x) or solved forms.
- Write ellipse and hyperbola trig parametrizations.
- Connect implicit, parametric, and graph views.
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 4.8.
Tactics (course assessments)
1. Write implicit equation and proposed x(t), y(t). 2. Substitute and simplify; must hold for all t in domain. 3. For conics: match 4.7.B.1 solve method or B.2/B.3 standard forms. 4. State t-domain explicitly. 5. Technology-check graph alignment (2.A).
Common Traps
- Hyperbola sec/tan pattern reversed by opening.
- Missing verification step.
- Domain includes t where sec/tan undefined.
- Parametrization traces only part of implicit curve without noting it.
Quick Checklist
- [ ] Substitution verification shown
- [ ] Correct solve-for-x or solve-for-y method
- [ ] Ellipse/hyperbola trig form matches opening
- [ ] Domain of t stated
- [ ] Representations aligned