AP Precalculus

This is the math that lets you predict the future, or at least the future position of a thrown football.

25 days — make them count.

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Start Unit 1 — it's free →Explore the course ↓

44%Multiple ChoicePart A28q · 80 min

22%Multiple ChoicePart B12q · 40 min

17%Free ResponsePart A2q · 30 min

17%Free ResponsePart B2q · 30 min

of students scored 4 or higher in 2025

253,596 test-takers

2,005 colleges grant credit

5 · 28%

4 · 26%

3 · 27%

2 · 11%

1 · 8%

3.5 avg

543 (passing)21

AP Precalculus is the bridge between the algebra you know and the calculus you're heading toward.

The core skill: understanding how functions behave, not just computing outputs, but seeing patterns, transformations, and limits before they're formal.

Polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions drive the bulk of your score — the parameters and matrices unit won't appear on the exam at all.

The AP exam places significant emphasis on Polynomial and Rational Functions, as well as Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, with Trigonometric and Polar Functions also heavily tested. Functions Involving Parameters, Vectors, and Matrices are not directly tested but are crucial for conceptual understanding.

How the course builds

Functions · Data Analysis · Limits

Polynomial and Rational FunctionsEstablishes a concrete understanding of function behavior and manipulation, providing a foundation for all subsequent function types.

30–40% of exam

Exponential and Logarithmic FunctionsExplores growth patterns and inverses, building on polynomial manipulation to understand exponential growth and decay.

27–40% of exam

★ Hardest unitTrigonometric and Polar FunctionsIntroduces cyclical and periodic nature of functions, expanding understanding to angular relationships and periodicity.“The unit requires understanding of cyclical and periodic functions, which involves complex angular relationships and transformations.”

30–35% of exam

Functions Involving Parameters, Vectors, and MatricesSynthesizes previous concepts into multidimensional contexts, preparing students for vector spaces and transformations.

0% of exam

Trigonometric and Polar Functions is where most students hit a wall.

The unit requires understanding of cyclical and periodic functions, which involves complex angular relationships and transformations.

Students often lack a strong grasp of unit circle concepts and angular measurements from prior math courses.

What You Need

Algebra IIIntegrated Math IIILinear functions and slopeQuadratic functions and factoringFunction notation and evaluationDomain and range basicsEquation solving fluency

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Unit 1 free · Course Pass $15 · All-Access $45 through May 31 —

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